How to take photos in the subway
Published: 08.10.2021
Photography in the metro is a separate genre of art. Photos taken in the subway differ from regular street photographs. It is necessary to properly adjust the camera settings when shooting underground, taking into account the lighting, the schedule of train movements, and many other rules. Moreover, not all cities allow photography in the metro. Before heading to the subway with a camera, check if photography is allowed there and how to do it correctly without obstructing the train movements. Let's consider what needs to be taken into account when shooting in the metro and what ideas can be used for photos underground.
Where can you take photos in the metro?
In every country and city, there are rules regarding filming in the metro. Generally, the metro is considered a public place and photography is allowed there. Special permission from local authorities is required for conducting television and film shoots, music videos, and commercials in the metro. It is also prohibited to film in tunnels and unfinished metro stations. If you are taking photos without a flash and tripod, you do not need any additional permission.
It is not prohibited to take pictures of people in metro stations and on trains, as they are in a public place. Of course, if someone strongly objects to being photographed, it is better to stop shooting to avoid conflict. But generally, you should not have any problems. Just keep in mind that in Arab countries it is forbidden to photograph women, and in some countries there is a prohibition on photographing children without parental permission.
How to set up a camera for shooting in the subway
Turn off the automatic camera settings. The light at each metro station varies in intensity, so it's better to adjust all settings manually. When shooting a moving train, choose aperture priority mode. The aperture is responsible for depth of field and when shooting moving objects, it helps make the frame sharp.
Pay attention to the sensitivity setting (ISO). When shooting in the subway, unwanted noise often appears in photos. To remove them, set the ISO to the minimum value within the range of 80-100. This will help improve the photos and make them sharper and more contrasted. Adjust the white balance. To adjust it, use a plain white sheet of paper, take a few test shots, and choose the optimal option. Some cameras automatically adjust the white balance. If your camera does not have this function, adjust it manually.
The best time for shooting in the subway
It is always difficult to take photos in a large crowd. Passersby constantly get in the frame and ruin the shots. To take pictures in the subway, avoid rush hour. The most optimal time, when there are the fewest people in the metro, is from 11 am to 4 pm and from 9 pm to midnight.
How to best shoot halls and subway cars
When photographing a metro station, it is best to stand along the longitudinal axis of the hall. Choose a moment when there are few people in the subway. For example, when two trains have just left and taken away the people waiting on the platform. You can also choose a later evening time when the majority of people have already gone home.
It is recommended to take a photo of the subway car from a distance of 4-7 meters, so you will not obstruct the movement of trains and will be able to capture not only the car but also the surrounding space in the frame.
How to photograph people in the subway
Here are some tips on how to take photos of subway passengers to create interesting shots:
1. Watch passersby, notice anything unusual. Make it a habit to look around instead of staring at your smartphone screen when you're on the subway. In the metro, you can encounter people of all different types and ages. Notice interesting outfits, expressions, and unconventional behavior. Look for contrasts and hunt for successful shots.
2. It is not worth taking out a huge lens and setting up a tripod in the subway cars. When people notice that they are being photographed, they start behaving unnaturally, or even object to being filmed. It is better to discreetly turn on the camera on your smartphone and be ready to take an interesting shot at any moment.
3. Find your individual style. For example, you can capture passengers wearing unusual clothing or people with pets. An interesting project could be photographing people reading in the subway. People are curious to observe the behavior of those around them. Show the diverse activities of passengers. Some may just be standing and listening to music, while others may be knitting or embroidering on the go. You can also capture couples in love. Choose what you like and photograph the life of the underground.
4. Do not rush to upload photos right away. Even if you think the shot turned out well, think about how you can improve it further in graphic editors. You can add contrast, remove unnecessary shadows, and focus on specific details in Photoshop.
5. Always save photos in RAW format. They will take up more space on the memory card, but then you will be able to easily process them in a photo editor.
6. Follow safety precautions when taking photos in the metro. Do not lean on the doors, do not go beyond the edge of the platform, give up your seat to elderly people and passengers with children. Remember that the metro is primarily a means of transportation and your work as a photographer should not hinder the operation of transportation and the convenience of people's movement.
When you go into the subway for a photo hunt, always keep your camera ready, you never know when you will catch the perfect shot. If you are photographing a model, choose a time when there are fewer passengers so that your shoot doesn't disturb others. Experiment with light, exposure, and other settings. Over time, you will learn how to properly adjust your camera and choose the perfect moment to press the shutter button. And the best photos from the subway can be preserved by ordering a Light album or a photo book from Mapi7.
Cool photos deserve unique framing. Print your cool photos in a Polaroid style. Fans of instant photography from the 90s may experience familiar feelings when holding a Polaroid-style photo. Those who are not familiar with traditional Polaroid will enjoy square images with space for captions.
