Shy about Shooting

[TDCat]

Hi,

Although I've always experimented with my old P&S and got some OK pictures, I have only recently entered the arena of really looking for picture opportunities and specifically going to a location with the sole intention of taking pictures...in short...photography.

I must admit that I do feel a little shy with my camera. I'm trying to overcome the feeling of intruding.

I was down in London the other day and there were some nice picture opportunities of people playing tennis in a park with some wildlife around. Good atmosphere and nice weather too (makes a change for the UK at the moment). I had a problem because one of the people playing tennis was a very nice woman with extremely short hot pants on. So I'm just thinking that the people playing will just think I'm only taking shots because I want a pic of the nice girl!!!

This is just one example but the same applies across the board. How do you usually approach this? Do you always ask permission before taking pictures? If I was doing a professional shoot it would naturally be a different matter, but I'm talking about day to day shooting. I'm going to Berlin in a few weeks and I really want to use the opportunity...but I want to do it right...and not get threatened by someone who didn't want to have a photo taken.

I am quite shy as a person but this must be a scenario people are familiar with.

Thanks for any advice. This feels like therapy :-)

TDCat.

[BillMarks]

Lately, I've been asking people for their permission. But lately, I've been trying to use my camera to connect with my subjects (human or otherwise!) as opposed to distancing myself from them.

It was hard for me at first as I'm kind of a shy person. But so far, no one has turned me down and I've had some do portrait-type sittings for me on the spot.

My advice is to:

1) Just be honest with people. I was looking to build a portfolio--and that's what I told people. Some I shot to get experience with ne lighting equipment--and that's what I told people. One person I just told how I liked her look and how graceful she was.

2) Spend time chatting with them--bild a rapport. If they are playing tennis that might be difficult. But you could stop and ask them between games when they switch sides.

3) Not necessary, but if you can create a business card with your contact info on it, you can hand that out as you introduce yourself. I do this and tell people to email me if they want to see the photos and that I'll make some free prints for them. So far, only about 50% ever send the email and most just want to look at the images (I post them on the internet). I think it also lets them know you are a serious photographer.

Good luck!

[the_incubus]

i just shoot in my underwear, they dont even notice i have a camera :)

[Mike]

If I go out and shoot in public areas I always put on my headphones and listen to music. I find that it helps me to "get in the zone" so to speak and it is easier to ignore the people around me. Give it a go ;)

[Mike R]

Lately, I've been asking people for their permission. But lately, I've been trying to use my camera to connect with my subjects (human or otherwise!) as opposed to distancing myself from them.

It was hard for me at first as I'm kind of a shy person. But so far, no one has turned me down and I've had some do portrait-type sittings for me on the spot.

My advice is to:

1) Just be honest with people. I was looking to build a portfolio--and that's what I told people. Some I shot to get experience with ne lighting equipment--and that's what I told people. One person I just told how I liked her look and how graceful she was.

2) Spend time chatting with them--bild a rapport. If they are playing tennis that might be difficult. But you could stop and ask them between games when they switch sides.

3) Not necessary, but if you can create a business card with your contact info on it, you can hand that out as you introduce yourself. I do this and tell people to email me if they want to see the photos and that I'll make some free prints for them. So far, only about 50% ever send the email and most just want to look at the images (I post them on the internet). I think it also lets them know you are a serious photographer.

Good luck!

Sounds like good advice.I think that most people would be flattered to think that someone wants to photograph them doing what they enjoy.
I had to get over the "fear" of asking people for a property release when photographing their property. Everyone I have asked was happy to sign it, I also offered each one a copy of the print. I have met a lot of great people by doing this.

[HarleyQuinn]

I feel your pain. I may be a clown on the forums, but I'm crazy shy about stuff like that in real life.

A couple week ago I went to our Riverwalk with the intention of getting some shots of the street performers there. It took me 20 minutes of my husband goading me to finally ask someone if I could shoot them. It was painful, but once I asked and got it over with it was clear sailing.
Good luck!

[digitalfrog]

Telephoto is for cowards.....

http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/Pontification/n_Telephoto_Is_For_Wimps/a_Telephoto_Is_For_Cowards.html?page=1

[nicksan]

I have the same issues at times.
I am also a very shy person and also a tad on the paranoid side.

I think speaking to people you are going to shoot beforehand is a great idea. The only problems is that for some of us that are shy, that's the challenge in itself! I can't even get myself to ask people if it is OK or not.

I know that a crowded beach is a no-no. Kids are a no-no as well.
The other day I was at the beach with my wife, and she was having a good time making fun of me for not wanting to take out the camera. She was like "come on already...don't worry". My reaction was "I don't want to look like a perv". So she said "just give me the damn camera"...I did. And she felt perfectly at home snapping away.

But I think there is a difference between a woman holding a camera and a man holding a camera. We look like pervs when we have that long white lens mounted.

I even feel weird at the zoo...

But once I start shooting, I'm in my own world so it doesn't matter. But I realize that a lot of people are over-sensitive about this stuff. So the mere sight of having a camera pointed in the general direction of that person, even though I'm not shooting that person, seem to upset some. "Please...don't flatter your self!"...

That's why I like to shoot sceneries, etc...no people!

[Brian Puccio]

I find that as a male, I'm found to be more threatening if I'm taking photos of strangers. So it helps a lot that my grilfriend likes photography, too. If we both are dragging around our cameras and walking around together and I stop to take a photo, I'm seen as a whole lot less threatening. There have been instances where I have been confronted when alone, but I can't think of a single instance where I was confronted when with her.

[Mark_Cohran]

I've really never encountered a problem when shooting in crowds or on streets. If I want posed shots or shots of performers, I just generally look in the direction of the person I want to shoot, raise my camera and give them a questioning look. In most cases they will smile and nod. After I take the shot, I give them my business card and offer them a copy of the photo (low res by e-mail). If I'm planning to use the shot commercially, I'll then ask them sign a release. More often than not, they're flattered and agreed.

Sometimes I'll get a shake of the head instead of a nod, then I'll move on. As far as I'm concerned, when taking photos, the relationship is between myself and the subject. It doesn't matter what the others around me think.

Of course, with candids it's an entirely different process. A street candid should be taken without the subject's knowledge, but I usually don't take those kinds of photos.

Mark

[MissSage]

Wow, very god replies, great advice! I am glad you posed the question TDCat I to am shy and self conscious when I have to deal with people. I prefer to shoot scenes without people and my issue is more of just feeling like I am being watched and it makes me feel nervous. I like the idea of the head phones michaelgreen78, I may try that. I have been trying to do some HDR shots and the whole setting up the tripod always makes me feel uncomfortable... so for me it is more of feeling validated as a photographer and wanting to be left alone I guess... just not crazy about being gawked at. Although I do think most artists are introverts like myself.

[TDCat]

Although I do think most artists are introverts like myself.

Very possibly. Hence why this type of topic is not commonly raised even though it is absolutely fundamental. I prefer real shots. Life, people but I feel very restricted and have missed out on so many shots.

I just can't do the cocky 'Pap' thing. Not me.

[fiftysvn]

Telephoto is for cowards.....

http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/Pontification/n_Telephoto_Is_For_Wimps/a_Telephoto_Is_For_Cowards.html?page=1

this was a great link and reinforced my decision to get a 35 f/2.

I find that as a male, I'm found to be more threatening if I'm taking photos of strangers. So it helps a lot that my grilfriend likes photography, too. If we both are dragging around our cameras and walking around together and I stop to take a photo, I'm seen as a whole lot less threatening. There have been instances where I have been confronted when alone, but I can't think of a single instance where I was confronted when with her.
hahaha so true. everybody in new york thinks you must be up to no good if you're out and about with a big ol camera snappin away pics of buildings and what not. and the dirty looks i've gotten taking pictures at various parks. sigh.