Street Photography in Atlanta

The Eastside Trail is the most visited stretch of the BeltLine, running past Historic Fourth Ward Park to Ponce City Market, a huge brick former Sears building. The BeltLine's own guide points to the mural of eyes under the Edgewood Avenue bridge and the amphitheatre in Historic Fourth Ward Park. The trail is a moving stream of people on foot and on bikes. Stand beside a mural and let people pass in front of it, or shoot from a bridge looking down. Weekend afternoons are busiest. Watch for fast cyclists when you stop.

The Krog Street Tunnel runs under the rail lines between Inman Park and Cabbagetown, and its walls are painted over constantly. Travel by Grain recommends walking through it to Wylie Street, where the Forward, Warrior!! murals stretch in a long wall. You may find artists at work, which gives you people and paint in one frame. Inside the tunnel, expose for the bright opening and let passersby become silhouettes. Cars also use the tunnel, so stay on the side and keep an eye on traffic.

Little Five Points is Atlanta's alternative shopping district, with vintage stores and painted storefronts. Orkoskey sends people who like the alternative scene to this area for characters and backdrops. The small central square and the sidewalks outside the shops are where to work. Late afternoon into evening brings the most people. Colourful walls make simple backgrounds for a single figure. Some regulars will pose, others won't; ask for close portraits and respect a no. Weekends are the busiest time to go.

Piedmont Park is Midtown's big green space, with Lake Clara Meer and the skyline rising behind it. Travel by Grain says people come to jog, walk dogs, do yoga or lie on Oak Hill, and calls it the place for street photography. Orkoskey adds that the lake gives reflections of the city. Use the skyline as a backdrop for people on the lawns, or work the paths with a 50mm. Late afternoon light through the trees is best. Festivals are held here in warm months, so check the calendar.

Woodruff Park is a downtown park on Peachtree Street near Five Points, surrounded by offices and Georgia State University. Orkoskey names the area from Centennial Olympic Park to Woodruff Park as some of the best downtown ground for photographing people. On the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, the Dragon Con Parade runs along Peachtree with thousands of costumed fans. Arrive early and find a spot with a clean background. On ordinary days, work the lunchtime crowds. Downtown empties at night, so stay aware.

Centennial Olympic Park was built for the 1996 Olympics and sits beside the Georgia Aquarium and the SkyView Ferris wheel. Travel by Grain describes people taking pictures and sitting by the reflecting pool. The fountains draw children and families in summer, which gives you splashing, motion and backlight. Shoot into the late sun for sparkle in the water. Event and game days bring big crowds heading to the stadium nearby. Parking is expensive then, so take MARTA. On quiet weekday mornings the park is nearly empty, which suits single figures against the open lawns.

Decatur is a separate city just east of Atlanta, and Orkoskey calls the area around Decatur Square a great spot for street photography. The old courthouse sits at its centre with restaurants around it, and the pace is small-town. It is right on MARTA's Blue Line, so it is easy to reach without a car. Evenings bring diners out onto the terraces. Use the courthouse lawn as a stage for passing people. It is a relaxed place, so a friendly approach works well.