Exploring street photography in Kuala Lumpur and walking through the busy streets with my camera, here I handpicked the best moments to share in this 2024 series. I roamed from the lively Chinatown KL to the cultural richness of Masjid India, the tranquil Thean Hou Temple, and the scenic wonders of Genting Highlands with my friend Dom – capturing both indoor and outdoor scenes. My tools of choice were the Samyang 12mm f2 and the beloved SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 lenses for the Fujifilm X-Mount.
Using wide-angle lenses posed a challenge when transitioning from expansive views to close-up shots. To simplify, I mostly relied on Aperture Priority mode, letting the camera handle settings like ISO and shutter speed, except for tricky situations like capturing fast movements or handling harsh sunlight.
Previously, I shared my experiences with the Samyang lens during adventures in Pudu and Chinatown KL. I’m drawn to creating visually appealing compositions using leading lines, and I experimented with Fujifilm settings like Teal Obscure and Neon Obscura, avoiding extensive post-processing as I shot in SOOC JPEG.
Beyond the technicalities, street photography is a delightful way to express creativity. Check out the street photography composition techniques. Trying out different lenses allows me to discover unique moments on the streets and observe how each lens captures the essence of Kuala Lumpur. It’s an enjoyable exploration, each photograph telling a story of the city’s vibrant life through my lens.
Shooting in Low-Light, Indoor Street Photography. What?
I enjoy taking pictures in low light using my SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2, especially when I’m indoors. It allows me to experiment with my Fujifilm film simulation settings, creating some cool effects. Even though I’m not an expert in street photography in Kuala Lumpur, I love searching for interesting moments. Typically, I only end up with 2 or 3 good photos out of 200, but that’s what makes it enjoyable for me. Every time I go out to Kuala Lumpur for street photography, I’m still learning.
Using the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 can be a bit challenging for me. Sometimes, the view is too wide unless I get close to my subjects. It depends on the scene I’m capturing. Despite the challenges, it adds a bit of excitement and unpredictability to my street photography adventures in Kuala Lumpur.
I tried something new with my SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2 lens – I took neon light portraits in the dark. The results were amazing! The colorful glow from the neon lights made the pictures look cool and exciting. The way the shadows and lights played together, along with the lens’s wide aperture, helped create awesome and unforgettable photos. It was a fun experiment that showed how creative you can get with the SIRUI Sniper lens. I’m looking forward to trying more cool photo ideas soon!
Shooting Street Photography in Kuala Lumpur With Telephoto Lens
Exploring street photography in Kuala Lumpur with a telephoto lens was a completely new experience for me, and I must say, it was a lot of fun! What I found most enjoyable was the convenience that comes with using a telephoto lens. It makes capturing shots from a distance a breeze, eliminating the need to get up close and personal with strangers. This not only makes composition easier but also ensures I can capture the exact shot I have in mind without any awkward encounters.
One of the perks I discovered was the reduced anxiety about approaching potentially unfriendly-looking individuals. As an INFJ-T, I tend to be a bit reserved, and the telephoto lens provided a comforting buffer. I could capture intriguing moments without feeling the need to intrude into someone’s personal space or risk awkward glances from passersby. It allowed me to observe and document without becoming the center of attention.
However, as much as I enjoyed the convenience of the telephoto lens, I still have a soft spot for shooting with my prime lenses up close. There’s a different level of intimacy and connection when you’re right there in the midst of the action. So, while the telephoto lens opened up new possibilities and made the process less intimidating, I find joy in both approaches, each offering its own unique perspective on the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Petaling Street - Street Photography in Kuala Lumpur
I took this picture on the second day of Chinese New Year in 2024, and I love it. The background was a bit busy, but I enjoyed how the ‘dragon dancers‘ lying down—if that’s what they’re called—were swinging the pole, creating the illusion of the dragon moving quickly. The people in the middle, looking amazed, add to the magic of the moment, making this one of my favorite photos from this year. I used the SIRUI Sniper 23mm at f8 to capture this photo, and the lighting at that moment was just perfect! This photo is shot by using the low angle, known as one of the best creative composition techniques in street photography.
This is where I usually go – exploring Petaling Street almost every weekend to capture moments. Just a reminder, I’m no expert, and I often face challenges whenever I’m out on the street. LOL! Petaling Street is widely recognized as one of the best street photography locations in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a fantastic spot to capture vibrant moments. Plus, you’re likely to meet and make new friends while exploring this iconic street.
I’ve been taking pictures at Petaling Street since 2020, and you know what? I can’t say if my street photography has gotten better or not. Maybe a bit, maybe not at all. What I do know is the basic techniques, which is useful for shooting street photography in Kuala Lumpur like how to frame a shot, use the rule of thirds, and all that. These things help me take what I think are good photos, at least in my own opinion.
Exploring Masjid India - Street Photography in Kuala Lumpur
I decided to extensively explore every nook and cranny of the hidden areas in Masjid India. Capturing photos here posed a significant challenge for me, shooting face to face with subjects, only works if you are brave enough or use the fishing techniques—a recent trend in the street photography Malaysia community.
Interestingly, I have yet to try using this street photography technique in Kuala Lumpur due to the scorching weather and my attempt to avoid sunburn. LOL! So far, I’ve only experimented with this technique at the Thean Hou Temple. This approach adds a unique perspective to my street photography adventures, and I’m excited to continue experimenting with it in the future.
'Camping & Fishing' At The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur
I’m considering introducing a new topic on street photography fishing techniques in my blog soon, complete with some sample photos, of course. Well again, I’m no expert, I’ll just write what I have experienced. But before diving into that, let me share my camping and fishing experience at the Thean Hou Temple for capturing some amazing shots. I spent about 2-3 hours there, camping out to make the most of my Fujinon XC50-230mm telephoto lens. It was a unique adventure, and the results were well worth the time spent.
There are numerous ‘camping spots,’ whether positioned below or above, that provide ample opportunities to employ this technique at the location. The use of a telephoto lens further simplifies the process, allowing for easy zooming from a distance without causing any disturbance to others. This approach not only offers a unique perspective but also ensures the capture of candid moments without intruding on the natural flow of the surroundings.
Conclusion
Wow! Such a great experience so far. I got to try out the Ricoh GR III for street photography in Kuala Lumpur, and I got some cool shots! It was mostly luck and timing. I called it one of the best street photography cameras. LOL! Don’t you think? For a first-timer trying street photography with the Ricoh GR III, it was challenging, and you might end up with a bunch of snapshots like I did!
In conclusion, this journey through Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant streets has been a delightful exploration of moments captured through my lens. From the lively Chinatown KL to the cultural richness of Masjid India, the tranquil Thien Hou Temple, and the scenic wonders of Genting Highlands, each location brought a unique charm to the series.
The choice of lenses, such as the Samyang 12mm f2 and the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2, added a technical layer to the creative process. Overcoming challenges, particularly with wide-angle lenses and experimenting with various Fujifilm settings, further enriched the storytelling aspect of the photographs.
Engaging in street photography in Kuala Lumpur, whether with the SIRUI Sniper 23mm f1.2, a telephoto lens, or the Ricoh GR III, presented different perspectives and challenges. From low-light shots to neon light experiments, each endeavor contributed to the diversity of the collection.
To enhance your street photography skills, consider enrolling in online courses, drawing inspiration from the best street photography photo books, and hitting the streets to capture more moments. Online photography courses provide valuable insights and techniques, while photo books offer a visual feast of diverse styles. However, the most significant growth comes from hands-on experience, so get out there, observe, and shoot to refine your craft and develop a unique perspective.
While the learning curve was evident, whether using a telephoto lens for distance shots or facing the unpredictability of a wide-angle lens, each experience added a layer of excitement to the street photography journey. The spontaneity and unpredictability became integral elements, fostering a connection between the lens and the lively streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Despite the technical aspects and varied lens experiments, at its core, street photography remained an avenue for expressing creativity. Whether shooting up close or from a distance, the essence of capturing unique moments and stories unfolded naturally.
Reflecting on Petaling Street, a renowned location for the best street photography in Kuala Lumpur, the journey continued. While acknowledging personal growth in basic techniques, the heart of the matter remained the enjoyment of capturing moments. The challenges faced in each shot, the excitement of trying new lenses, and the exploration of different settings encapsulated the joy found in the art of street photography.
As the photographic journey unfolds, it becomes a testament to the evolving connection between the photographer and the vibrant life of Kuala Lumpur’s streets. Each photograph encapsulates a story, a moment frozen in time, and a reflection of the photographer’s unique perspective on the dynamic tapestry of the city’s life.
From my perspective, there’s still a lot for me to learn in street photography, particularly as I use the same techniques repeatedly, such as reflections, leading lines and framing within a frame. Additionally, I find it particularly challenging to use odd numbers for layering when shooting in Kuala Lumpur.
