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Capturing the Essence of Peru: A Guide to Street Photography

Apr 22, 2024 | By: Robbin Kilgore Photography

Exploring the streets of Peru with camera in hand is a journey filled with vibrant colors, rich culture, and captivating stories waiting to be told. From bustling markets to quiet alleyways, every corner offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of this diverse and fascinating country. My experience was that the people are kind and welcoming, creating a wonderful experience capturing images of daily life. I felt safe everywhere I went, and I highly recommend it for an enriching, immersive experience. Here’s a guide to capturing the essence of Peru through street photography.

A lady wrings out her laundry in a canal in the street of Ollantaytambo, Peru.
A girl sits at the entrance of a shop in colorful, native clothing in Ollantaytambo, Peru
A policeman in a black uniform stands with a stop sign to direct traffic in the streets of Ollantaytambo, Peru
A young boy kicks a blue soccer ball in a small street in Ollantaytambo, Peru
Two policemen on motorcycles cross through an intersection on a bright sunny day in Ollantaytambo, Peru
A friendly lady in colorful native dress sits on a door step selling her woven bracelets on a street in Ollantaytambo, Peru.

Finding Local Markets and Areas that Represent Daily Life

Peru's markets are lively hubs of activity, brimming with colorful produce, artisan crafts, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Exploring these markets provides an authentic glimpse into Peruvian culture, where traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. There is a vast range of markets, from the larger general marketplaces to the smaller indigenous markets, each location offers a unique perspective on local life and customs.

Venturing beyond the tourist hotspots and into residential neighborhoods allows photographers to capture the true essence of daily life in Peru. From children playing in the streets to locals going about their daily routines, these lesser-known areas offer a more intimate glimpse into Peruvian culture and society.

An older lady sits on the sidewalk selling fruits and vegetables in Cusco, Peru.
A lady on the street selling colorful roses from a large bundle on her back, in her hands and a bucket in front of her on the street in Cusco, Peru.
An older lady sits on the sidewalk in colorful dress as she knits and sells her handmade wears in Cusco, Peru.
Two street vendors set up under tents in front of a store, selling fruit, in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Two ladies, one in a blue dress, one in a pink dress, inspect their purchases in a large grain bag outside the main market in Ollantaytambo, Peru.

Interacting with People in a Respectful and Unobtrusive Way

Building rapport with locals is essential for capturing authentic and candid moments in street photography. Approaching people with warmth, respect, and genuine curiosity fosters trust and allows photographers to capture genuine moments that reflect the spirit of Peru. Whether it's a friendly smile, a polite greeting, or a brief conversation in Spanish, showing genuine interest in the people and culture of Peru can lead to meaningful connections and unforgettable photographic opportunities.  One of my main philosophies is to capture each scene as it is, not manipulating or changing it in any way, to make it more genuine and original. I don’t ask people to pose or move anything around to make my photograph.

A lady sells juices from a cart with a colorful umbrella on the corner in Cusco, Peru
An old lady with a large sachel on her back, holding a smaller black one in her hands, looks back as she walks along a dirt road in Maca, Peru.
Lady in colorful native dress walking up the street in front of a pale building with a corrugated roof in Maca, Peru.
Four small children in colorful native dress standing outside looking into a window of a building in Ollantaytambo. Peru
A woman holding a box walks past a news stand cart filled with magazines and newspapers in Arequipa, Peru.

Asking for Permission When Necessary to Take Their Photo

Respecting the privacy and autonomy of individuals is paramount in street photography. While Peru's vibrant streets may seem like open canvases, it's important to always ask for permission before taking someone's photo, especially if they are the main subject of the photograph. Whether through a friendly smile and a nod or a more formal request, seeking consent ensures that the photographic encounter is respectful and mutually beneficial.

A robust lady in a lavender dress stands outside her restaurant in Peu.

Using a Small Camera that Allows You to Blend in More Easily 

In the bustling streets of Peru, a small and discreet camera is a valuable tool for capturing candid moments without drawing attention to yourself, less is often more in the realm of street photography. When it comes to gear, a compact camera or even high-quality smartphone offers the versatility and portability needed to blend seamlessly into the environment and capture authentic moments as they unfold. In Peru, where authenticity reigns supreme, the unassuming presence of a small camera enables photographers to blend into the tapestry of the streets, becoming silent observers of the human drama unfolding before them

Creating Conversation-Starting Wall Art

The photographs captured through street photography in Peru serve as more than just images—they are windows into the soul of a nation, invitations to immerse oneself in the vibrant tapestry of daily life. Displayed as wall art, these images serve as captivating conversation starters, igniting dialogues about culture, humanity, and the beauty of fleeting moments frozen in time. In every frame lies a story waiting to be told, a testament to the enduring allure of street photography in the heart of Peru.

Street scene of an open city square, a policeman looks on and a black dog lays in the street nearby, terracotta colored buildings line the street.
A small tricycle taxi drives by a quiet square in Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Many people sit at the main Plaza de Armas square on a sunny day in Cusco, Peru

In Summary

The act of observing and documenting daily life in any country you visit will give you an experience unlike any you may find riding on a tour bus. The images captured through street photography in Peru transcend mere photographs; they are windows into the soul of a nation, invitations to immerse oneself in the vibrant tapestry of daily life. Displayed as wall art, these snapshots serve as captivating conversation starters, igniting dialogues about culture, humanity, and the beauty of fleeting moments frozen in time. In every frame lies a story waiting to be told, a testament to the enduring allure of street photography in the heart of Peru.

Visit the links below for more info:

Amazing travel agent who can arrange custom touring to bring your Peru trip to life:  www.artisansofleisure.com

Official Peru travel site: https://www.peru.travel/en

Favorite gear from Fuji and Nikon (X100 series, XT-5, Nikon D800) – www.fujifilm.com – www.nikonusa.com

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