do you prefer to shoot alone or with people?

I've noticed that when I'm with a friend or my parents and I pull out my camera, I always feel guilty that I'm making them wait and tend to rush and not take pictures that are as good. But I can't very well go into the city and shoot alone, since as a 16 year old with an expensive camera I'm always a little paranoid. I'm also afraid if I shoot in groups that people always tend to photograph similar things. Who do you find yourself shooting with?

To me it really doesn't matter, because once I go into "shooting"mode, I basically blank out anyone else who is around anyway. I concentrate all of my efforts and focus on the task at hand. It's actually one of the rare times when I can phase out everything else that is on my mind, and concentrate solely on making, and taking photographs. I'm always aware of my surroundings, but when I'm "working", photography has my undivided attention.

It is nice however to have a fellow/fellowette photographer alongside at times to shoot the s#!t, or talk shop, when I'm not actually shooting, or setting up for a shot.

I like my wife around for the company but she gets bored quickly. My photo buddies are great but I don't seem them for long enough, its only on my own that I can really slow down and look at stuff in minute detail. So basically a bit of all three is nice

I find it's usually better when a wedding has people in it. If I'm alone, it's just not the same.

Alone. No questions.

With others, you are always distracted. If I am by myself, I can do exactly what I want without worrying about the other person (are they bored, do they wanna do something else, etc).

My best photos have been taken while I am alone.

Vandit

I prefer shooting with people. It gives me some sense of competition and pressure to find the better angle/composition of the same subject. Also, I like having a company so I won't be as much under threats (thieves/police) compared to shooting alone.

It depends on the situation. At times I love to do my own thing with no one else around, because it is a time for me to relax and spend time looking at different angles and whatnot to approach what I am shooting. Other times it is great to shoot with others for the social interaction and other ideas that may come forth.

Alone

I love having the time to shoot alone, BUT, my the yearly lads trip to le mans is turning into a photo session as five of us are very keen - and I love it, especially last year after staying up through the night!

Alone when landscaping. /Dan

I mostly shoot alone. Birds and wildlife don't come around if your standing there talking, and the ones that do, you will miss shots and opportunities if your gabbing. On the other hand, I would like to have an opportunity to shoot with someone with a professional attitude about them, so I could learn more. That's happened once, and I actually did learn a lot.

Alone. Less distracting.

gregjp48,
I like both, alone and with others.

95% alone. Have a no tolerance zone with someone talking to me when I am shooting.

Alone.