Shooting People without being a creep

Shooting candid photos is inextricably intrusive, and some people are going to object. Still, the majority of folks don't notice or mind, or at least they don't react in a hostile fashion.

That said, how comfortable you feel about it will depend on your character; I'm still hesitant about lifting the camera, and I've missed a number of shots because of this. As Persephone mentioned, you can try "shooting from the hip." I like looking through the viewfinder, so I try to be as quick as possible. I preset focus and already have the exposure set, so it's just a matter of composing the shot in my mind while lifting the camera, pressing the shutter button, and moving on.

Also, I don't photograph anyone doing something that I wouldn't want to be photographed doing…this is not a broad rule, it is purely a personal decision.

If you are earnest and respect what you are doing, it won't necessarily neutralize the nerves, but it will help.

I can certainly understand this issue.
It helps to situate yourself in a place with lots of people.

For instance, for me, a New Yorker, Time Square is easy b/c it's not unusual at all to be shooting. When you see something interesting with people in it, you pretend you are shooting a landmark all the while figure out the exposure, composition, etc. Then when you are ready, point the camera to the people and shoot.

Of course you can't always do that and I agree, if you feel like a creep, then you are going to give off that vibe.

I think the simple fact is, most people don't care. It's the ones that give you a glare that you remember the most.

I've actually tried to shoot what looked to be a homeless couple. They had interesting signs on them, etc. They saw me with my camera pointed to them and they came after me! Screaming and cursing at me. Calling me all kinds of names. Of course being the New Yorker that I am, I humored them by returning the favor.


Some examples:

This was central park, so not unusual for me to be shooting there. I thought this was an interesting scene and noticed that the reader was so immersed in his reading, that he probably wasn't going to notice me with my 135L kneeling on the ground taking this photo.

Persephone wrote in post #9548868
I shoot from the hip...

This.

Of course, it lessens the percentage of good shots.

Mike wrote in post #9546579
I have found that listening to music through headphones can help - it kind of detaches you from your surroundings so you feel less self conscious.

Also, a long lens sure does help.

Fail!

Just the opposite, you need to stand out and interact with the people... no one likes rude surprises, cold fish, or unfriendly peeps with cams.
A street shot where the subject is frowning because of you is no prize. Why to people show off their failures?

If they don't want to be shot, I don't want to show them! I delete those images...

Bwqian wrote in post #9544528
Hi guys,
I was just wondering how you guys can shoot random people in public without being a creep. Whenever I try to shoot people (as in a crowd or something), I always get unpleasant glares...how can you avoid it?

Don't listen to the posers here.
Most people are nice if you look like you know what your doing and not threatening.
A pro cam helps, and NEVER try to hide; what you see, is what you get!

Try to make eye contact when they spot you, and most times they will! Smile, say hi if they're within ear shot, and answer their questions if they ask.
When I do surprise someone anyway and grab their image before they realize it, I give them a smile and a nod, as I appreciate the free model!
Be sincere, and honest.

The more space and people, the better.
The more police that are around, the better.
Establish your presence by standing out in a non-offensive way, talk with people and mingle in between shots.
If your not in a social mood, don't street shoot!

Get down in a knelling, sitting, or even prong position. Your less threatening when below their eye level, and puts them in control. You want peeps to feel at ease... and not confront them.

-Never intentionally insult or deliberately humiliate your subjects.-
You need to have ethics about where, what, and who you shoot.
If you don't it will impact you negatively, call it karma.

It takes practice, patience, time to develop your skills as a street shooter. Your shooting style is a direct reflection of who you are, or aren't...

Confidence is important as street shooting isn't for shrinking violets. Shrinking violets make poor subjects while bold ones tend to be really fun. Leave the meek to their peace.
The 50mm was made for street shooting...

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The thing is, if you chat them up, it's no longer candid and it's somewhat staged. That's just not my style of street shooting. (Not that I've got a style that's worth mentioning... )

It's just s tricky thing...it's a matter of having the balls to just go out there and shoot.

i agree with that, the point of street shooting to me is to catch people in their natural element...when you say "hi, im this guy and i want to know if i can snap a shot" ruins this.

when i do take street pics (im a complete noob so it hasnt happened much...) i take the time after to approach them if they look interested. if not i just move on.

dont try to force it on them, and dont try to neglect them...go with the flow and feeling of the situation and you will be fine, and so will they!

Tbirder wrote in post #9548906
Dang, I'm 47, have a grey ZZ Top beard, I'm so bald I shaved off what little hair I had left, I have a '62 Thunderbird on airbags, my mum passed away recently and my wife thinks my photography is a pain in the butt. Man, am I screwed or what?

lol...you sound like someone i would be hanging out with at the shows I shoot in the summer, I drive a truck bodydropped and bagged on 20's...
luckily for me most of my people/street shots are at shows and people just assume i am working for a mag and leave me alone...

bdpaco wrote in post #9549935
lol...you sound like someone i would be hanging out with at the shows I shoot in the summer, I drive a truck bodydropped and bagged on 20's...
luckily for me most of my people/street shots are at shows and people just assume i am working for a mag and leave me alone...

same for me aswell! when im doing shots in parking garages and such people always assume that i work for a magazine or something lol.

they always seem to be less shy or out of place when im shooting my car...ive had a few ask what mag and when they would be published! i should just start making stuff up for laughs.

nicksan wrote in post #9549706
The thing is, if you chat them up, it's no longer candid and it's somewhat staged. That's just not my style of street shooting. (Not that I've got a style that's worth mentioning... )

It's just s tricky thing...it's a matter of having the balls to just go out there and shoot.

It's not just balls, it's charisma.
The style comes with time and by learning from how people react. Some days you just need to walk away. It's a dance of sorts.
NYNY, is a tough crowd... but not impossible.
Again, having lots of cops around and crowds, helps. As mentioned by Quad, festivals are good because cams are expected there.

Cigarettes will help when shooting the homeless... a pack is small price for models.

Rarely do I stage anything, just being friendly, not being aloof. If they see me when I'm shooting them, that when they react, sometimes I will ask if the shot is hard to line up, but that's rare.

That shot above was taking about 2 seconds or less after the girl closest to me became aware of what I was packing. You can see the blond in the background reacting. Never met them before; they sized me up that fast.
They also had two big guys with them; that helps although some would be intimidated, it allows the subject to feel "safe".
Sometimes you get them before they see you, but when not, a smile or a laugh is so much better than a scowling stranger.

I take it as it comes, but no cheap shots. If people see you shooting others, they tend to view it as being ok. If they aren't good with it, they leave or otherwise let you know. After a bit they don't pay any attention to you, and you have become invisible by being visible!

Some people do go nuts though, not often but it happens.
I've had more the one cop walk up or drive up to me, and ask if I worked for the paper, no... If you were not being rude or hiding, most cops can tell... so how you interact with those you shoot is important.
If you ever were suspected of something, and the police look at your images, and see lots of smiling faces, it speaks for it's self. So would the reverse. It's happened to me.

This shot was not staged. I was kneeling down, and the big guy on the left was the boy's Dad I think. He looked a bit unpleasing, but after I took this shot, I tipped my hat to him, smiled, and as he passed by his face soften.

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Quad wrote in post #9547023
Two things I can suggest.

1) Use a short/standard lens and get close to the people. Someone close is less of a voyeur than that "creep" way off thinking they are being discrete with a telephoto (sorry telephoto shooters just my opinion/experience). The known is usually less scary to people than the unknown. It is also part of the feel like a creep and you will likley act like one idea. You also gety a chance to interact a bit with people and you can photograph them while chatting.

It is a real good idea if you are able to return latter with a well made print to give them. I have given photos to madmen on the street (who have posed for me so it is not like they objected to me photographing them) and have had it ripped up in my face. Mad people may do all sorts of things and I would never let myself be fazed by that at all. They can do what they want with my gift and if I took another photo I would return and deliver a print made with as much care as any print. People have given you their image and you can return something to them. If you are often photographing in the same area you become part of the community.

2) Go to a festival/parade or something where lots of people are gathered. Especially where people are dressed up in costumes and such. Many people are there to be seen and will not mind at all. This will get you used to working in a fluid manner. If you get good at working smoothly things just seem to go better than if you are futzing around with gear.

Spot on.

I just wouldn't care, and go about my business.
I have seen and thought about using one of these

http://photojojo.com …productImages/8​c52724.jpg

Just say that they just got in the way of something interesting

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote in post #9548791
I'm a beginner and I've only tried this three or four times but I've found that people are too kind and try to move out of the way because they think they're blocking my shot

Like Rainyday, I'm also female, small and middle-aged and in my case I have a penchant for tweed so I don't think the public has much to fear.

I'm intrigued about the reason for covering up a bald spot though ...

LOL


I had someone taking pics of my kid the other day at the park, I wasn't too happy to be honest. I thought of taking pics of his kid to see his reaction but stopped myself.


I guess I'm the only person it bothers

^it'd bother me too, that's just creepy.

what's so interesting about someone else's kids? honestly.

Absolutely Fabulous wrote in post #9550258
LOL


I had someone taking pics of my kid the other day at the park, I wasn't too happy to be honest. I thought of taking pics of his kid to see his reaction but stopped myself.


I guess I'm the only person it bothers

What's creepy is when people start thinking that. Was it because the guy was treating the child and you like objects?

Many Moms don't mind, and some of them are photographers too. Real creeps will use conceal P&S, and try grabbing shots without being seen.

Point being don't take a shot of a subject that doesn't want their image taken, or one the isn't interesting, or that humiliates/harms the subject. Ethics is everything here.

The Mom and Dad knew I was shooting their girl, and the band, and others... I don't just shoot one thing or type of person. No way I would have not wanted to shot this little one as she was just rocking out to the tunes. Best subject that night, but she was tough to catch in the low light. She just wasn't ever still!

She isn't posing for me; this what she was doing when I first walked up the the band and people. She was just having a great time, and thought to myself what lucking/good parents they are...

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