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Courage to photograph strangers? Enlighten me please....

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Laetitya

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I am starting photography as a hobby and I have what must be a very silly question: I have seen some beautiful public transport shots which capture people in buses etc. I was wondering how it is possible to photograph people without them noticing?
 
Laetitya said:
I am starting photography as a hobby and I have what must be a very silly question: I have seen some beautiful public transport shots which capture people in buses etc. I was wondering how it is possible to photograph people without them noticing?
Click to expand...
They do notice. The trick is to give off a vibe that says "I'm harmless, an artist or reporter, not a creepy stalker". And you learn to watch body language, learning who...
  • will ignore you and get on with their business
  • will preen and pose
  • will hide or be uncomfortable
  • will go on the offensive
--
Rahon Klavanian 1912-2008.

Armenian genocide survivor, amazing cook, scrabble master, and loving grandmother. You will be missed.

Ciao! Joseph

http://www.swissarmyfork.com
 
Of course not shoving a dslr in someone's face helps - learning to shoot from the hip and zone focusing (if your camera can) seems to help - as well as quiet shutters. If you can compose with the lcd, you can appear as if you are 'fiddling' with the camera, rather than setting up a shot.

I had a bad experience recently shooting strangers - I was responded to like I was a weirdo, and that was after I ASKED to shoot this particular shot... last time I'll ask, given it was a public place.

Also if someone questions me, I offer to show them the other photos on the card, and if they are adamant, I would be willing to delete the photo to dissuade any physical conflict.

As a very last thing too - I carry police grade pepper spray (bought an an arms store, not a target or walmart) in my pocket, should anyone I shoot ever decide to get physical (not all that common, see below).

One issue I find is that due to my height (6'5") it's hard for me to sort of blend in.. shooting chest level with an lcd for me is head height for a lot of subjects.. I'm trying to find ways to minimize my height in public - one method has been to find a good surrounding and sit at a table or bench 'fiddling' with the camera. One huge complaint I have about the GF1 is shutter noise.. it's LOUD.

It's definitely nerve racking when getting started (as I have been, like you)

Oh also, hang out in the environment for a while looking with your camera down, reviewing shots, whatever - before you start aiming it at people.. get them comfortable that hey, there's a guy/girl with a camera.
 
Thank you for your advice! Very helpful indeed. I am thinking that as I am a woman, I may get away with it a bit more than men....but you never know. I shall have to figure out how to switch the shutter sound off on my camera... shall test it on my flatmate who hates having pictures taken of him :-)
 
Laetitya said:
I am starting photography as a hobby and I have what must be a very silly question: I have seen some beautiful public transport shots which capture people in buses etc. I was wondering how it is possible to photograph people without them noticing?
Click to expand...
Act like a weirdo and you'll be treated like a weirdo. On the other hand, if you look presentable, have a smile on your face, have a positive attitude, and don't act threatening, it's possible to get the cooperation and acceptance of people in public places. But just keep in mind that there are people who do not like having their photo taken, and you must respect that.
 
After my last concern - I try to con my very non threatening 4'10" girlfriend into going with me. Definitely being a woman is going to make it MUCH easier - as unfortunately most err..deviants... are seen to be men.
 
Laetitya said:
Thank you for your advice! Very helpful indeed. I am thinking that as I am a woman, I may get away with it a bit more than men....but you never know. I shall have to figure out how to switch the shutter sound off on my camera... shall test it on my flatmate who hates having pictures taken of him :-)
Click to expand...
Another good tip is if you see someone on the street or on a bus you want to take a photo of, take photos of a lot of other things in that environment too (even if you don't have any interest in those other photos). That way, it won't appear as if you are focusing solely on that one person. It'll just look like you're a nice person out taking lots of photos of lots of things, and you just happened to take one photo pointed in their general direction. In fact, sometimes, I'll take a couple photos with the camera pointed just to the right or left of the person of interest, as if I were concentrating on something else. But then after a few shots, I swing my camera over to focus on them, snap a couple shots, then move on to other photos. It's a lot creepier if you only take a photo of that particular person. They'll feel like they got singled out for some unknown reason. It's kind of like if you entered a room and walked up to only one particular person and said hello to them, as opposed to walking into a room and saying hello to everyone you came across. The former makes you seem a bit weird for singling out one person, whereas the latter makes you seem like just a friendly, sociable person.
 
Perhaps carrying pepper spray coupled with your handle says something about you. Not my style I might add. I've been in tricky situations in my life but never had to fight. Carrying a weapon gets you half way there without trying.
Jules
h00ligan said:
Of course not shoving a dslr in someone's face helps - learning to shoot from the hip and zone focusing (if your camera can) seems to help - as well as quiet shutters. If you can compose with the lcd, you can appear as if you are 'fiddling' with the camera, rather than setting up a shot.

I had a bad experience recently shooting strangers - I was responded to like I was a weirdo, and that was after I ASKED to shoot this particular shot... last time I'll ask, given it was a public place.

Also if someone questions me, I offer to show them the other photos on the card, and if they are adamant, I would be willing to delete the photo to dissuade any physical conflict.

As a very last thing too - I carry police grade pepper spray (bought an an arms store, not a target or walmart) in my pocket, should anyone I shoot ever decide to get physical (not all that common, see below).

One issue I find is that due to my height (6'5") it's hard for me to sort of blend in.. shooting chest level with an lcd for me is head height for a lot of subjects.. I'm trying to find ways to minimize my height in public - one method has been to find a good surrounding and sit at a table or bench 'fiddling' with the camera. One huge complaint I have about the GF1 is shutter noise.. it's LOUD.

It's definitely nerve racking when getting started (as I have been, like you)

Oh also, hang out in the environment for a while looking with your camera down, reviewing shots, whatever - before you start aiming it at people.. get them comfortable that hey, there's a guy/girl with a camera.
Click to expand...
--
Solidaritory with Sea Shepherd
 
Interesting photographic opportunities can present in less than safe areas, and with animals loose. I don't think that carrying pepper spray is a BAD idea..nor do I consider it a 'weapon'. It's a last measure of defense as stated - so why be a jerk to me. It's not like I said, Oh every time I go out, I take a glock. jeez. If you've never HAD to fight or rapidly flee, then no, you haven't been in particularly tricky situations.

As far as my SCREENNAME goes... that's a reference to football, and the fact I'm an expat. It's tongue in cheek. I guess maybe you have imagined posts I've made that sought to incite something..creative person!

So thanks for being a completely judgmental jerk to me for no apparent reason. Must feel good to judge others by taking things out of context whilst sitting behind a keyboard.

Maybe that energy would better be pointed elsewhere and toward something productive.
 
Agree with that. If your trying to take photos of people without their permission and not having them notice, be aware that you may run into some bad situations. My portrait/people photography rule is communication is your greatest tool. Your trying to totally bypass that, so good luck and be careful. You are asking how to take "people" photos without them knowing, correct?

In my opinion, people have enough to worry about with someone pointing a camera at them. On the other hand, people are so d*mn sensitive these days that they think a camera will kill them. On the other hand (I know, three hands) I think that these paparazzi photographers are just getting what they deserve when one of their subjects hits them, breaks their equipment or something like that.

John
T3 said:
Laetitya said:
I am starting photography as a hobby and I have what must be a very silly question: I have seen some beautiful public transport shots which capture people in buses etc. I was wondering how it is possible to photograph people without them noticing?
Click to expand...
Act like a weirdo and you'll be treated like a weirdo. On the other hand, if you look presentable, have a smile on your face, have a positive attitude, and don't act threatening, it's possible to get the cooperation and acceptance of people in public places. But just keep in mind that there are people who do not like having their photo taken, and you must respect that.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.OneFrameStudios.com
http://www.pbase.com/happypoppeye
 
It's generally considered a GOOD idea for ladies to carry pepper spray, photographers, or just walking to a movie.

Maybe when it saves someone you care about you'll be less judgmental.
 
What? I agree with the guy (or gal0 down below - if your carrying a weapon, and you are carrying pepper spray to use as a weapon, you are halfway there to getting in a fight.

If you feel you have to carry pepper spray just in case someone gets mad your taking a picture - you shouldn't be taking the picture. What happens if someone pulls a gun? Are you gonna get into a pepper spray vs. gun shootout. C'mon. Have some common sense. Your asking for it. ...and where are you taking pictures that you are so scared you need to carry pepper spray. I've been in some bad areas, but even thinking of pulling out pepper spray could get me killed in those places.
h00ligan said:
Of course not shoving a dslr in someone's face helps - learning to shoot from the hip and zone focusing (if your camera can) seems to help - as well as quiet shutters. If you can compose with the lcd, you can appear as if you are 'fiddling' with the camera, rather than setting up a shot.

I had a bad experience recently shooting strangers - I was responded to like I was a weirdo, and that was after I ASKED to shoot this particular shot... last time I'll ask, given it was a public place.

Also if someone questions me, I offer to show them the other photos on the card, and if they are adamant, I would be willing to delete the photo to dissuade any physical conflict.

As a very last thing too - I carry police grade pepper spray (bought an an arms store, not a target or walmart) in my pocket, should anyone I shoot ever decide to get physical (not all that common, see below).

One issue I find is that due to my height (6'5") it's hard for me to sort of blend in.. shooting chest level with an lcd for me is head height for a lot of subjects.. I'm trying to find ways to minimize my height in public - one method has been to find a good surrounding and sit at a table or bench 'fiddling' with the camera. One huge complaint I have about the GF1 is shutter noise.. it's LOUD.

It's definitely nerve racking when getting started (as I have been, like you)

Oh also, hang out in the environment for a while looking with your camera down, reviewing shots, whatever - before you start aiming it at people.. get them comfortable that hey, there's a guy/girl with a camera.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.OneFrameStudios.com
http://www.pbase.com/happypoppeye
 
Yes, I was asking how to take photographs of people without them noticing as that is the only way to do it when on public transport! And i love the natural, unposed results.

I do however agree with you when it comes to people having enough to worry about.

Personally, i have seen people taking photographs of me, and I actually feel flattered.
happypoppeye said:
Agree with that. If your trying to take photos of people without their permission and not having them notice, be aware that you may run into some bad situations. My portrait/people photography rule is communication is your greatest tool. Your trying to totally bypass that, so good luck and be careful. You are asking how to take "people" photos without them knowing, correct?

In my opinion, people have enough to worry about with someone pointing a camera at them. On the other hand, people are so d*mn sensitive these days that they think a camera will kill them. On the other hand (I know, three hands) I think that these paparazzi photographers are just getting what they deserve when one of their subjects hits them, breaks their equipment or something like that.

John
T3 said:
Laetitya said:
I am starting photography as a hobby and I have what must be a very silly question: I have seen some beautiful public transport shots which capture people in buses etc. I was wondering how it is possible to photograph people without them noticing?
Click to expand...
Act like a weirdo and you'll be treated like a weirdo. On the other hand, if you look presentable, have a smile on your face, have a positive attitude, and don't act threatening, it's possible to get the cooperation and acceptance of people in public places. But just keep in mind that there are people who do not like having their photo taken, and you must respect that.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.OneFrameStudios.com
http://www.pbase.com/happypoppeye
Click to expand...
 
There is no way that I will EVER point my camera towards a stranger, if only for the simple reason that I would not like a stranger pointing their camera towards me.
 
h))ligan,

That is very debatable ...and I'm not putting you down or anything, but my thinking is, if I have to do something like that, than I'm not going to live in that area. ...not gonna live my life walking around scared (and not saying you are - just voicing my opinion).

That could also work the opposite way - be careful.
h00ligan said:
It's generally considered a GOOD idea for ladies to carry pepper spray, photographers, or just walking to a movie.

Maybe when it saves someone you care about you'll be less judgmental.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.OneFrameStudios.com
http://www.pbase.com/happypoppeye
 
I agree it's not for everyone. But especially in this city, and where some interesting urban photography exists - I think for Jules to have immediately assumed I was out looking for trouble was inappropriate.

I also put 4 gallons of water in my trunk when I drive through the desert - and kept a first aid kit/ flashlight / foodbar always on my when I lived in Manhattan. It's not a desire to look for trouble, anymore than I look to dehydrate, or get stuck on a train for 2 hrs - it's just being prepared at the cost of carrying a few ounces.

It's not like I walk around with pepper spray in one hand and a cam in the other, nobody would ever see it - just to be clear.

Bear in mind bad elements seldom confine themselves to bad areas. There have been plenty of **** murders in scottsdale - like my friend who was stabbed repeatedly and thrown in a canal, on a bicycle ride. One wonders pepper spray could have helped her - maybe, maybe not. Oh and for those who think I'm just positioning - I wish I was.

http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special14/articles/1104coldcase-brosso04.html
 
It's not an issue of going out scared, it's an issue of preparation. As far as what if someone pulls a gun - what is that argument about? If anyone ever saw I had pepper spray, it would already be discharged. Obviously I'm not going to pull it out and not use it - hoping to dissuade, anymore than someone defending themselves with a guy would should do that.

It's a LAST CASE scenario, and I have never had to discharge any weapon in 15 years of any kind. So it's not fear, it's not looking for trouble, it's nothing outside of being prepared with virtually no cost.
 
Oh, I definitely understand your thinking. I'm not trying to change it or say it is wrong in any sense. Just an opinion and different from mine, nothing wrong with it.

I'm just the opposite really. Although, my last trip I did have to hire a rooftop sniper and another merc to "ghost" me on the street.

...no, that is not a joke.

I just rsaw the "manhattan" too. What!!!???!!! - we are definitely on opposite sides of the spectrum. Screw the foodbar, if I break down in Manhattan I'm going for some pizza or something!!! HA, haha.

It's all opinion,
John
h00ligan said:
I agree it's not for everyone. But especially in this city, and where some interesting urban photography exists - I think for Jules to have immediately assumed I was out looking for trouble was inappropriate.

I also put 4 gallons of water in my trunk when I drive through the desert - and kept a first aid kit/ flashlight / foodbar always on my when I lived in Manhattan. It's not a desire to look for trouble, anymore than I look to dehydrate, or get stuck on a train for 2 hrs - it's just being prepared at the cost of carrying a few ounces.

It's not like I walk around with pepper spray in one hand and a cam in the other, nobody would ever see it - just to be clear.

Bear in mind bad elements seldom confine themselves to bad areas. There have been plenty of **** murders in scottsdale - like my friend who was stabbed repeatedly and thrown in a canal, on a bicycle ride. One wonders pepper spray could have helped her - maybe, maybe not. Oh and for those who think I'm just positioning - I wish I was.

http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special14/articles/1104coldcase-brosso04.html
Click to expand...
--
http://www.OneFrameStudios.com
http://www.pbase.com/happypoppeye
 
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