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06/19/2006 12:21:52 AM · #1 |
Hello, I was out today with my camera along the Delaware River in New Jersey, it was a beautiful evening and as me and my girfriend were walking we encountered about 5 very interesting looking people who would make great subjects for a quick shot. We both thought that we would like to shoot them but were too shy to approach. Also as we were walking we heard an old guy make a remark about us taking pictures to his other friend. Something like if that son of a bitch tries to take my picture I'll flip him off in the shot. This is where I have a question. When out in public what is the best way to take a picture of someone (an adult) who you think may make an interesting shot. I find that if you ask them to be in a picture even if they agree then they are posing and you don't get a real shot. But I would hate to sneak a picture and have the embarssment of catching an unwilling subject in my viewfinder. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
thank you,
damien tancredi
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06/19/2006 12:24:49 AM · #2 |
I just take their picture and if they have a problem with it I give them one of these:
No, but seriously, just take the picture. If they have a problem with it, tell them you're allowed, and if they don't want their picture taken to go inside...if they put up a fight, either call the police or defend yourself appropriately.
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06/19/2006 12:49:20 AM · #3 |
take the picture! otherwise you'll never have interesting stories like this to tell!!! :0P
Originally posted by pawdrix:
Right after I took this picture, this guy whipped out his weenie...shook it at me and growled "take a f***in picture of the this motherf***er"
I did think that that was a very nice thing to say to a photographer. |
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06/19/2006 12:57:12 AM · #4 |
Shoot first, ask questions later. ;)
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06/19/2006 01:09:47 AM · #5 |
I don't know...some people don't really have a choice of whether they are in a public place or not. A while back I came across a person, obviously homeless- or at the least down-and-out - sitting on the sidewalk across the street that I thought might make an interesting subject. However, my natural reluctanct to photograph people without thewir knowledge/permission stopped me. After I crossed the street and passed him I said something like "Nice day" to which he replied with something like "For some. I hope you didn't take my photograph...we're humans too, you know."
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics?
Message edited by author 2006-06-19 01:12:13. |
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06/19/2006 01:16:51 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by jemison:
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics? |
Agreed. I think in the case of a homeless person, it would be much better to go up and visit with them, give them some spare change, and ask them if they wouldn't mind posing for a photograph.
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06/19/2006 01:24:11 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by justin_hewlett:
Originally posted by jemison:
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics? |
Agreed. I think in the case of a homeless person, it would be much better to go up and visit with them, give them some spare change, and ask them if they wouldn't mind posing for a photograph. |
While my sentiments are with you on this, it still seems so dehumanizing...what kind of country do we live in, anyway?
Bill (Bleeding Heart Club charter member) |
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06/19/2006 01:28:25 AM · #8 |
| I appreciate your responses I remember an old book I read that suggested you promise to mail people a print when you are done. That's an interesting concept. Also though taking the nice picture rarely gets anything done, and cameras are part of the reason people care. I don't believe the world trade center or hurricane katrina would have had nearly the effect it did on me had I not seen images of it with my own two eyes. words can only do so much for my pebble brain. |
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06/19/2006 01:30:43 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by jemison:
Originally posted by justin_hewlett:
Originally posted by jemison:
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics? |
Agreed. I think in the case of a homeless person, it would be much better to go up and visit with them, give them some spare change, and ask them if they wouldn't mind posing for a photograph. |
While my sentiments are with you on this, it still seems so dehumanizing...what kind of country do we live in, anyway?
Bill (Bleeding Heart Club charter member) |
I disagree totally. Shot properly it can be totally humanizing. How often do we pass the homeless without seeing anything but a bundle of scruffy clothing? This is a chance to put a face to these faceless homeless, a chance to show the human being behind the stereotype. It can remind us that these ARE people, with a story, with feelings, with dreams and desires. People who, if the cirmstances had been different, could be our neighbours, our friends, or family... or us. |
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06/19/2006 01:35:09 AM · #10 |
| I have so much difficulty asking someone if I can take their picture. I'm afraid they'll attack me or yell or make a huge scene. But I've missed out on some would-be amazing shots. |
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06/19/2006 01:40:44 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by BeeCee:
Originally posted by jemison:
Originally posted by justin_hewlett:
Originally posted by jemison:
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics? |
Agreed. I think in the case of a homeless person, it would be much better to go up and visit with them, give them some spare change, and ask them if they wouldn't mind posing for a photograph. |
While my sentiments are with you on this, it still seems so dehumanizing...what kind of country do we live in, anyway?
Bill (Bleeding Heart Club charter member) |
I disagree totally. Shot properly it can be totally humanizing. How often do we pass the homeless without seeing anything but a bundle of scruffy clothing? This is a chance to put a face to these faceless homeless, a chance to show the human being behind the stereotype. It can remind us that these ARE people, with a story, with feelings, with dreams and desires. People who, if the cirmstances had been different, could be our neighbours, our friends, or family... or us. |
But, how many of us - if we are really honest about it - are in a position where we can make an iota of difference with our photographs? I'd love - more that I can really express - to be there, but I just am not. If one of my photographs could change the world, I'd never stop shooting.
What are our motives? Really? |
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06/19/2006 01:48:01 AM · #12 |
once i was photographing some stuff in an alleyway and was approached by a homeless man from behind...he was very large and intimidating, but stepped to the side and asked for some spare change. i gave him a handful and asked if i could take his picture, and he kept demanding to know why, and if i was giving them to anyone, and if they'd be in the paper, and i assured him that it was only for my own personal use, and then gave him two more handfuls of change. i then promptly took off, and he followed me for several blocks...i ducked in and out of traffic trying to shake him and it wasn't until i went into a store and out the other side of the building that i lost track of him.
did get a couple of nice pictures, though. these are scanned from the negatives, as i haven't had these printed up yet (a friend developed for me; i have yet to learn my way around a darkroom). the first shot is the one i took before he came up behind me.
but yeah. there is my photography street people story.
i hate asking people permission to take their picture. it ruins the moment. i generally do it as discretely as possible (with a small peashooter it's not that hard).
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06/19/2006 01:52:28 AM · #13 |
I would take them from time to time with my kodaks which were small and unassuming, but now i have a rebel xt with a grip, everyone knows your taking a picture when you take one and it's kinda loud with the shutter as well. I guess i should start carrying my 6490 when i shoot again
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06/19/2006 01:52:32 AM · #14 |
We may not be able to change the world, but we can make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes all a person needs is to feel that someone notices they're even alive, to give them the strength to go on living.
Sometimes the camera just gives us a reason to make contact with someone we normally would pass by, and even if we do nothing with the photograph, we've made a difference. |
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06/19/2006 01:58:47 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by BeeCee:
We may not be able to change the world, but we can make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes all a person needs is to feel that someone notices they're even alive, to give them the strength to go on living.
Sometimes the camera just gives us a reason to make contact with someone we normally would pass by, and even if we do nothing with the photograph, we've made a difference. |
I suppose you're right...but what about the situation I mentioned? This person obviously felt he would be exploited by my intrusion. If you just go ahead and shoot is that the right thing to do? What if you already had the shot? Would you keep it or not? |
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06/19/2006 02:00:22 AM · #16 |
i would use my 500mm zoom with a 2x adaptor Then the subject has no idea I am taking their photo and even if they do notice I will have a 1000mm head start.
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06/19/2006 02:07:17 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by jemison:
Originally posted by justin_hewlett:
Originally posted by jemison:
I know it is "legal" in that circumstance, but what are the ethics? |
Agreed. I think in the case of a homeless person, it would be much better to go up and visit with them, give them some spare change, and ask them if they wouldn't mind posing for a photograph. |
While my sentiments are with you on this, it still seems so dehumanizing...what kind of country do we live in, anyway?
Bill (Bleeding Heart Club charter member) |
I'm saying that, as opposed to just going up, shooting, and leaving, why not have a conversation, get to know them, take them out to lunch, etc. I can't understand how this is dehumanizing in any way. It seems to me that it would be much more dehumanizing to simply ignore them.
Message edited by author 2006-06-19 02:08:53.
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06/19/2006 02:09:20 AM · #18 |
I must say I have this one advantage with Sony R1, its silent. No one could find out when you shot them. And with waist level lcd panel, it becomes more difficult to subject to know if you are shooting for just fiddling with your camera. I have been able to cpature some good shots lately because of this.
Originally posted by tancredi:
I would take them from time to time with my kodaks which were small and unassuming, but now i have a rebel xt with a grip, everyone knows your taking a picture when you take one and it's kinda loud with the shutter as well. I guess i should start carrying my 6490 when i shoot again |
Message edited by author 2006-06-19 02:09:42. |
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06/19/2006 02:18:51 AM · #19 |
I dont wanna comment about taking photos of strangers, BUT
I wont like it if my photos are taken without my knowledge!
Even more if I see it posted on some website with a short story about me (when obviously the photographer doesn't know me!) |
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06/19/2006 02:19:28 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by jemison:
I suppose you're right...but what about the situation I mentioned? This person obviously felt he would be exploited by my intrusion. If you just go ahead and shoot is that the right thing to do? What if you already had the shot? Would you keep it or not? |
In that case, no, I wouldn't go ahead and shoot or keep any shot I already had. To tell the truth, I'm one of those who has a very hard time taking pictures of strangers, though I'm trying to work on that.
This was a stone carver who sold his art from a blanket in the Inner Harbour. I think it was the first time I'd asked a stranger if I could photograph him, then I spent a while chatting with him. I wish I could have stayed longer, because he was fascinating. A hard life had certainly left its mark on him, but his spirit just shone.
I took this for "hands" challenge, but neglected to watch my background and his waterbottle needed cloning out ('twas a basic challenge). I still love the photo, mainly because of the memories of getting it. |
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06/19/2006 02:20:59 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by zxaar:
I must say I have this one advantage with Sony R1, its silent. No one could find out when you shot them. And with waist level lcd panel, it becomes more difficult to subject to know if you are shooting for just fiddling with your camera. I have been able to cpature some good shots lately because of this.
Originally posted by tancredi:
I would take them from time to time with my kodaks which were small and unassuming, but now i have a rebel xt with a grip, everyone knows your taking a picture when you take one and it's kinda loud with the shutter as well. I guess i should start carrying my 6490 when i shoot again |
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I find this very troubling. Visual wiretapping, IMO. Sort of like papparazi of the unsuspecting. |
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06/19/2006 02:44:09 AM · #22 |
| I do sometimes take shots without the subject knowing, but try not to take anything they'd object to if they did look my way, which they sometimes do. I just don't feel comfortable with it. I guess it all depends on who/what/where/why. |
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06/19/2006 03:41:57 AM · #23 |
| I haven't taken many photos of people on the street that I don't know, but I have been shooting next to a road at night and had someone stop their car to bitch at me on two occasions... I say if you can capture a good moment, take the picture and then pretend you never even looked them; if they come over and talk to you about it, what you say depends on their demeanor... if they're yelling at you, you'll have to decide if they can kick your ass before you inform them you have the right to photograph people in public places and there's nothing they can do to stop you. If you decide they can kick your ass, and if the picture doesn't look to be anything special, delete it and apoligise. If it's good... run? |
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06/19/2006 05:12:33 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by deapee:
I just take their picture and if they have a problem with it I give them one of these:
No, but seriously, just take the picture. If they have a problem with it, tell them you're allowed, and if they don't want their picture taken to go inside...if they put up a fight, either call the police or defend yourself appropriately. |
Wonderful attitude. Exceptional role model for photography and humanity in general. Geesh. Guess the only people allowed outside are photographers?
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06/19/2006 06:32:32 AM · #25 |
Hi My experience its that candid shots have to be candid without subject knowing. I generally dont like being photographed but on occassions I have asked someone to take my phot as a way of introducing myself and then ask it they would like a photo of themselves which is a way of asking permission and I happily send a pic to them via email if theym wish. Thismight not be right to the dicussion point but alsas mysay thanks all David
//davidsdigital.blogspot.com/ |
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