Do you get camera shy when taking photos of people on the street?

13 years 2 months ago #16956 by Casey T
I'm talking about street photos. I was out and about yesterday and came across a few opportunities of some good street photos. One time I was focused on a guy who was about 25 feet from me, just as I was getting ready to take the photo he looked at me and I pretended to take my photo of some thing else.

This isn't the first time this has happened with me. I guess I'm concerned someone might get mad that I took their photo. Has anyone been approached for taking someone's photo on the street with out asking?

What do you do?

My Passion is being behind my camera and my family.
Photo Comments
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13 years 2 months ago #16960 by photobod
Take the photo, if they come over to ask you why, which is unlikely, tell them the truth, offer them a copy of the photo, all you need is there email address, I once took some photos in a market area, when asked by a stall holder why I was taking photos, I told him it was for a college course I was on, he asked if I could give him a copy of the photo, I said yes then he advised me to be careful as a lot of the workers on the market were on benefits and working cash in hand, that made me chuckle but I had no problems.

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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13 years 2 months ago #16973 by Baydream
Probably nervous about "Homeland Security'. Since you are in a public place, you can shoot away. If you tried to use the shot for "financial gain" you would need a "model release".
Photobod is right. People usually just want to know why. In Halifax, NS, I was shooting in the Public Gardens and noticed children playing. No one cared that I was catching their antics but in some place, paranoia runs deep.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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13 years 2 months ago #16991 by studioaphoto
I approach people all the time on the street. There was a time when I would have hesitated, but just remember that we are photographers. It's kind of our thing. I like to think I'm recording an important and significant moment, even if it isn't. Either way that moment will never happen again.

Tanis
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13 years 2 months ago #16997 by avery
Over the years I have taken probably hundreds of candid photos on the street. Most of the time the people were unaware I had taken a photo. But, yes, once in awhile someone will approach me and ask "Did you just take my picture? Why?"

I'm always honest with them, telling them I am simply fascinated by all the different shapes, sizes, expressions, etc. out there. I always assure them I have no plans to sell the photos. That's usually enough.

Occasionally someone will still object and I will promise to delete the photo. Of course, in today's digital world, it's easy to actually show them you are deleting. In the old film world, you had to convince them you would do it.

Just be open and honest and don't try to hide. Most people will be okay with it.


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13 years 2 months ago #17023 by Casey T
You guys are all awesome, thank you for the input. I feel a lot more comfortable already.

My Passion is being behind my camera and my family.
Photo Comments
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13 years 2 months ago #17099 by Rob pix4u2
street photos are journalistic recordings of everyday life and as such you are contributing to the archives of mankind. Who knows what value will be placed upon them in the future? Right now musician Peter Frampton is searching for pix taken with him by regular fans dating back to the 1970s for use in an upcoming tour. Who would have imagined that back in 1977? so go ahead and shoot... someday you may be very happy you recorded that moment in time.

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 2 months ago #17536 by ShadowWalker
It really depends on my mood, for the most part I just fire away.


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13 years 2 months ago #17562 by sarahpepco
I have taken some pictures of people on the streets, but I am also afraid of someone coming over to me and beating the heck out of because I took a picture of them or of their child.


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13 years 2 months ago #17952 by Foxy Girl
Hi Casey,

I personally don't take that many street shots yet, might just change that one of these days! If they see taking their photo I might just say hi and show them their photo.


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13 years 2 months ago - 13 years 2 months ago #18015 by Stealthy Ninja
Not a lot, but I have the Stealthy techniques down.

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13 years 2 months ago #18078 by Rob pix4u2

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Not a lot, but I have the Stealthy techniques down.

great facial expression for someone sitting on a fireplug

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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