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/though​ts on how I can get over this mental issue?

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

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

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.

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #2992454
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.

BottomBracket wrote in post #2992529
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.

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

aIpha wrote in post #2992572
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: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=155169

BottomBracket wrote in post #2992716
There are lots of tips here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=155169

That thread is great! Thanks for pointing it out.

Anke wrote in post #2992600
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!

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"?

aIpha wrote in post #2992439
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/though​ts on how I can get over this mental issue?

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

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.

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...

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.