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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Help me get over myself!!
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Showing posts 26 - 29 of 29, (reverse)
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08/09/2006 08:05:08 PM · #26
Originally posted by slickchik:

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!!


That is one of the things I am slowly getting over myself. I am frequently invited to shoot events for the Girl Scout Council, and I always feel weird taking pictures of children when I look like a lone duck and have nothing that identifies me as a council volunteer. Lately, I approach their parents, introduce myself and hand them a slip of paper that gives my name, title (Volunteer Event Photographer) and the website where photos can be viewed after the event, and everyone is thrilled to death. (I've finally acquired a GS t-shirt and a volunteer name tag, so things should get easier from here.)

Anyway, the first thing to do is get out there and do it. Wear something that makes you look the part you're playing. Introduce yourself, smile, and explain with a little flattery what it is about them that makes you want their photograph. Carry cards that identify you as a photographer, even better if they give a website where they can view your work/their picture.
08/09/2006 08:15:29 PM · #27
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

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.


Interestingly, just setting up my tripod makes it that much easier for me to do it, just because a tripod is a big neon sign that announces you're not doing anything sneaky or underhanded. You're not trying to hide anything and therefore you aren't worrying anyone. A couple weeks ago I was tromping all up and down one of the main streets in downtown Denver where there were lots of locals strolling up and down the sidewalks. I was taking pictures of a really lovely church from all different angles. Lots of people smiled at me like a friend. A couple asked me if I was a photographer. "Taking pictures of the church?" and so on, like the camera was an invitation to open up a conversation. One guy even asked me how much I was charging to take pictures and I had to tell him rather gently that I wasn't taking pictures of people that day, only of the church.

Bottom line: People get suspicious and uncomfortable if you act suspicious and uncomfortable, and are warm and friendly if you are warm and friendly.
08/09/2006 08:31:02 PM · #28
Sheesh, just shoot already. If someone looks at you, just wave and act friendly. If they ask what you're doing, tell them. Don't try sniping with a big tele, coz it seems like you're being sneaky. If people are out in public and really don't want theor pic taken, they'll let you know, one way or another

08/18/2006 02:57:54 PM · #29
Well you see slickchik, you just need to keep in mind that you are so beautiful....I have seen your picture on your profile. The public could only say complimentary things about you when they see you. Don't you even worry about taking those pics in public. Just pretend they are all naked and they should be the ones who are self concious!
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