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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Uncomfortable setting up shots
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 06/08/2004 03:25:50 PM · #1
I have noticed that the shots that generally do best for me are the ones that come into my mind fully or almost fully formed when I see the challenge topic. Unfortunately, I have been having to come up with ideas more and more lately and it is showing in my scores. It's not that ideas don't strike out of the blue anymore, but that the ones that do require setup situations that make me uncomfortable.

It may be that a shot that would be perfect would require me to ask a co-worker who is pregnant to allow me to photograph her in a way that shows her condition off. Or maybe the surroundings of a shot make me feel uncomfortably exposed (see the posts about people being stopped by security guards while snapping shots in places of business or in front of someone else's home). Maybe a shot goes untaken because my daughter doesn't feel like going out today and I won't force her.

How many of you "pass" on that "perfect entry" becasue you just don't know if it is appropriate to put yourself in the situation required to take it? Not that the situation is inappropriate in itself, but you personally don't feel good about doing it. I guess the question is "Are you a type 'A' personality and have no problem with potentially embarassing situations or do you avoid them like the plague"?

drg
 06/08/2004 03:33:55 PM · #2
Originally posted by drgsoell:
I have noticed that the shots that generally do best for me are the ones that come into my mind fully or almost fully formed when I see the challenge topic. Unfortunately, I have been having to come up with ideas more and more lately and it is showing in my scores. It's not that ideas don't strike out of the blue anymore, but that the ones that do require setup situations that make me uncomfortable.

It may be that a shot that would be perfect would require me to ask a co-worker who is pregnant to allow me to photograph her in a way that shows her condition off. Or maybe the surroundings of a shot make me feel uncomfortably exposed (see the posts about people being stopped by security guards while snapping shots in places of business or in front of someone else's home). Maybe a shot goes untaken because my daughter doesn't feel like going out today and I won't force her.

How many of you "pass" on that "perfect entry" becasue you just don't know if it is appropriate to put yourself in the situation required to take it? Not that the situation is inappropriate in itself, but you personally don't feel good about doing it. I guess the question is "Are you a type 'A' personality and have no problem with potentially embarassing situations or do you avoid them like the plague"?

drg


I'm not a bit timid about getting models. There are two cases I recall when I did exactly as you describe though - a) I was following an Amish wagon about a year ago that had a SUPERB shot of 2 kids dressed in the Amish hats looking out the back. Out of respect for their known wishes, I left the camera on the seat besuide me. b) I don't take pictures at any Native American ceremonial events, unless specifically invited to do so.

For the cases you mentioned - it never hurts to ask. And if your daughter (or other model) doesn't want to do it today, negotiate a better time - or find another model.


06/08/2004 03:34:38 PM · #3
//www.1000words.net/041804.html :)
 06/08/2004 03:39:23 PM · #4
I find myself getting more and more bold about taking photos. When I first started with DP Challenge I passed over a lot of photo situations because I was embarassed to be seen taking a picture. Now, I will even take out my new little Elph in restaurants and stores and take pictures. I even climbed the fence around a perlite mill at night to take a picture for my multiple light source. For the unusual viewpoint I climbed up on top of an old train and the wind almost blew me away and I didn't even use that photo. I think, sometimes, it works to my advantage to be a middle aged woman - no one suspects we grandmothers of being terrorists!
 06/08/2004 03:40:05 PM · #5
Originally posted by drgsoell:
I have noticed that the shots that generally do best for me are the ones that come into my mind fully or almost fully formed when I see the challenge topic. Unfortunately, I have been having to come up with ideas more and more lately and it is showing in my scores. It's not that ideas don't strike out of the blue anymore, but that the ones that do require setup situations that make me uncomfortable.

It may be that a shot that would be perfect would require me to ask a co-worker who is pregnant to allow me to photograph her in a way that shows her condition off. Or maybe the surroundings of a shot make me feel uncomfortably exposed (see the posts about people being stopped by security guards while snapping shots in places of business or in front of someone else's home). Maybe a shot goes untaken because my daughter doesn't feel like going out today and I won't force her.

How many of you "pass" on that "perfect entry" becasue you just don't know if it is appropriate to put yourself in the situation required to take it? Not that the situation is inappropriate in itself, but you personally don't feel good about doing it. I guess the question is "Are you a type 'A' personality and have no problem with potentially embarassing situations or do you avoid them like the plague"?

drg


I am somewhere in-between. I don't care if I look "silly" or peculiar. I embarrass my husband when I take shots in public and he thinks I look weird taking pictures when no one else sees a reason. But I am very shy, so I have a hard time approaching people or something that might require a little bit of boldness. I have thought many times that I am losing some great opportunities that way.

Message edited by author 2004-06-08 15:40:24.
 06/08/2004 03:41:17 PM · #6
I am very apprehensive about asking people to be my models because it makes me uncomfortable to think that they might I'm some kind of freak. The fact that I mostly keep to myself and don't have a whole lot of friends doesn't help either. I did ask a coworker once if she would be my model for a day and she said sure, but whenever I tried to set a date, she would never give me a straight answer. So i have given up.

June
 06/08/2004 03:42:37 PM · #7
Originally posted by chiqui74:
The fact that I mostly keep to myself and don't have a whole lot of friends doesn't help either.
June


You're not the only one!!!
 06/08/2004 03:49:15 PM · #8
I'm very shy... during my trip to Spain with BAMartin, I struggled to be bold with strangers, but maybe that was because with both of us and our hefty cameras, we descended on people like paparazzi!
On the last day after Barbara went home, I got up the courage to take these in a market. It took me LOADS of courage, so I'm really proud of them.



When I first got my FZ10, I was so impressed with the incredible zoom, that I got the courage to take pictures of strangers from a VERY long way away:



and this guy, who kept waking up and looking round which made me jump each time:
06/08/2004 03:51:51 PM · #9
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
I'm very shy... during my trip to Spain with BAMartin, I struggled to be bold with strangers, but maybe that was because with both of us and our hefty cameras, we descended on people like paparazzi!



When I first got my FZ10, I was so impressed with the incredible zoom, that I got the courage to take pictures of strangers from a VERY long way away:



and this guy, who kept waking up and looking round which made me jump each time:


In a recent post, someone pointed out that you do look a lot more impressive with a SLR-type camera. My little point-n-shooot looks like official tourist equipment!!
 06/08/2004 03:53:09 PM · #10
Sorry - meant to say: Fantastic shots of these folks. Very real.
 06/08/2004 03:57:47 PM · #11
I had some of the same problems asking people. So after a good bit of thought, I decided to do something about it. Over the weekend of the WW2 Memorial dedication, I forced myself to walk up to 5 people and ask them who they were, what they did, and ask them if I could take their picture in exchange for a copy of the print if it came out.

Not a single individual refused. Not one. It was just amazing. I talked to a man who was with Patton as he rolled towards Berlin. I talked to a man who was with the Seabees in the South Pacific and lied about his age to get in. I met a mother and daughter who were both Army nurses. I helped a family lay flowers for their departed father on Memorial Day. I learned some incredible things over that weekend.

I'd suggest this- make yourself a project. Set a small, easy to reach goal that forces you to practice going up to people and asking. Taking the time to connect with them is an invaluable skill. I usually walk up, very politley explain that I'm a student working on a project. I then ask if I could take their picture, and tell them that I'll send a copy of the print along if it comes out well.

It also helps that I'm 5'3" and dress like a college student when I'm out shooting. :)

Clara
 06/08/2004 03:58:15 PM · #12
I'm so shy, I'm even afraid to take my own picture!
But places, I'll go to the weirdest places, climb over fences, run into rivers and crawl around on the ground or stand in the middle of the street if I want to take a picture of some object. If someone is with me, I forget they are there. Needless to say, my friends think I'm a bit off.
 06/08/2004 04:00:08 PM · #13
Originally posted by pcody:
I'm so shy, I'm even afraid to take my own picture!
But places, I'll go to the weirdest places, climb over fences, run into rivers and crawl around on the ground or stand in the middle of the street if I want to take a picture of some object. If someone is with me, I forget they are there. Needless to say, my friends think I'm a bit off.


I noticed when I first came to this site that photographers tend to be a little more intelligent than most, IMHO. Maybe a bit more peculiar, too???? I agree with what you said!

Message edited by author 2004-06-08 16:00:25.
 06/08/2004 04:20:56 PM · #14
I completely understand. I have tried hard to get used to asking people to help me or pose or something but it is still uncomfortable. It's not as bad with my own friends or family where it is accepted that I take all kinds of shots. It's when I am out by myself walking around my community that I sometimes feel uncomfortable about taking certain kinds of shots, especially of children. I am also a portrait artist and I am always looking for good candid references of children or people, in general. Being a single guy in my thirties with a camera I know the wrong impression that people can get. That last thing I need is for someone to call the cops or get in my face because they think I have some sick interest in their kids. People are very protective understandably) so I need to be careful and consider that. The photography I enjoy the most is going outdoors or to interesting places and shooting by myself with very few people around so I don't often need to interact with or request anything of very many people. I do that enough for my everyday work so I prefer solitude and a more meditative approach in my photography. I'm a bit shy so this kind of photography reflects that. I probably would not make a very good portrait or studio photogapher but you never know. You can learn to get used to, and even enjoy lots of things that you were once uncomfortable with.

T
 06/08/2004 04:24:59 PM · #15
Originally posted by Kylie:
Sorry - meant to say: Fantastic shots of these folks. Very real.


Thanks again Kylie!

It's nice not to have people coming up to me in the street and asking if I would like them to take a picture of me, which happened all the time with my Optio S. The FZ10 really looks the business, especially with the lens hood.
 06/09/2004 12:31:56 AM · #16
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
Originally posted by Kylie:
Sorry - meant to say: Fantastic shots of these folks. Very real.


Thanks again Kylie!

It's nice not to have people coming up to me in the street and asking if I would like them to take a picture of me, which happened all the time with my Optio S. The FZ10 really looks the business, especially with the lens hood.


I was at the Chateau de Versailles one day and I was trying to take a picture of the big fountain in the gardens (can't remember the name), so I pulled out my 300D and a neutral density cokin filter system and i set it on the tripod. There was a couple standing a few feet from me and the husband was like "Holy cow!, what are you, a proffessional? Can you take our picture? Can I give you my business card so you can let me know where you're gonna be posting your pics?...etc..." That was kinda cool.

June
 06/09/2004 12:39:18 AM · #17
The thing that stops me from asking people in public is that I'm not sure the shot will turn out and they won't like it. I guess I don't know unless I do it though ... I'm still working on that bit :)
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 06/09/2004 12:48:27 AM · #18
Not sure if this is the same thing or not... I was afraid of taking my camera to the local bar outside a major university. This bar has many live bands. Some just starting out, some doing pretty good for themselves. I was nervous about going in and shooting their shows. I forced myself to go two Saturday nites in a row (the night that they have the most popular bands) and in both cases got the best reception from the bands!

In fact this past Saturday, I got there late in the first set. I started taking some shots. As soon as the band broke up for their break, the lead singer walked up to me and asked if I had a card!

Guess I gotta get some cards printed up!
 06/09/2004 01:05:15 AM · #19
Originally posted by blemt:

It also helps that I'm 5'3" and dress like a college student when I'm out shooting. :)

Clara


Whats a college student dress like? Me being one and all, I was curious =)
 06/09/2004 03:32:12 AM · #20
I had this problem too for a long time, it goes a bit easyer now, I still have trouble when I see a beautiful young girl I whant to photograph. I am 27 and they always seem to think I use that as an excuse to hook them up. As I like candid portraits alot, most of the time I don't ask, and just shoot. If they say anything Ill find something to explain, if they are being rude or agressive, tha laws in my country say I can photograph anything I whant as long as it is in a public place, so the law is on my side. Also I discovered that people often confuse the good old f717 to a video cam, and someohow people seem to find it easier to undestand "he's a tourist filming around". Most of the times after I take my candid I keep holding the cam and moving the lens around as if I'm filming. :)

However when it comes to ask people to medel for me, I explain them what am I doing and that I'm not a pro, I'm just studying, and if they are willing to help me out. Some ask if I am going to pay them, (mostly the preety girls do this) then when I ofcourse say no, some stay another find excuses. But comon, why be shy about this? What can they do to you other than say no? And why feeling embarased if you know that what you do is an honest right thing. People get wrong ideeas about anything all the time.

And another thing I learned that most of the times people don't mind at all. Here is one candid I took about that kid that whas crying and his father who whas holding him said to the kid - instead on picking on me - look that man is photographing you and your gonna look ugly in the shot if you keep criying :)

06/11/2004 09:59:19 PM · #21
I just recently made myself a "Photographer ID" which consists of a colorful inkjet printed and hard-laminated tag with a passport photo of me on it (you can get them punched and those little clips for free at Kinko's). Says something like "Photographer / [photo] / [name] / CLEARWATER / FLORIDASCAPES / 2004 / [barcode]". It's very authorative looking and when I wear it on my photo (fishing!) vest with my camera gear, I get a lot of tourists asking what speed film I'm using (chuckle) and fewer people asking "Why are you back here!?".

I have been escorted out of private parking lots and what not, no harm there. I used to be terribly afraid of being "yelled at" for being somewhere I'm not supposed to be, but then I realized what great shots lied behind velvet ropes and police tape.

Chances are, if you LOOK like you know what you're doing--focused and well-equipped--no one will think you out of place. What gives people the cajones to give you crap for doing something you're not supposed to is that they think you're just some guy. If you look like a professional to them, they'll have the same reservations about questioning your authority as you would of them.

And no matter how big the security guard's belt is, they're not gonna arrest you. Shoot on!
06/11/2004 10:11:03 PM · #22
Originally posted by Sammie:
...
sometimes, it works to my advantage to be a middle aged woman - no one suspects we grandmothers of being terrorists!


I gotta remember that :)))
 06/11/2004 11:34:38 PM · #23
I remember wanting to take a particular angle for a photo during a festival here in town, but the angle was right down the center of the main street in town. I decided the traffic was too much and I would go back later. Just after midnight I was standing atop a planter in the middle of the street shooting the photo when I heard a voice yell "That's my Mom!" I turned and my adult daughter and some friends had come uptown to enjoy the end of the festival. None of them were the least bit surprised to find me in the middle of the street at midnight by myself!

I have had several occassions when I've not entered a challenge because I was unable to locate a willing model or find a doable location for my vision. That is changing though. I've shared some photos with others and explained my participation here and now have some offers to help me out when needed. For my last entry, I did use a coworker and the photos have been the absolute HIT of the office, so that should help!

What I really DON'T want to do is force people I know to start running the other way when they see me with the camera. I try to determine if I'm being too disruptive or intrusive and always try to be courteous in my pursuit of photo op's. The tilt lens and the decent zoom of the 717 does make it easier to take candid photos undetected at gatherings.
 06/11/2004 11:58:32 PM · #24
Originally posted by wwwavenger:
I just recently made myself a "Photographer ID" which consists of a colorful inkjet printed and hard-laminated tag with a passport photo of me on it (you can get them punched and those little clips for free at Kinko's). Says something like "Photographer / [photo] / [name] / CLEARWATER / FLORIDASCAPES / 2004 / [barcode]". It's very authorative looking and when I wear it on my photo (fishing!) vest with my camera gear, I get a lot of tourists asking what speed film I'm using (chuckle) and fewer people asking "Why are you back here!?".

I have been escorted out of private parking lots and what not, no harm there. I used to be terribly afraid of being "yelled at" for being somewhere I'm not supposed to be, but then I realized what great shots lied behind velvet ropes and police tape.

Chances are, if you LOOK like you know what you're doing--focused and well-equipped--no one will think you out of place. What gives people the cajones to give you crap for doing something you're not supposed to is that they think you're just some guy. If you look like a professional to them, they'll have the same reservations about questioning your authority as you would of them.

And no matter how big the security guard's belt is, they're not gonna arrest you. Shoot on!


That's a very cool idea...now to find the nearest Kinko's... :o)

Truly, looking like you know exactly what you are doing has got to be more than half the battle. The same rules apply in public speaking, you know...if you sound and act like you know what you are talking about, no one will ever be the wiser! :o)
 06/12/2004 12:30:58 AM · #25
Originally posted by jmlelii:
Whats a college student dress like? Me being one and all, I was curious =)


She probably doesn't dress like you, Jeremy. ;-)
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