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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> please help - I think I'm losing my mind!
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01/27/2005 04:59:02 AM · #1
Hoping for some help here,

When I used to walk around the city taking pics with my little Oly C-310, I felt a bit as though I had no place taking images of anything that is 'non-tourist', to support this theory when I got my Panasonic FZ2 I felt more freedom to take images of things more 'artistic'. Getting my D70 I was sure that I'd be free to take images of whatever I please, and people would see me and naturally assume I'm a photographer and that I must know what I'm doing.

BUT, I cannot explain it, but now I feel more insecure than ever about using my camera in a public place, I really don't understand it, but now I'm feeling really self concious, I was standing on a railway platform a few days ago and saw something that would make an excellent pic, but I could not bring myself to get my camera out.

I feel like I'm going mad, I'm always carry my camera but now I don't seem to be able to use it in 'unsafe' surroundings.

Help me!

Darren
01/27/2005 05:07:33 AM · #2
I've had mine 1.5 weeks and at first felt the same. But when I started actually taking pics I was surprised by peoples reactions.

Complete strangers became very friendly and all wanted to help in any by being in or out of shot as I needed. In a restaurant I even had one woman lift her top.

I'm looking forward to this life, (sigh).
01/27/2005 05:20:25 AM · #3
Is it that you feel "conspicuous", or that you feel you may be mugged for your camera? You used the word "unsafe" is why I ask.

No question about it, shooting in public, especially with Big Glass, is going to draw attention. Some of us love it, some of us hate it, but it is always there.When I was a working architectural photographer, it got pretty ridiculous sometimes. I'd be shooting in the middle of downtown, say, weherever I was on assignment, and I'd have this simply MASSIVE tripod and view camera, with a kit box the size of a small steamer trunk, and I'd be taking half an hour or more to frame up a single shot, and I'd become the absolute center of attention, often to the detriment of the image. Plus, I'm totally deaf, so these people "talking" to me, I can't follow a word they're saying unless I stop what I'm doing and focus on THEM.

Working with my little bitty Nikon prosumer is a joy by comparison, but even so when I bring out the tripod I become an object of scrutiny. But I'm used to it, I guess, and you'll get used to it also.

Just do it, dude.

If what you're talking about is photographing people, that's a whole 'nother thing. You better be an extrovert and a smooth talker, if you want to do that regularly.

Robt.

Message edited by author 2005-01-27 05:21:51.
01/27/2005 05:23:00 AM · #4
When I first started trying to "go public", I had a very difficult time getting my camera out and shooting. I passed up many a great shot because I felt awkward and very conspicuous. As time has progressed, (and I've gotten older and don't care so much what peeps think), I've gotten to the point where I'll pretty much shoot anything, anywhere without a second thought.

These days, I guess I'd say that I'm more connected to the emotion involved in getting the shot, then in the emotion involved in avoiding embarrassment.

Shooting in the wide open public is very "out of the safety zone" for a lot of people, and it takes practice to become comfortable with it. Just keep on shooting.
01/27/2005 05:36:59 AM · #5
Sometimes it's great sometimes it's uncomfortable - depends on the situation, but I always think if the shot is worth it,no matter where you are then that beats the uncomfortable factor.


01/27/2005 06:27:36 AM · #6
i feel pretty comfortable with my leetle camera,
i take it everywhere, just in case,
however my partner runs for cover!
01/27/2005 06:49:19 AM · #7
I know exactly what you mean, sometimes I find myself thinking "Man, if I pull the camera out now, they'll think I'm either wacko or a terrorist." But lately, I've not really cared one way or the other. The worst anyone can say to you is "No" or maybe even "HELL NO!" In most cases, if you aren't trespassing, you are well within your rights to be taking pictures of most of the things around you. Print of a copy of the photographer's rights that have been posted in the forums several times before. I have my camera with me 99.9% of the time just in case I see something I need to shoot. I haven't been worried about being mugged or anything, even in downtown Dallas or Fort Worth, or even when I'm shooting alone in the middle of nowhere.

Those of you who know me know that I'm a bit wacko anyway, so it doesn't really bother me if people stop and gawk when I am standing on the side of the road taking pictures of one of the road signs along the interstate, or if I'm hanging over the side of a bridge looking down a creekbed at the way the light filters through the trees. Heck, I've had four or five people stop to ask me if I was having car trouble! LOL Then they see the camera and want to know what on earth I'm taking a picture of! hehehe :o)

01/27/2005 07:15:22 AM · #8
ok, I hope I not being out of order here, but I'm going to use this as a counselling session.

Robt: I mean 'unsafe' in the context of me being insecure rather than fear of crime - I have no worries about that at all.

Right, I'm trying to find a reason for why I'm doing this, there are 2 things that I can think of; firstly, on many occasions I've had others taking pics with me, so doing it by myself was the exception rather than the rule, so maybe I'm just shy. Secondly, I made the decision this year that I would refer to myself as being a photographer, thus hoping to take the first steps in building a reputation. I've identified a couple of niche markets that I can use to build myself up and there is nothing stopping me, so I'm wondering if I'm having some bigger issue with a fear of failure which is holding me back, I find it very easy to come up with good ideas and make relevant plans, but talking is so much more simple than doing.

I know that in essence I just need to simply 'do it' (whatever the cause may be) - but how?

If there are any others in a similar situation then maybe we could do some kind of joint project to get us 'out of our shells'.

All feedback is most appreciated - thanks :)

Darren
01/27/2005 07:20:51 AM · #9
The funniest thing for me is when I take out the camera in public with a badass lens with hood like the 70-200 f4L or the 300mm f4L IS. Most people seem to automatically assume that I'm some sort of photojournalist or something and give me lots of room.

It's almost religious:
And Denis pulled out his Digital Rebel with 300mm f4 L IS attached and pointed it to his subject; and Canon caused the crowd to go back by a strong east wind through the four-shot buffer, and made the scene perfect for shooting, and the sea of people was divided.

And Denis moved into the middle of where the crowd used to be to recompose : and the crowd was a wall unto him on his right hand, and on his left.*


* A parody of Exodus 14:21-22 (King James Version) - hope nobody minds, but I couldn't resist.

Ok, off to work.

01/27/2005 07:24:49 AM · #10
awesome :)

Originally posted by Beagleboy:

The funniest thing for me is when I take out the camera in public with a badass lens with hood like the 70-200 f4L or the 300mm f4L IS. Most people seem to automatically assume that I'm some sort of photojournalist or something and give me lots of room.

It's almost religious:
And Denis pulled out his Digital Rebel with 300mm f4 L IS attached and pointed it to his subject; and Canon caused the crowd to go back by a strong east wind through the four-shot buffer, and made the scene perfect for shooting, and the sea of people was divided.

And Denis moved into the middle of where the crowd used to be to recompose : and the crowd was a wall unto him on his right hand, and on his left.*


* A parody of Exodus 14:21-22 (King James Version) - hope nobody minds, but I couldn't resist.

Ok, off to work.
01/27/2005 07:32:35 AM · #11
Colda: try walking around with the camera on your shoulder, or in your hand even, because then you're not 'getting the camera out'.

Personally, what I'm trying to do right now is to work up the nerve to be able to go up to total strangers wherever and whenever and ask for a picture. I'm pretty comfortable using my camera on the street, even with a Big White attached, but asking people to pose is another hill to climb though :)

It's just a matter of breaking the ice -- I've given myself until ca. mid February to grow some balls and get started on this.
01/27/2005 07:39:13 AM · #12
My advice to you is to do it naked :D If you stil feel wrong after that then trade in your camera for some cloths.
01/27/2005 07:48:30 AM · #13
Originally posted by colda:

I was standing on a railway platform a few days ago and saw something that would make an excellent pic, but I could not bring myself to get my camera out.


Just to let you know, here in Chicago it is illegal to take pictures up on the railway platforms due to safety issues (found that out after my sister and I were chewed out by a train worker...still got the pic though). I know what you mean, I have a very difficult time shooting in areas not normally seen as a tourist trap. I work on a military base and have been stopped a couple times for my id to make sure I wasn't some loon. Maybe keep samples of your work with you so if anyone asks you can show them your an artist not a terrorist.

Message edited by author 2005-01-27 07:54:53.
01/27/2005 07:52:56 AM · #14
Originally posted by colda:

ok, I hope I not being out of order here, but I'm going to use this as a counselling session.

Robt: I mean 'unsafe' in the context of me being insecure rather than fear of crime - I have no worries about that at all.

Right, I'm trying to find a reason for why I'm doing this, there are 2 things that I can think of; firstly, on many occasions I've had others taking pics with me, so doing it by myself was the exception rather than the rule, so maybe I'm just shy. Secondly, I made the decision this year that I would refer to myself as being a photographer, thus hoping to take the first steps in building a reputation. I've identified a couple of niche markets that I can use to build myself up and there is nothing stopping me, so I'm wondering if I'm having some bigger issue with a fear of failure which is holding me back, I find it very easy to come up with good ideas and make relevant plans, but talking is so much more simple than doing.

I know that in essence I just need to simply 'do it' (whatever the cause may be) - but how?

If there are any others in a similar situation then maybe we could do some kind of joint project to get us 'out of our shells'.

All feedback is most appreciated - thanks :)

Darren


How do you feel when:

A) You get your camera out in public (not uusing it)
B) You start shooting
C) People start looking at you shooting
D) People start asking you questins about why your shooting
E) When your out without a camera

Message edited by author 2005-01-27 07:53:19.
01/27/2005 08:19:00 AM · #15
Originally posted by jonpink:

Originally posted by colda:

ok, I hope I not being out of order here, but I'm going to use this as a counselling session.

Robt: I mean 'unsafe' in the context of me being insecure rather than fear of crime - I have no worries about that at all.

Right, I'm trying to find a reason for why I'm doing this, there are 2 things that I can think of; firstly, on many occasions I've had others taking pics with me, so doing it by myself was the exception rather than the rule, so maybe I'm just shy. Secondly, I made the decision this year that I would refer to myself as being a photographer, thus hoping to take the first steps in building a reputation. I've identified a couple of niche markets that I can use to build myself up and there is nothing stopping me, so I'm wondering if I'm having some bigger issue with a fear of failure which is holding me back, I find it very easy to come up with good ideas and make relevant plans, but talking is so much more simple than doing.

I know that in essence I just need to simply 'do it' (whatever the cause may be) - but how?

If there are any others in a similar situation then maybe we could do some kind of joint project to get us 'out of our shells'.

All feedback is most appreciated - thanks :)

Darren


How do you feel when:

A) You get your camera out in public (not uusing it)
B) You start shooting
C) People start looking at you shooting
D) People start asking you questins about why your shooting
E) When your out without a camera


A) Proud, this may seem shallow, but it's an emotion akin to a kid having the biggest ice cream in the park on a hot summer's day. There is an air of professionalism about it causing me to stand tall and adopt an aura of feeling a little invinsible.

B) A little apprehensive, if I can release myself from my environment and be focused on the subject then great, otherwise I feel that I just want to 'steal' a quick pic and move on.

C) Basically as B, unless I feel 'justified', then I feel quite happy to have people watching me.

D) I've been confronted twice, the first time I was pathetic, I apologised and tried to cover up what I was doing (candid pics), the second time was when a small truck tipped over, then I was direct and got on with what I was doing (I was actually quite arrogant, with good reason).

E) Lost, I hate it, can only make quick short journeys without my camera, need to have it with me at all times.

Analysis?
01/27/2005 09:04:49 AM · #16
We used to say "You're not a photographer until you feel as naked without your camera as a cop does without his gun." Even when a cop is off duty, he feels "wrong" if he isn't carrying his gun. A lot of professional photographers leave their cameras in the studio when they go home; it's just a job to them. The "real" shooters, in the sense that DPC junkies are shooters, can't imagine not having a camera handy at all times.

So according to "E", you're on your way.

As far as "A" seeming "shallow", well it is, a little bit, but it will wear off (I hope). People are the same way with a new car.

The most interesting thing you said was in "B", where you talk about "releasing yourself from your environment." That's exactly right; when you "go somewhere else" altogether as the camera comes out, then you're entering the mindset of the photographer. Sometimes the world slows down, even. Like it is for athletes, say. There's another space you inhabit in your mind, and when this gets automatic you're in the zone.

As far as "confrontation" goes, the goal is to be matter-of-fact and somewhat distant, in the sense that you've every reason to be doing what your doing, no reason to have to explain it, and neither the time nor the inclination to discuss it. Cultivate a persona that keeps a polite distance from those who would intrude, for whatever reason, because they pull you back out of the place you need to be in.

Robt.
01/27/2005 09:05:19 AM · #17
Originally posted by colda:

Hoping for some help here,

When I used to walk around the city taking pics with my little Oly C-310, I felt a bit as though I had no place taking images of anything that is 'non-tourist', to support this theory when I got my Panasonic FZ2 I felt more freedom to take images of things more 'artistic'. Getting my D70 I was sure that I'd be free to take images of whatever I please, and people would see me and naturally assume I'm a photographer and that I must know what I'm doing.

BUT, I cannot explain it, but now I feel more insecure than ever about using my camera in a public place, I really don't understand it, but now I'm feeling really self concious, I was standing on a railway platform a few days ago and saw something that would make an excellent pic, but I could not bring myself to get my camera out.

I feel like I'm going mad, I'm always carry my camera but now I don't seem to be able to use it in 'unsafe' surroundings.

Help me!

Darren


Ahhhhh... yes. You are suffering from "photographer's block". It is like writer's block.

Psychologists have studied this phenomena extensively and have determined that it is caused by "noexcuseaphobia". Basically, you no longer have an excuse for screwing up.

Psychotherapists have a cure for this ailment called "getoverit". So get out there and take pictures and you will be cured!
01/27/2005 09:06:47 AM · #18
Your crazy.

lol

Well seems that your just normal - only a little anxiety is pretty average I would assume - I get anxious sometimes especially if I am after candids.

For controlling confrontation - I have been confronted many times and have developed my reaction accordingly so much so that now I don't really suffer from what you seemingly suffer.

My first confrontation was probably the worst - I was taking a shot of some houses - nothing special just nice blue sky and the sun was hitting the buildings with a warm orange glow.
A woman and her child walked to wards me, obviously going home - I smiled - she smiled back and I waited for them to pass out of my shot.

Then, about 10 paces in front of my camera, she turned around and shouted back "What the hell do you think your doing taking pictures of my kids, I will tell the school about you" and preceded to mutter stuff under her breath as she walked away.

My reaction was nothing - I was so shocked and confused I didn't have a clue what she was on about - that quickly turned into anger at what she was insinuating. That really pissed me off, but I let it go and just went home.

About 2 weeks later i was taking photographs of people canoing, and some dude got angry and asked why i was taking images - I just said I was taking photographs for fun, and he basically said well don't or I will call the police.

Hehehe, dude scared me.

So the third time I was confronted - shooting a shop burning down to the ground, the police came up to me and asked what i was doing, and I simply said I was a Freelance Photographer and all was fine - they even let me under their barriers to get closer to the action :D

From then on that is all i say, I am freelance photographer and people seem happy with that. Football matches, cricket matches etc - everything fine.

It seems if they think your doing it for money then you must be OK and not some kind of weirdo. If you say your just shooting for yourself then they presume your some nutter who will put images of the people up on your wall as a shrine.


01/27/2005 09:13:11 AM · #19
I neglected to mention, I'm English and living in Switzerland so there is also a language barrier when confronted, my German is good but not fluent (and my Swiss-German is awful).
01/27/2005 09:25:57 AM · #20
I have this problem to an extent, as well. My biggest apprehension comes when I need to use my tripod, since obviously, it draws more attention and more people get interested/nosy.

I've passed up so many potentially great night shots from fear of using my tripod in public.
01/27/2005 09:33:36 AM · #21
Originally posted by bear_music:



The most interesting thing you said was in "B", where you talk about "releasing yourself from your environment." That's exactly right; when you "go somewhere else" altogether as the camera comes out, then you're entering the mindset of the photographer. Sometimes the world slows down, even. Like it is for athletes, say. There's another space you inhabit in your mind, and when this gets automatic you're in the zone.

Robt.


The "zone" part is what scares me. I get focused almost to the point of it being a safety hazard! People will be talking to me and I'm not really listening. I'm afraid I'm going to hurt myself. Fall off a building or something.

As for being self-conscience, I used to be. I've evolved. When I'm doing an assignment it doesn't bother me because everyone knows why I'm there. When it's for my personal work, I just tell everybody up front that I belong to a photo club and am trying to get a "stupid" weekly challenge shot. Lots of humor seems to work. Just keep shooting!
01/27/2005 09:34:21 AM · #22
It can be very hard to convince yourself that it doesn't matter a damn what these strangers think of you.

Tony Benn (British statesman, amateur photographer, hero): "Photography is a moment's embarassment, and a lifetime's pleasure."

And remember - most of those people who are causing you to worry about getting your camera out will have forgotten you within moments.

And the other great advice is from Joanna Lumley: 'stare back and smile'

E
01/27/2005 10:15:02 AM · #23
Well, that wasn't so terrible.. after reading this thread I decided to go out for a quick walk and photograph strangers, and although I had three people reject me it wasn't that big of a deal. And I'm not that social either, even a bit of an introvert, so if I can then anyone can.

Here are the ones I like, if anyone's interested. The girl in #4 is someone I know, but the rest are complete strangers:



Colda: you could actually use the language barrier to your advantage -- people generally have a nice attitude towards tourists and don't get suspicious if they want to take pictures of everything.
01/27/2005 10:22:20 AM · #24
There ya go, Helgi!

Robt.
01/27/2005 11:04:16 AM · #25
Originally posted by colda:

ok, I hope I not being out of order here, but I'm going to use this as a counselling session.


Clearly, you have displaced your repressed sexual feelings for your mother onto your camera which has caused you tremendous castration anxiety, though here it is the loss of your camera you subconsciously fear, not your, err, well you get the point. That'll be $400. And stay away from my mother. :-)
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