Timid shooter
Mar 13, 2018 04:41:21 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
I have been shooting landscapes primarily, which I enjoy. But what I enjoy even more is taking pix where there are people present, like at the beach or shopping or just sitting alone, staring into space. Problem is, I am timid about photographing people with my big, highly visible DSLR, because they might be annoyed that I am invading their privacy. Yes, I could ask permission, but that is not always practical, & even when it is, I am too shy to ask.
Ridiculous, isn't it? Am I the only one like this? Is there some magic method of photographing strangers without getting them upset?
Ridiculous, isn't it? Am I the only one like this? Is there some magic method of photographing strangers without getting them upset?
Mar 13, 2018 05:01:37 #
Most women like the flattery. Most men don't care.
Try asking a pretty woman; they light up as they say yes, which can be captured if you're quick (see below).
After many dozens of candids, I've only had one get upset. With skin tight clothing on an athletic figure, she should expect attention. Some people stay angry, but you should see it before aiming your camera. In reflection, she had an apparent attitude that I ignored.
If you happen to trigger someone, just smile, apologize and walk away. It's very unlikely except in cultures where they believe that cameras can take your soul like the Carribean!
Many of these are candid: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bgeorgeday/albums/72157664888432216
DSC_7917 by Brian G Day, on Flickr
Try asking a pretty woman; they light up as they say yes, which can be captured if you're quick (see below).
After many dozens of candids, I've only had one get upset. With skin tight clothing on an athletic figure, she should expect attention. Some people stay angry, but you should see it before aiming your camera. In reflection, she had an apparent attitude that I ignored.
If you happen to trigger someone, just smile, apologize and walk away. It's very unlikely except in cultures where they believe that cameras can take your soul like the Carribean!
Many of these are candid: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bgeorgeday/albums/72157664888432216
DSC_7917 by Brian G Day, on FlickrMar 13, 2018 05:02:47 #
Attend locations where there are "events" going on - like street festivals, fairs and parades etc. Do not use a huge tele lens and don't be creepy guy. Start with shooting performers and participants.
Mar 13, 2018 05:29:38 #
"creepy"; That's why I generally shoot just one, infrequently a second.
People in public know they might be in photographs, so a shot or two won't be a problem.
Sometimes they will ask you about your photographs. Respond about your artistic hobby and they will often be appreciative and supportive.
People in public know they might be in photographs, so a shot or two won't be a problem.
Sometimes they will ask you about your photographs. Respond about your artistic hobby and they will often be appreciative and supportive.
Mar 13, 2018 08:28:11 #
People are different. I took photos of a group of runners once and they had no problem. On the other hand, just after I purchased my first DSLR, my D7000, I had it with me when I went to my Lexus dealer for a free car wash. I didn't want to leave it in the car so I put it around my neck. I also wanted to show it off to the receptionists who were rather friendly. A month or so later one of my receptionist friends told me that another "patron" at the dealership had complained to the manager that she was afraid that I was going to take her picture. Nothing was ever said to me by the manager....especially since I never took the lens cap off and, heck, a person could get photographed at anytime by a cell phone.
So...I guess my point is that some people are very concerned about being photographed. However....when they're out in public they're fair game. In a situation like a private car dealership that WOULD be a different story.
So...I guess my point is that some people are very concerned about being photographed. However....when they're out in public they're fair game. In a situation like a private car dealership that WOULD be a different story.
Mar 13, 2018 08:49:40 #
bellgamin wrote:
I have been shooting landscapes primarily, which I... (show quote)
I understand. There are times that I have almost felt apologetic for carrying a big, highly visible DSLR. It is ridiculous, but I cannot deny that I have felt that way.
I was never one to seek attention, or blow my own horn; but I have a right to use the equipment that I own without compromise.
Mar 13, 2018 09:20:49 #
I believe that he may be in India now, but Graham Smith is one of the best street shooters on UHH. He seems to be able to shoot people as they are without problems. Of course, he looks totally non-threatening. If they were re-making Tinker-Tailor-Soldier-Spy, he'd be a good fit for George Smiley.
Mar 13, 2018 14:49:31 #
bellgamin wrote:
I have been shooting landscapes primarily, which I... (show quote)
No, you are not the only one to feel this way, and it is NOT ridiculous. I avoid taking pictures of people I don't know, unless they are engaged in sort of group activity or unless none of the subjects can be recognized (e.g., photographing a beach scene from an overlooking hill).
But, I do not have a solution or encouraging comments. Sorry!
Mar 13, 2018 17:38:32 #
bellgamin
Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Folks using phone cameras don't draw much attention nowadays. In the old/film days I had a small rangefinder called Canonet, or something like that. It didn't get much attention either. Is there a digital tiny camera that is as good as a DSLR as regards sharpness etc? Maybe such a camera might not arouse the same number of unfriendly glances...?
Mar 14, 2018 06:37:56 #
No, you’re not the only one who feels this way and in no way is it creepy. I’m a self taught, entrepreneur and I love photography but when calls come in for an event, I get so nervous about how many people, is everyone going to want a picture taken and so on, but I eventually just get the job done.
Mar 14, 2018 07:21:50 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
bellgamin wrote:
I have been shooting landscapes primarily, which I... (show quote)
Usually, I only notice interesting people up close. SO, I do not use a long lens, and that is sort of weird, no timid about it, just weird. You could get the bad kind of attention doing that, my advice is NO, don't do that.
If I see someone worthy, I ask them if I could take their photo. 99% successful rate. Afterwards, I hand them my business card, and I ask them if they would like them for me to email them a image contact me, or, if they would like me to do it right away, I hand them a second card and ask them to put an email address on the back of the card and I usually email it to them that day or very soon. You might be interested to know that I have had several post offers to do weddings and family pictures. I always politely decline. As a former professional photographer for over 35 years I am now retired and want to stay that way. Enjoy and keep on shooting until the end.
Mar 14, 2018 07:23:56 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Drive by Shooter wrote:
Most women like the flattery. Most men don't care... (show quote)
Looks like you took a image of the bar maid. Beer taps in the back ground. One of my rules of photography is NEVER take my stuff into a bar. Just bad taste. Please don't mind the pun. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Mar 14, 2018 09:00:29 #
What oftentimes works (especially in tourist areas) is to pretend you are a simply photographing something other than the person, such as a building or landscape in the background, or an object next to the subject. Avoid eye contact; continue looking at and photographing the imaginary subject after you have captured your intended subject. Do not look nervous; act as if you are not interested in the person at all. Execute your intended shot quickly, and smoothly shift your camera away from the intended subject back onto the imaginary subject. Good timing is important. If you feel you need confidence, practice the maneuver at home in front of the mirror!
Mar 14, 2018 09:32:22 #
My feeling is the creepy part is doing this with a large telephoto lens. For shooting street scenes, I prefer a 35mm lens. Since almost all of my street photography is done in black and white, using a Leica IIIa with a 35mm lens is ideal. I set it up as a point and shoot and rarely even use the viewfinder.
--Bob
--Bob
bellgamin wrote:
I have been shooting landscapes primarily, which I... (show quote)
Mar 14, 2018 09:59:20 #
ToBoldlyGo
Loc: London U.K.
Please be honest if you are taking photos specifically of someone. Bear in mind that if someone does say no, or isn't keen, there may be good reason. They may be fleeing domestic abuse and not want people to know where they are, or on a witness protection programme. We all have our own issues, and sometimes people can be caught at just the wrong time and get upset. It's happened to all of us.
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