Photography Shyness

[rc13k]

I realize I have a problem and I am very shy with my photography. I don't have this problem with a point and shoot but only when I carry around an SLR with a big tripod. I always feel as though people are looking at me and I try to stand around for too long.

Does anyone else have this problem? Please help me, what can I do to stop this feeling I'm having?

[bsaber]

I have the same problem when trying to do some street photography. Don't really have a solution though...

[Mike-DT6]

I know what you mean. I don't like being conspicuous either, but people are naturally curious.

I would look at it the other way round. Assume you aren't being looked at until you notice otherwise. If someone is watching, acknowledge them and say hello, then carry on with what you are doing. It should remove any tension if you do that.

Mike

:-)

[garymercer]

Not so long ago I had this problem. One day I went out and didn't care who was watching. Since then I have been a lot less shy.

Amazingly, me having my camera round my neck, I get more people walking past me and saying hello than I would get otherwise. I've had a few people stop me and ask me about my gear too.

[harroz]

concentrate on what you are doing, check your settings, look for an image, and you'll find it'll go away

[Mike]

Listen to an iPod - I find that immersing yourself in music at the same time makes you less aware of the people around you.

[Picture North Carolina]

Your shyness may be mixed in with, or mistaken for a little bit of fear. Problem is, nowadays it's periodically justified. You never know how somebody will react when a camera is pointed at them. Many years ago I was assaulted when taking a news shot (even though I was standing next to a police officer!), and a couple years back was threatened when someone warned "You turn that camera in my direction and I'll kill you." Don't be shy, but do be careful.

[LBaldwin]

I agree with canned heat - I just had that happen. But 99.999% of the time it is a conversation starter. I have met some of the most wonderful people while out using my camera. It is a device that cuts across all ethnic, age and gender divides. Use it in that fashion, who knows you may meet someone really cool, make life long friends and then capture award winning images. Yes we stick out like a sore thumb and under certain circumstances that is not a good thing. But by and large, that is part of the fun.

[neilwood32]

Try finding a buddy to go and shoot with. You feel less embarrassed when there are 2 of you. Also can be very good for improving your photography as they might see things from a diferent angle than you (literally!)

[DC Fan]

I don't have this problem with a point and shoot but only when I carry around an SLR with a big tripod.

Other photographers discovered this a long time ago: if your equipment makes you feel conspicuous, use inconspicuous equipment. A high quality point-and-shoot camera might be a better choice than something that makes you look like a photographer on the prowl. :)

[Michael_Lambert]

Take a buddy with you. I find that i get nervous and such when i am walking around town with my gear. Not sure if i am worried about what people think or looking over my shoulder worried someone is going to try and snatch my camera.

I found that getting friend involved letting him shoot with my back up if need be takes the edge off and makes it much more fun.

Or i just love to grab my gear and head off into the bush.

[bsaber]

Other photographers discovered this a long time ago: if your equipment makes you feel conspicuous, use inconspicuous equipment. A high quality point-and-shoot camera might be a better choice than something that makes you look like a photographer on the prowl. :)

The G-series are great for this... now if only I can afford one.

[Mum2J&M]

Are the G series really THAT good?! I know nothing about them. I know there are people with Leicas that are easily disguised from unknowing onlookers as standard p&s.

[AdamC]

You're certainly not alone. I tend to feel like that a lot, as I've always been a, well, if not shy, at least the sort of person to shun attention. I often realise that I'm trying to rush a shot so that I'm not standing there conspicuously for too long. Obviously the quality of your work suffers when you start doing things like that.

I just tell myself that I don't care what others are thinking or if they're looking, I'm doing my own thing for my own reasons. I focus on what I'm doing and ignore everything else. At the end of the day, getting the shot you want is what matters. Those people looking at you weird don't care that you went home devastated because you missed that great shot, and likewise when you've got an awesome picture hanging on your wall, you won't care (or even remember) that some random stranger thought you were a bit nuts.

[JAcosta]

Drink a beer or two when you go shooting. I used to do that when I was in japan and it completely takes away and nervousness.

[bsaber]

Are the G series really THAT good?! I know nothing about them. I know there are people with Leicas that are easily disguised from unknowing onlookers as standard p&s.

The G-series are pretty good but still doesn't beat a Leica.

[newatthis]

I was on campus last week taking some shots and I was really worried. Then my two year old (we are trying to potty train) peed everywhere. I ran out with a soaked boy on my arm, camera around my neck and red face! Those people probably laughed for a minute and have since forgotten about it. But I still am so self conscious about what people think about me when I am shooting!

[FlyingPhotog]

Try finding a buddy to go and shoot with. You feel less embarrassed when there are 2 of you. Also can be very good for improving your photography as they might see things from a diferent angle than you (literally!)

Best suggestion ever...

[rc13k]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I'll try to keep them in mind when I'm shooting.

[londonblue007]

Drink a beer or two when you go shooting. I used to do that when I was in japan and it completely takes away and nervousness.

or a couple of shots of tequila. Just, no promises on good shots when you get home... :D

[londonblue007]

or a couple of shots of tequila. Just, no promises on good shots when you get home... :D

I recommend GOOD tequila too. Not good if you are puking on the side of the road while trying to shoot.

Go for some cabo wabo. that's some fine tequila.

[GarrettB]

Saying "Hi" or asking how they are kills off a lot of the tension and suspicion from people. If they see you aren't hiding anything then they won't be worried, just curious.

[newatthis]

wear a t-shirt that says "press" or the local news channel

[nphsbuckeye]

wear a t-shirt that says "press" or the local news channel
That certainly works, until they ask you to be on camera or off camera.

I started PJing this quarter at OSU and at first, not only shooting but asking people you've never met before for their name, it can be a little nerve racking, but you get used to it or you don't succeed. If anything, people are timid to be known.

Although that has more to do with PJ, if you act with confidence, people won't notice you as much because it'll look natural what you're doing. If you act paranoid you will draw more attention.

[DStanic]

I am shy only if I am out on the street or some place where you normally would not see a DSLR. Unless I am with somebody I feel awkward. If I am at the park, train station, or other "scenic" places I can go alone and it doesn't bother me at all. People will sometimes start a conversation and that's always nice.