Asking Strangers to Take Your Picture
Aug 5, 2020 11:14:57 #
berchman wrote:
In all the travels I've done I've never been tempted to have a photo of my wife and myself standing in front of an exotic or a beautiful scene. It would turn a potentially good picture into a boring snapshot. It's a similar impulse (although, in this case, harmless) as marking a monument with one's initials.
Call it a boring snapshot but it is those type pictures I love finding. A nice scenic shot from 50 years ago just looks like an older shot of the same subject, but put people in it and it has history. Shows styles and habits that give a more interesting picture.
Aug 5, 2020 11:20:12 #
knutte wrote:
I had someone ask me to take their picture at Valley View in Yosemite, I said "sure" and he hands me his nice Leica with a 24-70 I think it was. probably the only time I ever get to shoot a Leica in Yosemite. or anywhere...
Now I may have thought about running off with that camera. I definitely would have asked if I could have it.
Dennis
Aug 5, 2020 11:24:53 #
Just Ducky
Loc: Ohio/Florida
I have often offered to take photos of people trying to get selfies of themselves or a family. Any more a small bottle of hand sanitizer is good to have in your pocket. For the most part, people don’t seen afraid that I’ll run off with their phone or camera. It may be that I have an honest face or I’m a bit older than they are. 😂
I do try to make it the best photo.
I do try to make it the best photo.
Aug 5, 2020 12:10:46 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
Mac wrote:
I used to ask strangers to take photos with my camera, but since I started using BBF and, more recently, MF lenses, it’s too complicated to explain things. Also, times, things, and people have changed over the years and I’m too old and fat to chase anyone running away with my gear.
me too!
Aug 5, 2020 13:10:07 #
juan_uy wrote:
You can sort of analyze to whom you ask and it is safe
Never hand your camera to someone wearing tennis shoes
Aug 5, 2020 14:15:28 #
Strange world he have! The only risk I can remember about having a stranger take a picture with your camera was that they could run faster than you can!
Aug 5, 2020 14:16:30 #
cambriaman wrote:
Strange world he have! The only risk I can remember about having a stranger take a picture with your camera was that they could run faster than you can!
Very true. But isn't that what we are talking about?
Have a great day,
Dennis
Aug 5, 2020 14:27:59 #
We often do that while on vacation. My only rule is that I ask the person with the biggest camera, with the reasoning that the one with the biggest camera usually is better at taking photos than the clueless teenager.
During COVID I barely go to the supermarket. Why would anyone go on a vacation during a pandemic?
During COVID I barely go to the supermarket. Why would anyone go on a vacation during a pandemic?
Aug 5, 2020 15:08:36 #
John Battle
Loc: Tacoma, WA, USA
jerryc41 wrote:
I read an online article about this last night. H... (show quote)
In my case, it's the opposite situation. I have to confess, a few days ago I was at a famous photo spot in Arches National Park in Utah, and saw a young family trying to get a photo of themselves there. Instinctively, without thinking about Covid, I offered to take their picture with their camera. They were delighted, and the picture should turn out very nicely for them. Now, you have reminded me about the danger of infection all around. Maybe the thing to do is keep some gloves and/or hand sanitizer in our pockets, or just be more cautious!
Aug 5, 2020 15:09:25 #
You know guys, there is something I missed with the advent of mass cell phone photography. Prior to that time, when we'd go on our summer vacation cruise, I always kept an eye out for a couple who were holding a DSLR, and that slightly helpless look that they'd like to have their photograph taken ... with their camera. I would always offer to help, and everyone always accepted my offer to help. Maybe it was influenced by their seeing me holding onto my Canon 5DII, but the offer was always a 'friend maker'. A couple of times, I'd see that 'hopeless look', when someone actually wanted their picture taken and they had no camera with them. So, several times, I offered to take the picture for them, and then asked them to write down their e-mail address. When back home, I'd e-mail the .jpg off to them. Of course, now with Covid-19, things have changed. But when this is all over, hopefully by the end of 2021, our away-from-home photography returns in full.
Aug 5, 2020 15:12:49 #
I lost 15-20 cameras over the past couple of years by doing this and having them run away with my camera. Since they were all high-end DSLRs, I'm seriously considering stopping the practice. It's cost me a lot of $
Aug 5, 2020 15:18:28 #
Rochephoto, where in the country (or world) are you, to have experienced 15-20 DSLR cameras stolen that way?
Aug 5, 2020 15:19:26 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
elliott937 wrote:
Rochephoto, where in the country (or world) are you, to have experienced 15-20 DSLR cameras stolen that way?
I'm sure he's saying that to appear clever.
Aug 5, 2020 15:21:47 #
rochephoto wrote:
I lost 15-20 cameras over the past couple of years by doing this and having them run away with my camera. Since they were all high-end DSLRs, I'm seriously considering stopping the practice. It's cost me a lot of $
What a wonderful person you are. May I ask what kind of cameras you have left or are using presently. If Nikon, Leica, Hasselblad, Alpa film or maybe an old Baby Rollei or even a Rolleiflex f2.8 I would be happy to take your photo. I just bought some new running shoes too.
Dennis
Aug 5, 2020 15:23:35 #
WF2B wrote:
With my luck the stranger would run off with my phone or camera.
I was thinking that very thought! LOL!
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