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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Embarassed to shoot in public.
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 11/08/2008 11:23:49 AM · #1
I feel somewhat embarrassed to get out with the dSLR and take pictures in public.

The sad thing is that I love architecture, and I'd photograph every building if I could, but I just feel so self concious that people are looking at me and thinking what the hell is he doing.

I bought my camera a few months back and I just don't feel as if I'm making use of it at all.

Tips please :d

Dan.
 11/08/2008 11:27:26 AM · #2
Paranoia is a lousy world view. Maybe stop worrying about other people and just go do it.
 11/08/2008 11:29:21 AM · #3
Take someone with you. Preferably another photographer if possible, but if not, just another person. You'll have someone to talk to, and people will think you're a tourist. :-) Once you get out there and get used to shooting a bit, then you'll be more comfortable shooting on your own. I shoot all the time - everywhere. People do look at me funny, and occasionally yell at me - the plus side is I don't really care if they look at me funny (I'm WAY too old to care about such things) and when they yell at me, it's in German and I generally don't understand so I just smile and continue on my way. But get out there - there's a whole world to see and shoot!
 11/08/2008 11:29:26 AM · #4
Something similar happens to me! I'm not exactly embarrased, but somewhat afraid. What I've done is gather a couple of friends and go shooting together, that way I feel a lot better!!!
 11/08/2008 11:32:53 AM · #5
Originally posted by dd1989:
I feel somewhat embarrassed to get out with the dSLR and take pictures in public.

The sad thing is that I love architecture, and I'd photograph every building if I could, but I just feel so self concious that people are looking at me and thinking what the hell is he doing.

I bought my camera a few months back and I just don't feel as if I'm making use of it at all.

Tips please :d

Dan.


I don't have that problem but I see where you're coming from! Here's a great tip: wear headphones and listen to your favourite music! It will give you the feeling that you're not surrounded by people but with music which you love. It helps. Plus, nobody will try to talk to you and bother you. You might try with those big ones!
 11/08/2008 12:03:13 PM · #6
I used to be that way. Still am a bit, photographing people. Was approached one time about what was I doing, when photographing a road, that little known to me only had one house on it so the neighbor was a little protective. When I told him that I was photographing the road for a photography contest, and what the theme was, he seemed satisfied. I offered to show him the picture, and he just said, "No that's OK." and left me to continue shooting.

Since then I haven't worried about what onlookers think. Most likely they think you are a pro, if you have a DSLR.

Shoot it like you own it....
 11/08/2008 12:39:20 PM · #7
I'm the same way. I get worried about other people.

Originally posted by ambaker:
...Most likely they think you are a pro, if you have a DSLR.


And make one of these (on flickr);

[thumb]737553[/thumb]

It looks kind of official like, for the casual glances. Use a better picture than the one I used.
 11/08/2008 12:53:06 PM · #8
Originally posted by dd1989:
I feel somewhat embarrassed to get out with the dSLR and take pictures in public.

The sad thing is that I love architecture, and I'd photograph every building if I could, but I just feel so self concious that people are looking at me and thinking what the hell is he doing.

I bought my camera a few months back and I just don't feel as if I'm making use of it at all.

Tips please :d

Dan.


I feel your pain, but I feel it less now than I used to. Keep in mind that some are in fact thinking, "What the hell is he doing?!"

But these are the same people that may or may not stumble over one of your photographs later on and think, "Wow, what an impressive shot!"

I was never terribly self-conscious shooting buildings. But graffiti, trash... "Why is that guy photographing a light pole?!" I had to lay on the ground with college students all around me (and my son hiding with embarrassment in the bushes) to get this:


Assuming an awkward posture to get a photograph one day, a lady told me she thought I was peeing.

Bottom line: The more you do it, the less awkward it feels. Now I'm shooting candid shots of people in the street! Discreetly of course. Well, most of the time.
 11/08/2008 12:58:28 PM · #9
Although no doubt it is easier for me (as a woman), some people are still afraid of my camera.

I sometimes print out the challenge detail page from DPC and take it with me, so that should anyone question me, I have something to help convince them that I am NOT a terrorist or child molester.

I've only ever once actually showed the print-out to someone, but I think that simply knowing I have it there helps my attitude and probably comes across to others.
 11/08/2008 01:14:51 PM · #10
In my experience, in bigger cities such as Toronto, most people only care about their own business. I often spend my noon-hours in Toronto with my camera, lately sitting in the middle of busy sidewalks. There are so many homeless people sitting in the middle of sidewalks there, that people hardly notice me. Some do, and try to get out of my shots, though, which is too bad because I'm trying to be invisible.

In smaller places, like Burlington, or its outskirts, people are more likely to say hello and chat about photography and equipment or whatever, which I quite enjoy.

Just a few weeks ago, I was at the side of a road, set up with a tripod, almost in the middle of nowhere in the Adirondacks for some sunrise shots. Pretty early in the morning, and still pretty dark out. Some guy stopped across the road when he saw me, got out with his point & shoot, snapped a few shots while standing off a safe distance to my right, then worked his way over to me for a chat. He said he was out to take some shots for his wife, as she's not mobile enough to get out. Looking back now, I wish I'd got his address so I could send them a print, but it was very early, I hadn't had a coffee yet, and my brain wasn't in full gear. :-(

I guess the moral of my stories are: people are just people, like you and I. Put yourself in their shoes. If you see someone taking photos, do you think less of them? The few people that might have a problem seeing photographers aren't normal, by any stretch. Some are curious, others don't care, the rest enjoy photography as well and might just be trying to see what gear you're using, or are trying to find the courage to chat with you.

Shoot with confidence and own the space you're in. If someone looks as if they're going to give me a hard time, I give them a smile and a nod, while owning my space. This doesn't apply if the person giving you a hard time is a very angry New Orleans Sheriff. In that case it's best just to concentrate on not peeing your pants in fear. ;-)
 11/08/2008 01:17:16 PM · #11
I agree with many others that taking someone with you helps. I had a student who asked me to go with her for a project she was doing in a hospital. So if you don't look like you belong or act confidently you get harassed. There are lots of considerations for privacy there at the hospital. So two of us together looked much more like we knew what we were doing. Additionally since I work at Duke and we were shooting in a Duke hospital and I had Duke ID it helped out quite a bit. I will something that helped me though was starting off somewhere that is not frequented by many people. As you get more comfortable carrying your gear you will feel more at ease with it the more people you run into. I was always nervous then I got even bigger and more gawdy gear. Think 40D battery grip. BIG L White glass and now a flash and lightsphere. So this massive set of gear I am carrying around in a public garden. And typically people don't even look as I feel pretty confident about what I am doing. Take heart it can get better but it lies with you to feel more comfortable and typically other people will as well.

GOOD LUCK!! :)
 11/08/2008 01:29:44 PM · #12
Originally posted by dd1989:
Tips please :d

I feel the same way sometimes, but much less than I used to. I take my camera with me everywhere these days, and that helps. I also find my self-consciousness fades once I've broken the ice and taken a few photos. So when you're out, don't wait for the perfect shot, just shoot some boring stuff at first until you feel more confident. And if for whatever reason your desire to take pictures is spoiled for the day, don't beat yourself up about it, just accept that you're not in the mood.
11/08/2008 02:13:32 PM · #13
Try going to locations where other people are taking photo's as well (Edinburgh Castle comes to mind). You'll blend in, and nobody will pay attention to you. Infact, the last time I was there - I had several couples ask if I could take their picture for them... so it will also help to get you comfortable taking pictures of people in public. How about starting a thread for a GTG in Edinburgh? That way you'd have lots of other people in the same boat as you :O)

eta: hit the castle at 1pm when they fire off the canon - I guarantee you will be one of a hundred people with a camera out :O)

Message edited by author 2008-11-08 14:15:04.
 11/08/2008 02:42:56 PM · #14
Edinburgh is 2 hours on the train haha.
 11/08/2008 02:43:12 PM · #15
Anyway thanks for the advice people.
 11/08/2008 02:43:22 PM · #16
There is a secret product one can buy to get over the embarrassment. I will now let you into my secret. This will literally make you disappear in a crowd.. want to get your camera out in the middle of a city street and start shooting and have everyone ignore you? then this is for you..

A FLUORESCENT YELLOW JACKET.

or even better
Yellow safety vest..

Seriously, people will just ignore you and you have gone from being a bit creepy and hanging around with a camera to someone looking quite official just doing their job - hell it will even keep the police away from you..

Want to dig a hole in the middle of the street? wear a yellow jacket.. it will be like you are no longer there...

Message edited by author 2008-11-08 14:47:16.
 11/08/2008 02:49:23 PM · #17
I feel that way sometimes, too, and I prefer shooting when no one is around. On the other hand, some of the interactions you end up having with people are fun and memorable:

I used to do 4x5 view camera photography--everyone assumes you are a pro with one of those on a tripod--and I would be under the dark cloth composing, folks would come stand right next to me or even RIGHT in front of the camera and aim their point and shoots in the same general direction!

In London recently, I was setting up to shoot this:


and a couple of guys paused thinking I was actively shooting, as they didn't want to get in my shot. I waved them on by, and when they thought I couldn't hear, one said to the other "But it's NOT Downing Street!" So I think I may title the image "Not Downing Street"

Mostly what I notice is that I am a bit self-conscious at first when I head out in public, but it fades really fast when I realize that it is just me, and most people just don't take notice of a camera anymore. Particularly if you are taking architecture photos :-) Unless you take a picture of a "10" on any street besides Downing Street :-))
11/08/2008 02:50:39 PM · #18
Originally posted by Simms:
There is a secret product one can buy to get over the embarrassment. I will now let you into my secret. This will literally make you disappear in a crowd.. want to get your camera out in the middle of a city street and start shooting and have everyone ignore you? then this is for you..

A FLUORESCENT YELLOW JACKET.

or even better
Yellow safety vest..

Seriously, people will just ignore you and you have gone from being a bit creepy and hanging around with a camera to someone looking quite official just doing their job - hell it will even keep the police away from you..

Want to dig a hole in the middle of the street? wear a yellow jacket.. it will be like you are no longer there...


You forgot the hardhat with official looking stickers..
 11/08/2008 02:54:10 PM · #19
Originally posted by alans_world:
Originally posted by Simms:
There is a secret product one can buy to get over the embarrassment. I will now let you into my secret. This will literally make you disappear in a crowd.. want to get your camera out in the middle of a city street and start shooting and have everyone ignore you? then this is for you..

A FLUORESCENT YELLOW JACKET.

or even better
Yellow safety vest..

Seriously, people will just ignore you and you have gone from being a bit creepy and hanging around with a camera to someone looking quite official just doing their job - hell it will even keep the police away from you..

Want to dig a hole in the middle of the street? wear a yellow jacket.. it will be like you are no longer there...


You forgot the hardhat with official looking stickers..


You may jest, but in a city then why not?? but seriously if you see someone in a street with a yellow jacket you just ignore them, regardless of what they are doing, digging holes, fiddling around in telephone boxes or taking photos..
 11/08/2008 02:55:56 PM · #20
Originally posted by Simms:
There is a secret product one can buy to get over the embarrassment. I will now let you into my secret. This will literally make you disappear in a crowd.. want to get your camera out in the middle of a city street and start shooting and have everyone ignore you? then this is for you..

A FLUORESCENT YELLOW JACKET.

or even better
Yellow safety vest..

Seriously, people will just ignore you and you have gone from being a bit creepy and hanging around with a camera to someone looking quite official just doing their job - hell it will even keep the police away from you..

Want to dig a hole in the middle of the street? wear a yellow jacket.. it will be like you are no longer there...


Great idea. I'll think about this when I see these jackets on sale.
 11/08/2008 03:03:09 PM · #21
Jest, far from it, I agree. With my vest and hardhat i stop traffic, even on a freeway.I took some photos the other day at work of a car accident, cops never looked at me, ISO was set for dawn so the pics where blown out..Good Idea..
 11/08/2008 03:05:46 PM · #22
I used to go through the same thing, but not anymore. The best advice I can give is to simply pretend people are not there. Good luck; I know the best advice is always the hardest to take!

Message edited by author 2008-11-08 15:06:11.
 11/08/2008 03:05:50 PM · #23
So what if one or two strangers might think you're a little odd? It's not like you're ever going to see them again, or that they have any power over you :)

Having said that, sometimes I feel the same though it's getting MUCH easier. I've even gotten to where I can occasionally ask someone if I can take a few shots. What's the worst they can do, say no? Usually they're thrilled that someone would be interested enough to ask.

Living in a tourist city where every second person has a camera, downtown at least, helps. I see you live in Aberdeen, so you'd have the same there, right? Use those areas where a camera doesn't stand out as practice. After a while you'll get into what you're doing enough that you won't even notice passersby for the most part.

And if someone stops to watch, give them a pleasant smile. Sometimes they're wanting to talk but are afraid to just butt in, and only need the tiniest encouragement. And who knows? They may be the person who knows something interesting about your subject or has the power to take you somewhere not available to the general public, for those one-of-a-kind shots.

You have every right to be shooting what you are, so don't feel or act like you're doing anything wrong. Looking furtive and suspicious will draw far more attention than confidence. Just get out and dooooo it :)

eta;lol, I notice that since I took a coffee break while typing this, others have said pretty much the same thing.

Message edited by author 2008-11-08 15:08:00.
 11/08/2008 03:08:53 PM · #24
Originally posted by Simms:

You may jest, but in a city then why not?? but seriously if you see someone in a street with a yellow jacket you just ignore them, regardless of what they are doing, digging holes, fiddling around in telephone boxes or taking photos..


I don't ignore them, I take pictures of them!

Message edited by author 2008-11-08 15:09:03.
 11/08/2008 03:50:58 PM · #25
Originally posted by Simms:
Originally posted by alans_world:
Originally posted by Simms:
There is a secret product one can buy to get over the embarrassment. I will now let you into my secret. This will literally make you disappear in a crowd.. want to get your camera out in the middle of a city street and start shooting and have everyone ignore you? then this is for you..

A FLUORESCENT YELLOW JACKET.

or even better
Yellow safety vest..

Seriously, people will just ignore you and you have gone from being a bit creepy and hanging around with a camera to someone looking quite official just doing their job - hell it will even keep the police away from you..

Want to dig a hole in the middle of the street? wear a yellow jacket.. it will be like you are no longer there...


You forgot the hardhat with official looking stickers..


You may jest, but in a city then why not?? but seriously if you see someone in a street with a yellow jacket you just ignore them, regardless of what they are doing, digging holes, fiddling around in telephone boxes or taking photos..


LOL. I should get that. My "I'M A TERRORIST" black t-shirt is getting a bit worn out anyway.
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