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How to approach people in general for their photo?


12 years 6 months ago #153278 by trishulpani
I have been taking random shots for quite some time now - but I guess the most interesting for me are people, landscape and flowers. I have specifically got a 50mm F1.8 lens for the purpose and have taken photos of family members etc - and some of them have worked well. It seems to work well when I 'know' something about the person and when they are comfortable in front of the camera - and being family members or close friends, there's little trouble convincing them for a photo :)

But, I'm yet to figure out how to approach people on the street for a shot? It's probably not even something that has to do with photography - but am hoping people with more experience will be able to help me a bit here so that next time I'm on the street , I can 'actually' take some portraits of strangers who I find interesting !

Thanks for your time :)
,
12 years 6 months ago - 12 years 6 months ago #153291 by MLKstudios
Some business cards might help.

Your confidence will grow with your skill level. After you get a few good stranger pics, it'll become easier.

:)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"
The following user(s) said Thank You: trishulpani
,
12 years 6 months ago #153308 by photobod
Its called being cheeky, you have to approach confidently, you have to explain why you want to take a photo and offer them a copy if they would like, take an email address if so, it takes a certain amount of courage, I did a series many years ago of homeless people it was for a college course, on those accassions I always carried a few cans of pop and some sandwiches, never offered them money for obvious reasons, it worked every time.

Be brave they can only say yes or no.
www.dcimages.org.uk
"A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective." - Irving Penn
The following user(s) said Thank You: trishulpani
,
12 years 6 months ago #153359 by chasrich
Ask for their first born. Apply an implied threat... then just tell them you'll settle for a quick snapshot.

Seriously, what would YOU say if I approached you on the street? Now there might be some exceptions as not everyone is approachable so do screen some of the scarier types. Simply ask for a shot if they say yes then stop talking. If they seem interested then maybe explain what you are doing. I've gotten permission with a simply gesture with the camera and a nod from the subject. It is not that big a deal.

I had one lady in Jamaica ask for payment when I took her photo on the street. I simply thanked her for dressing so nice and gave her a dollar. I saw another fellow in Key West that had dressed his dog as well as himself and openly advertised he was available for some shots - for a donation that is...

Cheeky works too - right David?
“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
The following user(s) said Thank You: trishulpani
,
12 years 6 months ago #153451 by trishulpani
Thanks a lot guys...
,
12 years 6 months ago #153601 by photobod

chasrich wrote: Ask for their first born. Apply an implied threat... then just tell them you'll settle for a quick snapshot.

Seriously, what would YOU say if I approached you on the street? Now there might be some exceptions as not everyone is approachable so do screen some of the scarier types. Simply ask for a shot if they say yes then stop talking. If they seem interested then maybe explain what you are doing. I've gotten permission with a simply gesture with the camera and a nod from the subject. It is not that big a deal.

I had one lady in Jamaica ask for payment when I took her photo on the street. I simply thanked her for dressing so nice and gave her a dollar. I saw another fellow in Key West that had dressed his dog as well as himself and openly advertised he was available for some shots - for a donation that is...

Cheeky works too - right David?


Oh yes Chas Cheeky works every time for me.
www.dcimages.org.uk
"A good photograph is one that communicate a fact, touches the heart, leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective." - Irving Penn
,

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