I am a quite shy person ad often, when i find an interesting composition-subject (like a person doing something, a goup of people in a nice setting etc), i struggle to capture it because i feel like i’m being rude taking pictures without their approval, but at the same time i think that, by asking them, the spontaneity of the shot would be compromised. What’s your take about it?
Try to find people that want to express themselves, maybe even establish a little relationship before you start shooting so you can gain some trust and they “collaborate” with you. I find this part in photography also a nice thing- as the camera helping you meet people and exchange some moments. Most of them will be too busy to focus on what they are doing anyway if you say you shoot them while they are doing things, in a group, etc. I heard a great documentary filmmaker and photographer tell something like “you don’t want to steal someone’s image, you want to shoot people that are glad to be shot, to say something through your camera”. This mentality helped me loads with my work. Try and see if it works! good luck shooting!
I shoot first and ask questions later. thinking about this reminds me of the time i saw someone interesting on a bus pre-covid during one of the summer wildfires California has been having. Bright pink hair with a half face respirator looking down at a cell phone. I didn’t have my camera on me so snapped a quick shot on my cell phone. I always have flash off but for some reason it went off this time. She looked up and we made eye contact for a second. Was slightly awkward the rest of the bus ride. I think I felt weirder about it because I was behind a cell phone instead of a dslr.
Here’s a photo I took recently in SF. I tend to approach people by complimenting their outfit, look or a detail (hair, a jacket, sunglasses) and then ask if they’d be into a portrait. They usually says yes, but if they decline, I don’t take it personally. I then own the scene. You have to make sure you have the light you want. That you’re analyzing your frame.
I don’t ask. But I’m also careful to not get in people’s space or be obvious.
Illegal in some countries. Can’t legally post the photos anywhere without the person’s consent on both taking the photo AND posting it.
What countries? I know Germany has different laws than most western countries first and example.
Depends very heavily on whether there’s a reasonable expectation of privacy. There are almost no countries where taking a photo in a public place requires consent unless you’re violating a reasonable expectation of privacy, stalking or harassing them.
Posting is a different matter and varies more, but OP asked about taking photos rather than posting.
I see these street photographers saying hey I want to take photos and they be Ike oh yes of course you can do that.
I have a hard time believing it works that way in real life
Waist level finder, or have a digital camera with a flip-up screen. If you’re looking down at the camera, even if the lens is pointed at your subjects, it’ll seem less like you’re taking a picture of them than if you have the camera up to your eye and are pointing at them.
Take the photo, then flag them down so you can show them. Explain that you took it before asking so as to capture their natural appearance rather than a posed one. If they want it deleted, just delete it. Otherwise hand them a card so they know where to find it online later.
Source: I did party photography for 10 years.
Just take it would be my advise you soon realize majority of people don’t care and you can make it so it’s not obvious aswell with a bit of practice! I honestly wouldn’t stress it I do and did and missed to many shots so if you can I would say just take it I’ve never had anyone complain! 😁
It takes practice but you can do it. When you notice people you want to take a picture from it’s for a specific reason right. For example they have a cool style or outfit. When you approach them you explain that you are a photographer and would love to take a photo of them for the reason you decided before but say it in a compliment. Like “wow I really love your style because x”. If they don’t buy it then show your socials or portfolio. If they say no just say no problem and have a great day. After the mini shoot you could give them your business card so they can reach out if they want the photo and it’s a great way to get some person to person advertising.
I feel bad so, I photograph plants and animals 😅
I use a white van with the words “Free Candy” on the side, works every time. HA! j/k.
I’d say this is one area where certain gear sticks out and people kinda recognize it and think ‘oh yeah, he’s a professional’ which helps tremendously. I was in the SW corner of Colorado back in 2004 and these two young kids (under 10) kept calling me “The Photographer”… when you show up with multiple cameras and big white lenses and yeah, you can’t live it down really. I was enjoying DSLRs as they were new/fresh on the scene still and it didn’t matter where I went people begged me to take their picture. Don’t come off as creepy (no white vans, no free candy), just be polite and professional at all times. And NEVER think that because you’re the photographer that that gives you privileges. I remember ducking out from in front of a couple at a hockey game and they were shocked. No other photographers ever apologized or got out of their way or view of the game. What we do is a privilege not a right.
This is another I took in SF as well. It can be intimidating to go up to people, but you have to engage. It’s the nature of shooting portraiture photography. And like any “muscle”, the more you use it, the better you get. You smile, you wink, you laugh a bit more. Jazz folks up. Ask their name. In the end, they’re just people.
Nice photo.
Invest in a super telephoto.
No need to talk to anyone.
If you think its going to be a good photo take it and explain yourself after. Most people are fine with it so they will just continue doing what they are doing. I’d find it awkward and a bit annoying to talk to every person I photograph on the street, but happy to speak to anyone who wants to ask.
Check laws about public photography but most places its fine to take photos of whatever you can see.
Just take the photo and wait for result) In my experience, most people don’t care about your camera. Of course there would be people that would complain about that, but it’s a rare case.
Just do some things that you shy about and soon you’ll get confidence.
