fotographer Loc: Everywhere but no where

Ok I see both sides I do not care for my pivtures to be taken. I would rather not know you are taking it. I would find it creepy if a random person ask me if they could take pictures of me. At the same time I love taking pictures especially of children but I would never just ask people if I could take pictures of their children. If I was out with my family and just saw a great pic I would just take it and leave it at that. I love art and the art of photography. I think Lavolpebxr is right put an add some where that way people that want it done are coming to you. :D

Guy Johnstone Loc: Ocean Shores WA

if I want models, I just ran an ad on craigslist. I'm very specific about how I'm going to use the photograph, and I'm very specific about the type of model I want. In veritably, people not the type specified are the most eager to pose. I generally choose from them.

Xiaoding Loc: North Carolina, USA

Yeah...it's...creepy.

Lupine Loc: SF Bay Area

Some people simply don't want to be photographed by people we don't know; I don't even like being photographed by people I do know. And while I have occasionally scared small children it's only happened a few times, I'm wanted in just a few small, insignificant countries and my wife will assure you that I do not suffer from a lack of self-esteem. ;)

What I do value is my privacy, in a world where it is ever more difficult to maintain. It's bad enough there is a surveillance camera on every corner and in in every store capturing my image; the last thing I want is to be the target on another camera, regardless of how well meaning or innocent. With public figures it's a different story, but I'm not a public figure and frankly, I wish very strongly that the US Constitution had an explicit privacy statement. Since it does not I cannot prevent someone from taking my photo in a public place, but I damned sure don't have to pose for or cooperate with that person, either. And it pisses me off when they don't take no for an answer or they ask and still take a photo after I've said "No". http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Unhappy/mad-047.gif

Shutterbug305 Loc: Iowa

I really Am a photography student and I actually have gone to people I don't know and asked them if I could take some shots of say for example their old barns and stuff. I show them my college I.D. card to prove I am a college student and most have been thrilled to let me do so and even offered some history about the barns or themselves. I had someone ask me to shoot their wedding a few months ago and they hadn't even seen any of my work. I didn't want them to go into it without the benefit of seeing what I have done, so I created a few pages of contact sheets and made up a few tri-fold brochures of several types of pictures I have done. I showed them these things and they loved what I did. Most of what I had to show them were of mock senior, mock weddings, mock family, and other portrait work. when I attend people's weddings too I take a few things most couple's would like to have and later after I have tweeked them enough I am happy with them I show these to the couple and they have actually bought some of my work. These are just a few things you might try along with the other's suggestions. Hope this helps abit. I know however that at my college when I want to take somone's picture they all run and hide till the camera is put away. LOL The things is I need them to let me get a few for my assignments many times and they just won't cooperate. hee hee. I can't always get my own family members to let me so I understand what you mean. I do hope these suggestions help a little bit though.

naturalite Loc: Up state NY

I'm one of those people that like to use misdirection. Using a friend of mines tilt screen camera. I kept it in my lap, tilted the screen up to where I could see it. Got my subject in frame. All the while acting as if to be talking to someone next to me. Then took the shot. No one was the wiser.
If you don't look like you're taking a photo, no one seems to care.
By the way, the photo was of kids playing. when I picked up the camera as to take a pic, the kids would all start to ham it up. Not what I wanted.
I've used this technique many times. Especially doing street people.

alann Loc: Virginia

Because there souls will be locked in the photo forever.

Shutterbug305 Loc: Iowa

That's cool! I too have tried that sometimes. You're right! it does work if it is done right. I try that even with my daughter who hates her picture taken. I have had some pretty good candids of her that way too.

Pandabob Loc: Dallas, TX

I have found that modern DSLRs turn people off. They see them in the hands of paparazzi all over TV and they can be equated with "slimeballs"

If you're a middle-aged guy it's even worse. I have a friend that was taking pictures of carnival rides at a rodeo that was harassed by the sex crimes unit of the local police because someone complained of a guy with a camera and tripod. Don't get me started about the TSA poster showing a "terrorist" wearing a hoodie and using a camera with a zoom lens....

That being said, when I carry around a really funky camera people come to me out of curiosity. I've gotten great shots of strangers simply by people wondering what it was I was carrying around. The funkier the camera the better. I have a Polaroid 600se (not the "shake it like a Polaroid" kind... Google it and see) and people love it. I often take two shots and give one to the person as a keepsake. I write my email address on the back and it's a great way to make contacts and meet people.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

My guess would be if your were a Pro, than it would be fine to shoot their portrait. If you have any other work that you can show, then maybe they would feel more comfortable. Also some sort paper work stating your intentions.

randymoe

I shoot a lot of events. I shoot candid at great distance, more than 50 feet, and even then if they notice I lower the camera, make a hand signal and silently ask "OK", if they indicate not, I stop. When I am in the crowd, I always ask permission, and then shoot, and usually ask for just one more. It is also handy to shoot bursts so you might catch an elusive moment. I never say "cheese" and often ask them to "say something stupid" or "pretend you know each other" while laughing. Smile, thank them, and move on, always looking for the next shot. Have plenty of interesting cards and hand them out like candy. If they want to know why you are shooting, have an honest answer. Do not creep out women or children. Check out the loners, pay attention to them. Be very polite to everyone, after all you are stealing their spirit!

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

I have only had this problem once, in Jamaica, when I was asked on the spot for money. Elsewhere in the market....I got a great big smile from the gent behind his fruit stand. It seems to me some people LOVE having their picture taken..and others hate it. But one NO is enough for me...why are you still asking after 4 years? Find someone else who would be happy to have you take their picture.

Kylemc99 Loc: Oklahoma city

I use craigslist. Its a great way to meet new people and u can build ur portfolio and they get great pictures for whatever they need them for. It can also open doors for paid work to from their friends and family. I also write off the expense as advertisement.

nyweb2001

Around this little town I've had people ask me if I'm in Law Enforcement, the IRS, the local tax collector...you name it !

JacLee Loc: Chico CA

I have one daughter that hates having her pic taken. She is very pretty, but when she knows I am taking her pic. something happens to her face. Her features tighten up. A candid shot is the only way I can get a good picture of her. I, also, think we see our selves different than other people see us. One person says it is a good picture of you, but you think it is very unattractive. Even looking in a mirror the appearance is different than what you see in a picture.
This is my humble opinion.

Rivernan, what is your opinion on this subject?