100 strangers project Smh

[AAphotog]

So I'm in chicagos Chinatown looking to start the project and EVERYONES giving me funny looks. So far I've asked 5 people(a few of them greeted me) and they all rejected. I'm feeling like I won't get any around here. I wonder why every is so uptight.

[AAphotog]

Originally Posted by sandeepkatwala

What was the reason people rejected you?

They didn't say. But the looks I got just walking around we're pretty nasty. I'm a young black male although well dressed. I assume that had a lot to do with it. 3 people kind of lingered around me, but when asked if I could take a photo, they all denied. On gentleman was across the street and I asked him to take a pic. He also had a puppy, and he said yes! So... One yes. Plenty no's. but they way everyone was lookIng at me, some even crossing the street when getting near me(even with the cam not being seen) you would think that I had done something to them. Oh well, some have a mind frame that no matter how old, they can't grow out of.

[Wallpap3r]

Do you have similar experiences when not looking for strangers to photograph? Maybe you were looking at people funny without knowing it. Or Chicago's Chinatown is super racist.

I haven't done a strangers project myself, but I imagine most people get a lot of rejections. How were you approaching people? Maybe rethink your approach, give them a wave and start with something like "excuse me, could I take your portrait for a school project?" If you aren't school aged, just say it's for a project.

[AAphotog]

Originally Posted by Wallpap3r

Do you have similar experiences when not looking for strangers to photograph? Maybe you were looking at people funny without knowing it. Or Chicago's Chinatown is super racist.

I haven't done a strangers project myself, but I imagine most people get a lot of rejections. How were you approaching people? Maybe rethink your approach, give them a wave and start with something like "excuse me, could I take your portrait for a school project?" If you aren't school aged, just say it's for a project.

I doubt it was the approach that gave me funny looks. It could be possible that the approach got me the denials. I never got past "excuse me" without a no. Except for in two cases(one of which I got a photo). Just walking around the neighborhood people seemed a bit uneasy as if I shouldn't be there. Ive been a lot of places and have never seen that type of behavior so apparent.

[AAphotog]

PS. I notice that you're in Bellevue. I used to have a place downtown there. Close to the two malls. I miss that town

[vienhuynh]

Who did you ask? If you asking Asians, then most of the time would be a no. I 'm really sorry about your experience, but I know many Asians are quite racist, I seriously don't want to use that word... or rather, don't have nice opinions or anything good related to black people. I don't mean to offend you or anyone... it is just from my experience as I am Asian and usually socialize with Asian people... Or in another case, people are not really comfortable with stranger taking picture of them without knowing what for and why, even if you say it for a project, may be too careful.

[AAphotog]

I can understand your point to an extent. But it would only be if I were to ask everyone to take their photo. In many cases I felt the hatred without even speaking to them or asking anything. Sometimes people can be rude with their eyes alone which was the case with most of the people there. I think racism is really ignorant. And to say that you don't associate anything good with black people I would think it would be quite hard to associate anything good OR bad with African Americans if you ONLY socialize with Asians.

[AAphotog]

PS. There's a difference between not being comfortable with a picture of you being taken, and not being comfortable walking on the same side of the street as someone. Honestly, do people really feel the need to cross the street instead of just walking past you?

[vienhuynh]

Originally Posted by AAphotog

I can understand your point to an extent. But it would only be if I were to ask everyone to take their photo. In many cases I felt the hatred without even speaking to them or asking anything. Sometimes people can be rude with their eyes alone which was the case with most of the people there. I think racism is really ignorant. And to say that you don't associate anything good with black people I would think it would be quite hard to associate anything good OR bad with African Americans if you ONLY socialize with Asians.

If you come from an Asian family, you would understand that. Of course not every one is that hateful but many people I know have the same issue. Just like my grandma hates the Japanese real bad because she lived in the era when the Japanese imperial army invaded and attacked her village back in China... WWII I believe... It is a racial stereotype thing, I know it is confusing for you, and I hate to admit it, but it seems to be the case here... And yea... unfortunately, they do associate races with this and that base on the actions' of a few people which could occur with everyone on this planet..........
And my opinion is toward the Asian people, if those people you talked to are Asians... I am not sure about the others.

[AvailableLight]

I'd say in general here in America people are freaked out about getting their picture taken by a "stranger." I can't speak for your particular experience on that particular day. Regarding your approach, were you smiling as you were walking around, etc? Did you stop to talk to some people like at a kiosk or something like that? I read you have to somehow blend into the environment first and then start shooting. You should also go to another area and see if you have better results.

Regarding Vienhuynh's comments, he is right. In general Asians want to be left alone but you can still win over some shots if the approach works for somebody.

About a week ago, the Facebook page of Borrowlenses.com had a link to a free street photography tips eBook. I'm at work so I can't link it now, but PM me so I can remember to send you the link after I get home from work.

[whuband]

I'm an over 60 white guy, and I take thousands of street and event photos every year, part work part personal. You have chosen a tough neighborhood my friend for street photos. My most frequent declines come from Asians (very high decline rate from older Asians), Eastern Europeans (especially those old enough to remember the Soviet Union), and blacks.
I have a much higher acceptance rate with females than males, maybe because I find females more interesting. Keep at it and you will become more successful as you get more relaxed.
Hope this helps in your street photography.

[Ebwly]

Originally Posted by vienhuynh

Who did you ask? If you asking Asians, then most of the time would be a no. I 'm really sorry about your experience, but I know many Asians are quite racist, I seriously don't want to use that word... or rather, don't have nice opinions or anything good related to black people. I don't mean to offend you or anyone... it is just from my experience as I am Asian and usually socialize with Asian people... Or in another case, people are not really comfortable with stranger taking picture of them without knowing what for and why, even if you say it for a project, may be too careful.

Are you kidding me? Look at digital rev on YouTube...Asians don't give a damn if you photo them....if anything it's the white ppl who tend to overreact...

[airfrogusmc]

I shoot a lot of strangers on the street and you are going to get a lot of rejection but it also has a lot to do with how you carry yourself. If you are confident and comfortable it really helps. I always say I'm going to take your photograph because you have a very interesting face. Thats ok right? or something along those lines. But you have to find something that works for you and your personality because on the streets fear, indecision and reluctance can = no photos.

[vienhuynh]

Originally Posted by Ebwly

Are you kidding me? Look at digital rev on YouTube...Asians don't give a damn if you photo them....if anything it's the white ppl who tend to overreact...

Dude... i am asian... that why I know, but it depends on the community too

[AAphotog]

Originally Posted by Ebwly

Are you kidding me? Look at digital rev on YouTube...Asians don't give a damn if you photo them....if anything it's the white ppl who tend to overreact...

I find that whites don't mind getting pictures taken. As matter of fact, I've had a few just linger around me so I could ask them to take their picture lol