Help me get over myself!! - DPChallenge Forums

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

08/09/2006 11:52:52 AM · #1

Ok, I how do I get over feeling so darn self-conscious when taking pictures in public?

I want to go out and take lots of pics but I am so intimidated by what people are around.

I am kinda shy but I stand for my beliefs in other areas and don't care what people think...because I know I am right, ;-) LOL!! Just kidding.

I do have strong beliefs and live by them and don't compromise but I am so self-conscious when out and about with my camera!!

scarbrd

Leica M10

08/09/2006 11:57:54 AM · #2

If confronted, offer to email them a copy if they let you take some pictures. Usually works for me.

Most people like to have their picture taken. The trick is to get them to act natural once you've taked to them.

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/09/2006 12:00:32 PM · #3

I have problems with that too. We were planning to go to Amsterdam with my study-group to take photos from people we didn't know. We had to ask them who they were, where they were going to etc. and write that down.

Unfortunately we didn't have the time to do that, but Elvi and I are planning to go do this. Maybe an idea for you, to do with a photo-buddy?

Message edited by author 2006-08-09 12:00:52.

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

08/09/2006 12:01:44 PM · #4

Get a really big lens and pretend to be a professional :-)

Try shooting in places where camereas are expected... like a zoo or something and get used to working with your camera in public. Then work your way out to more adventurous settings.

Also, something that could be interesting is to try to find PR events and show up with your camera and shoot with the newspaper pros.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

08/09/2006 12:07:57 PM · #5

Try easing into it a bit first by going out to a large public venue, amusement park, beach party, etc when there are a lot of people. It's a lot easier to be invisible and ease into the world of candids. For times when you can snag people pics and they notice you talking them, go over and introduce yourself, show them the shots on the LCD and ask if they have an email address you can send copies. If confronted by someone that is a bit aprehensive as to why you are taking pictures, just say you are in a photography class (you could consider DPC as a class, though some of us have no class) and the class assignment is to shoot some candids. 200-300mm of glass in front of your camera would be a big help too, but I'm sre you already know that.
You already have an edge on doing public candids too - being a woman, you are far less likely to be perceived as a pervert.

Eidt to add this that I recently posted in this thread:

Candids is kinda' where I live lately.

Crowds are always the easiest place to shoot candids, as one doesn't seem to be so intrusive, but some slyness often needs to be in effect, like acting like you are shooting something else for instance. 200-300mm of glass in front of the camera is almost a necessity for candids, but I've found one way to get around that too. Hold the camera at chest level, aiming it at the person while facing 90 degrees to them, and act like you are looking at your camera or fiddling with it. Pre-setting the focal length and knowing your camera really helps here, as you will only be guessing as to exactly how it is aimed.
This is one such shot, taken like that, with kit lens set at 27mm, camera in burst mode, firing off 3 frames/second as I walked by him.

I have a lot of candids in my B&W Candids Folder as well as my Color Candids Folder if you want ideas.
I have a number of them also in my New stuff / Incoming Folder as well, that will soon be moved into other folders.

Message edited by author 2006-08-09 12:12:52.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

08/09/2006 01:02:09 PM · #6

I think everyone is misinterpreting what slikchik is talking about; I don't see her saying "I am afraid to take candids of people in public", I see her saying "I am inhibited from taking pictures AT ALL when there are other people around!" Like, she feels conspicuous if she sets up and executes a shot in public, thinking everyone is looking at her and wondering wtf she is doing...

I know from personal experience that can be very inhibiting. It's something I had to overcome when I started working way back when. I used to be so painfully self-aware when I set up my tripod in a public place. I got around by convincing myself that people who were paying attention to me were doing so in a spirit of approval, if not outright envy, and not out of disapproval. In any case I got over it soon enough. Now I tend to think I'm invisible, LOL.

Robt.

mist

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/09/2006 01:09:22 PM · #7

Originally posted by BradP:

firing off 3 frames/second as I walked by him.

That might be more tricky with the loud clackclackclack of the 20D. Oh for something less conspicuous sometimes..

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/09/2006 01:10:13 PM · #8

This last few weeks I've learned to not worry about what others may think as long as I'm being courteous and friendly. Ya also have to act like you are just as important as anyone else and have just as much right to be there as anyone.

I started taking pics for a new real estate newspaper here in town. I go to various function, breakfasts, dinners, award events, open houses etc etc. At first I held back thinking that I didn't want to get in people faces while they were chatting or eating or even when a speaker was at the podium. I soon learned that they all love having their pic taken and that is what also helps them sell real estate.

If you are a little shy, offer some big "adult age" organization if you can help them with "head shots" at a get-to-gether or function. Jump in, smile and introduce yourself as the event photographer. That will quickly help break your hesitation to pose and work with total strangers in the photography world.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

08/09/2006 01:45:34 PM · #9

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

You are right, Bear. I want to take lots of pics but feel inhibited. I am constantly telling my students that they need to get over themselves because most people are so wrapped up in their own life that they don't give other people much thought. I guess I just need to take my own advise and do what I want to do and realize that people are not paying any attention to me at all. Besides, with an SLR and nice lenses, people just may think I am a professional.

aliqui

Nikon D300s

08/09/2006 02:02:04 PM · #10

Originally posted by slickchik:

I am constantly telling my students that they need to get over themselves because most people are so wrapped up in their own life that they don't give other people much thought. I guess I just need to take my own advise and do what I want to do and realize that people are not paying any attention to me at all. Besides, with an SLR and nice lenses, people just may think I am a professional.

One thing I always tell myself is that I probably will never see these people again. That doesn't mean I've got the guts to go into a public place and photograph yet, but that's what I'm using to get myself out there. It will work soon.

=)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

08/09/2006 02:09:38 PM · #11

Originally posted by aliqui:

One thing I always tell myself is that I probably will never see these people again.

Quite true, and sooo what if you do? Think of it this way... most of those people are in the same public place doing what they like to do. Why shouldn't you be doing what you like to do?

Photography may be an addiction, but not one you need to hide or one that should make you feel like a social outcast. With me, once I get the camera in front of my face I forget about everyone else anyway.

Like I mentioned above, start out in public places where cameras are expect (ie. zoos, amusement parks, etc.) to get your nerve built up some then you can venture into other places and shoot there.

aliqui

Nikon D300s

08/09/2006 02:21:21 PM · #12

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

With me, once I get the camera in front of my face I forget about everyone else anyway.

I'm the same way which is what worries me. Do people really need to see my crack while I take a beautiful picture of a flower?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

08/09/2006 02:25:04 PM · #13

Originally posted by aliqui:

I'm the same way which is what worries me. Do people really need to see my crack while I take a beautiful picture of a flower?

I dunno, I may be inclined to photograph the crack instead of the flower :-P

aliqui

Nikon D300s

08/09/2006 02:27:55 PM · #14

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I dunno, I may be inclined to photograph the crack instead of the flower :-P

Gasp!

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

08/09/2006 02:29:55 PM · #15

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by aliqui:

I'm the same way which is what worries me. Do people really need to see my crack while I take a beautiful picture of a flower?

I dunno, I may be inclined to photograph the crack instead of the flower :-P

Leroy, do you have to PRACTICE this stuff or does it just come naturally to you?

R.

UNCLEBRO

Canon EOS-30D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/09/2006 02:33:05 PM · #16

I'm also really shy when it comes to taking pictures in public places.
I feel as though everyone is watching me and that makes me very self conscious.
What I try and do is look for another person who is doing something "out of place", like another photographer maybe, and I think to my self "does that person look stupid?" or whatever it is that I'm afraid of how people perceive me.
And of course, I don't think that person looks stupid.
But I have missed many shots because I've been "afraid" to bend down or even lay on the floor in order to get tha "great shot".
And in the end I know I'm the one losing out and the other people walking by probably don't give a shit what I'm doing.
Maybe I'll get over it one day.

08/09/2006 02:37:42 PM · #17

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Leroy, do you have to PRACTICE this stuff or does it just come naturally to you?

R.

*giggles* It's a natural talent Bear, but honed with many years of practice :-)

Chinabun

Canon PowerShot SD990 IS

08/09/2006 02:41:00 PM · #18

i got stopped twice in one week at disney world. once by a woman and once by a man and his woman friend. they said they admired my beauty and asked if i minded if they took my photo....i made sure i checked out there camera first LOL, just for kicks, of course they both had 20D's. But yeh I didnt mind, I actually wouldve done a couple different poses if they asked. I love having my photo taken. however I dont think I could do what they did.

08/09/2006 04:38:29 PM · #19

Originally posted by Chinabun:

i got stopped twice in one week at disney world. once by a woman and once by a man and his woman friend. they said they admired my beauty and asked if i minded if they took my photo....

Oh, to have that problem!! LOL!!