When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 6 modules in this course
This course, taught by Troy Baird, is your launchpad into the world of street photography. Whether you’re brand new to the genre or looking to reinvigorate your creative process, we’ll break down what makes street photography so powerful—and how to find your own unique artistic voice within it. Through stories, philosophies, and real-world examples, we’ll explore not just how to shoot, but why we shoot.
You’ll learn how to define street photography for yourself, tap into your emotional instincts, and build the kind of mindset that allows for consistent, authentic image-making. We’ll also dive into storytelling, intention, and seeing the world with more awareness.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
* Define your own creative purpose and visual style
* Evaluate great street photos and understand why they work
* Build daily practices that nurture inspiration and creativity
Who’s this for? Anyone curious about street photography, self-expression, or personal creativity. No experience necessary—just a camera (or smartphone) and an open mind.
Instructor bio:
Troy Baird is an Australian film director and documentary filmmaker with over a decade of global experience. Alongside his documentary work, Troy has pursued his passion for street photography, traveling extensively to dynamic locations including Cuba, India, Nepal, Japan, Morocco, New York, and across Europe and Southeast Asia.
His creative journey has taught him to adapt, pivot, and continually refine his approach, culminating in a 9-hour Skillshare Staff Pick class that distills insights from over 200 books, countless films, podcasts, online resources, and ten years of hands-on street photography experience. Troy’s mission is to help creatives discover their own artistic voice and express themselves through street photography.
This introductory module sets the tone for your journey into street photography. You'll explore why this genre captivates so many photographers, what you'll be working toward in this course, and how your own creative motivations can shape your practice. Get to know your instructor and gain clarity on the structure and outcomes of the class project.
What's included
6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 38 minutes
Introduction•3 minutes
Class Overview & Definition•3 minutes
Why is Street Photography so Appealing?•7 minutes
Why Do It?•11 minutes
What is the Goal of This Project?•7 minutes
Who Am I?•7 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Project Instructions•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 1 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
New Discussion Prompt•10 minutes
The Soul of Street Photography — Philosophy, Emotion & Meaning
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
Dive into the deeper meaning behind great street photography. This module explores the artistic and emotional philosophies that fuel iconic work in this genre. You'll study master examples and learn how courage, beauty, and authenticity come into play. The goal is to begin cultivating your unique perspective on the street.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 44 minutes
Philosophies, Practices & Great Street Photographs•1 minute
What Makes a Great Street Photograph•5 minutes
Great Street Photographs•26 minutes
Thinking Poetically•1 minute
Bring Your Emotion Into It•3 minutes
Shoot in All Weather•1 minute
Bravery•2 minutes
Beauty•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 2 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
New Discussion Prompt•10 minutes
On the Street – Mindsets & Methods That Work
Module 3•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module focuses on in-the-moment decisions that define your street photography process. You'll develop practical skills around timing, bravery, curiosity, and navigating public interactions. Whether you're just starting or refining your technique, these lessons will equip you to be present and responsive on the street.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 39 minutes
Tactics, Tips & Settings on the Street•2 minutes
Pull the Trigger•9 minutes
Find Stories / Tell Stories•9 minutes
Curiosity•5 minutes
When & How to Take a Street photograph•9 minutes
Confidence & Ways to Find It•3 minutes
How to Avoid Conflict•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module3 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
New Discussion Prompt•10 minutes
Sharpen Your Eye – Observing, Reacting & Building Habits
Module 4•1 hour to complete
Module details
Street photography rewards patience and perception. In this module, you'll refine your awareness of surroundings, energy, and flow. Learn to see what others miss, revisit promising scenes, and experiment with intuition and instinct. This is where street photography starts becoming second nature.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
8 videos•Total 28 minutes
Cheat Sheet•4 minutes
Predict Opportunities & Use Your Body Language•3 minutes
Read the Room & Adapt•3 minutes
Be a Tourist•2 minutes
Wait, Just to See What Happens•7 minutes
Revisit Spots•4 minutes
Follow Your Gut as You Walk•1 minute
Things to Keep an Eye On•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 4 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
New Discussion Prompt•10 minutes
Technical Tools for Creative Freedom
Module 5•1 hour to complete
Module details
This module offers a solid technical foundation without getting bogged down in gear. Learn how to work with exposure, light, and your camera's limitations in real-world environments. You'll also explore how joy and simplicity in the process can fuel your growth more than technical perfection.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Show info about module content
6 videos•Total 28 minutes
Light Metering•11 minutes
Look for Pleasure in the Process•4 minutes
Why Shoot on f8?•5 minutes
ISO & ASA•3 minutes
Trends•2 minutes
If All Else Fails, Get Closer•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Module 5 Quiz•30 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
New Discussion Prompt•10 minutes
Visual Composition, Style & Self-Discovery
Module 6•2 hours to complete
Module details
Finish strong with lessons that help you reflect, evaluate, and experiment. This module encourages you to get intentional with your composition, challenge your comfort zone, and begin to understand your body of work as a whole. It's about embracing the creative journey and finding your unique street voice.
Skillshare is an online learning community where you can take classes from real working creatives. Unlock personal and professional growth, build your skills, make connections, and find your happy place.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.