Photography in everyday public areas

aIpha · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

I am not a fan of the "quizzical" or "what-is-he-shooting" looks that I get when I'm shooting in a everyday type of public area. I feel slightly hurried and get uncomfortable with people stopping to look at what I'm doing. I am one of those people who absolutely despise attention - maybe because I got too much attention as a kid or something.

I know that it shouldn't matter but I can't help but still be bothered by it. Anyone else have same issue or have any recommendations/thoughts on how I can get over this mental issue?

Mark_Cohran · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

All I can say is grow a thicker skin. There's nothing wrong with you enjoying your hobby anymore than anyone else. Honestly, it's never bothered me, so perhaps I'm not the best one to give advice. If attention bothers you that much, have you thought about counseling?

Mark

BottomBracket · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

What kind of shooting do you do, what public area?

aIpha · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

Let me clarify, I don't mind the attention if I earned it and I can use it for something else productive. Clients I have love the work I do and I get great client retention and referrals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Cohran

If attention bothers you that much, have you thought about counseling?

Not really but I never considered it as a problem in my normal full-time job. People just think I'm just being modest which I see as a positive thing than being thought of as self-centered and attention-seeking person.

I guess I do need some thicker skin when I'm out shooting, I just wish people would at least pretend like they've seen a camera before instead of making it look like I'm holding the holy grail.

aIpha · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BottomBracket

What kind of shooting do you do, what public area?

Any kind of shooting really but in areas you would not expect a photographer.
Conventions, beaches during sunrise/sunset, zoos, gardens, etc... you expect a photographer or two.

But really places that have everyday normal everyday flow of pedestrians like downtown areas, shopping areas, etc.

Anke · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

You wait 'til your walking around with 4ft of white lens stuck to your camera body, then see how many looks you get

BottomBracket · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aIpha

Any kind of shooting really but in areas you would not expect a photographer.
Conventions, beaches during sunrise/sunset, zoos, gardens, etc... you expect a photographer or two.

But really places that have everyday normal everyday flow of pedestrians like downtown areas, shopping areas, etc.

You mean street shooting? No way around it, you re going to get attention from people because you are taking pictures of them. An irritated and uncomfortable demeanor will not help you at all, it is best if you try to blend it and have confidence in what you are doing. Have respect for the people around you, smile a lot - that always works.

There are lots of tips here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=155169

aIpha · 5th of April 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by BottomBracket

There are lots of tips here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=155169

That thread is great! Thanks for pointing it out.

20droger · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anke

You wait 'til your walking around with 4ft of white lens stuck to your camera body, then see how many looks you get

You have a refracting telescope stuck on your camera? Even the 1200mm f/5.6L USM is less than 33 inches.

If I've told you once, I've told you a million times! Don't exaggerate!

panasonic · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

Just a thought - when you are out taking street shots and capture people as well, do you ask those in the shot for permission to use their "image"?

August 15 Photography · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

Quote:

Originally Posted by aIpha

I am not a fan of the "quizzical" or "what-is-he-shooting" looks that I get when I'm shooting in a everyday type of public area. I feel slightly hurried and get uncomfortable with people stopping to look at what I'm doing. I am one of those people who absolutely despise attention - maybe because I got too much attention as a kid or something.

I know that it shouldn't matter but I can't help but still be bothered by it. Anyone else have same issue or have any recommendations/thoughts on how I can get over this mental issue?

Quizzical?............What do you call a Test??

August 15 Photography · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

I am a little the same way. What helps for me is my iPod, I just plug that in and just kind of get in a zone.

bieber · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

I'm tempted to try this iPod thing, but I really don't like the idea of not being able to hear someone walking up behind me while working with expensive equipment...

Tee Why · 6th of April 2007 (Fri)

Nope, doesn't bother me at all. It's a free country and I can shoot what I want and others can stare at whatever they want to.

5th of April 2007 (Thu)	#1
aIpha Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 761 IMAGE EDITING OK	Photography in everyday public areas I am not a fan of the "quizzical" or "what-is-he-shooting" looks that I get when I'm shooting in a everyday type of public area. I feel slightly hurried and get uncomfortable with people stopping to look at what I'm doing. I am one of those people who absolutely despise attention - maybe because I got too much attention as a kid or something. I know that it shouldn't matter but I can't help but still be bothered by it. Anyone else have same issue or have any recommendations/thoughts on how I can get over this mental issue? __________________ John - My Gear List Need blog/portfolio web hosting? See here.

5th of April 2007 (Thu)	#2
Mark_Cohran Moderator Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 15,543	Re: Photography in everyday public areas All I can say is grow a thicker skin. There's nothing wrong with you enjoying your hobby anymore than anyone else. Honestly, it's never bothered me, so perhaps I'm not the best one to give advice. If attention bothers you that much, have you thought about counseling? Mark __________________ Mark ----- Some primes, some zooms, some Ls, some bodies and they all play nice together. Thirty-five years of shooting and still learning. My G&N Blog (NSFW)- My Complete Gear List - Mac-Photo Website - *My Tumblr Site* (NSFW) G&N FORUM EARLY ACCESS & IMAGE POSTING RULES

5th of April 2007 (Thu)	#3
BottomBracket Cream of the Crop Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 6,398	Re: Photography in everyday public areas What kind of shooting do you do, what public area? __________________ Pio Veni, Vidi, Canoni - I Came, I Saw, I Took A Picture With My Canon Fotopio.com - Gallery of the Meandering Eye I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar.

5th of April 2007 (Thu)	#6
Anke "that rump shot is just adorable" UK SE Photographer of the Year 2009 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK Posts: 30,100 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography in everyday public areas You wait 'til your walking around with 4ft of white lens stuck to your camera body, then see how many looks you get __________________ Anke 1D Mark IV \| 16-35L II \| 24-70 f/2.8 II \| 70-200L f/2.8 II \| 100L Macro \| 50 f/1.4 \| 580EX II Join the Official POTN UK South-East Thread \| Follow me on Twitter \| Tunbridge Wells \| Flickr

6th of April 2007 (Fri)	#10
panasonic Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: from the UK, living in Germany Posts: 84 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography in everyday public areas Just a thought - when you are out taking street shots and capture people as well, do you ask those in the shot for permission to use their "image"? __________________ EOS 350 D 18-55 Kit 430 EX Speedlight Tamron AF 28-300 f3.5-6.3 XR Di LD and saving ...

6th of April 2007 (Fri)	#12
August 15 Photography Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 423 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography in everyday public areas I am a little the same way. What helps for me is my iPod, I just plug that in and just kind of get in a zone. __________________ Oooooh they have the internet on computers now. - Homer Simpson Cameras and Computers

6th of April 2007 (Fri)	#13
bieber Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,992 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Photography in everyday public areas I'm tempted to try this iPod thing, but I really don't like the idea of not being able to hear someone walking up behind me while working with expensive equipment... __________________ EOS 20D w/ BG-E2 grip Nifty fifty, EF 28mm f/2.8, EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Speedlights SB-25/SB-26/580EX, Pocket Wizards and such My Gallery

6th of April 2007 (Fri)	#14
Tee Why "Monkey's uncle" Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 10,579	Re: Photography in everyday public areas Nope, doesn't bother me at all. It's a free country and I can shoot what I want and others can stare at whatever they want to. __________________ Gallery: http://tomyi.smugmug.com/

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