There is only one acceptable light for street photography. Just one. It is called “the light that is happening right now,” and if you are not out shooting in it, you are doing it wrong.
Okay, yes, the title is a joke. Mostly. Photographers love to lecture about golden hour like the sun personally owes them something. Golden hour is beautiful, I am not denying it. But you know what else is beautiful? Harsh noon shadows that turn a sidewalk into a graphic design project. Overcast skies that act like a giant softbox. Neon at midnight. Fog that makes your boring street look like a movie set.
The only bad light is the light you stayed home for. I have taken some of my favorite street photos in “terrible” conditions because I was out there and the camera was in my hand. Light is raw material. Your job is to use whatever shows up.
Watch the video for my full, completely serious, not at all sarcastic lecture on the one true light. Bring sunscreen. Or an umbrella. Either way, bring the camera.
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