"I don't want my picture taken "

[Michael EOS5D]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

 

[yardcoyote]

I don't take the picture.

 

[buybuybuy]

Your last strategy--to take the picture without consent and blindingly fast--is a sound one.

Because, in some cases, letting someone know beforehand that you're going to their picture carries even greater risks than mere refusal: they could blind you for life with a set of teeth that look like the vine-encrusted side of an old building.

It is true what they say: periodontal disease can kill in more ways than one!

 

[Michael EOS5D]

Your last strategy--to take the picture without consent and blindingly fast--is a sound one.

Because, in some cases, letting someone know beforehand that you're going to their picture carries even greater risks than mere refusal: they could blind you for life with a set of teeth that look like the vine-encrusted side of an old building.

It is true what they say: periodontal disease can kill in more ways than one!

...And hope the autofocus nails it!

 

[buybuybuy]

Your last strategy--to take the picture without consent and blindingly fast--is a sound one.

Because, in some cases, letting someone know beforehand that you're going to their picture carries even greater risks than mere refusal: they could blind you for life with a set of teeth that look like the vine-encrusted side of an old building.

It is true what they say: periodontal disease can kill in more ways than one!

...And hope the autofocus nails it!

Yes, but to increase the odds of success, you could use trap focus and lure your subjects into position on a false pretext.

I hope that helps!

 

[doonie]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Why would you feel the need to take someone's picture if they don't want it taken ? Especially at a family gathering. Do you feel that carrying a camera gives you the right to invade someone's privacy ? I would think it's just a matter of respect.

 

[The Davinator]

If I am at a large gathering of family for example, and one person always objects to haing their pic taken, then I ask them to move aside. The family does not want to miss recording memories because of one person. They dont want their pic taken, then stay out of the pic.

 

[fmian]

I get that sometimes, and I understand. I'm kind of weird about having my own photo taken as well, so I will respect their wishes and feel thankful that they've told me.

What I don't get is when someone does not object to me taking photos, poses for me happily, and then later on says 'I didn't want my pictures taken. Delete the photos'.

This is after they've signed a release form and before they've actually seen the photos.
Happened to me twice.

Delete photos. Delete backup. Delete contact. Block on social media.
Continue with life.

 

[nopix]

[No message]

 

[Osvaldo Cristo]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Why do you think your desire to get a photo is more valuable than other´s desire to not be photographed?

It looks me an issue of human respect to consider the desire of your vítima subject.

If I found a such behavior in a person insisting in not consider the privacy of others I probably would ask him to stop and certainly I would never invite that kind of person again...

Regards,

 

[Chikubi]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Why would you feel the need to take someone's picture if they don't want it taken ? Especially at a family gathering. Do you feel that carrying a camera gives you the right to invade someone's privacy ? I would think it's just a matter of respect.

Because maybe he has foresight enough to understand that anyone may not be with us tomorrow, and once they're gone then it's too late? Especially with elderly family, but it applies to anyone. How sad is it to not have an important memorial record of a loved one simply due to obstinance?

Myself, I have little tolerance for this kind of behavior. A private setting is one thing, but a family gathering and the like is not really private. If we're talking respect, then these folks can respect the people around them and put aside their insecurity and vanity for a short while, because 90% of the time that's the main reason for their objections I've found over the years. That said, it is pretty rude to repeatedly hound them knowing they're uncomfortable - that I would never do. But, one or two frames, or a group photo here and there? They can pipedown and deal with it.

 

[Chikubi]

It looks me an issue of human respect to consider the desire of your vítima subject.

If I found a such behavior in a person insisting in not consider the privacy of others I probably would ask him to stop and certainly I would never invite that kind of person again...

Respect goes both ways, however. Someone being uncomfortable doesn't give them any more precedent than the others around them, either. Considering that, more often than not, it's the person's own hang-up that's causing them to be uncomfortable, they should respect those around them as well and not try to be a stone in the river.

Consideration has two sides, not only that of the affected. Each needs to compromise - one deserves not to be hounded for photos, but they also need to be willing to accept a few without giving a hassle. That's fair to both parties and not unreasonable.

 

[Janoch]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Gaffa tape!

Works great on toddlers too!

 

[Chikubi]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Gaffa tape!

Works great on toddlers too!

I'll have to try that, thanks! They always wince when I get out the nail gun. j/k ;P

 

[PieterB]

Nowadays I just don't take their picture. It is not worth the hassle.

 

[dmartin92]

Because maybe he has foresight enough to understand that anyone may not be with us tomorrow, and once they're gone then it's too late? Especially with elderly family, but it applies to anyone. How sad is it to not have an important memorial record of a loved one simply due to obstinance?

Maybe the answer is that it is not very sad at all. Not everyone may agree with you that what is important is digital .jpg files

Some people think what is more important is the memories that you store in your brain of time shared together. Time spent having pleasant conversations, seeing each other, et cetera.

Myself, I have little tolerance for this kind of behavior.

Don't be surprised if some people, even family, decide that they have little tolerance for you, and you find that some of the more minor events, you aren't invited to.

Really, having tolerance for others, and the idea that others may see things differently, it's a good thing to have.

 

[Michael EOS5D]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Why would you feel the need to take someone's picture if they don't want it taken ? Especially at a family gathering. Do you feel that carrying a camera gives you the right to invade someone's privacy ? I would think it's just a matter of respect.

Because maybe he has foresight enough to understand that anyone may not be with us tomorrow, and once they're gone then it's too late? Especially with elderly family, but it applies to anyone. How sad is it to not have an important memorial record of a loved one simply due to obstinance?

Myself, I have little tolerance for this kind of behavior. A private setting is one thing, but a family gathering and the like is not really private. If we're talking respect, then these folks can respect the people around them and put aside their insecurity and vanity for a short while, because 90% of the time that's the main reason for their objections I've found over the years. That said, it is pretty rude to repeatedly hound them knowing they're uncomfortable - that I would never do. But, one or two frames, or a group photo here and there? They can pipedown and deal with it.

 

[jcharding]

On the one hand I tend to be respectful of their preferences. On the other hand, a lot of times these photos become treasured memories - not necessarily for the photographer, but for other family members as well. And if someone consistently escapes these memories, they almost cease to exist.

Thinking back a few decades, most families had a person who was consistently the family photographer. Quite often Dad, but sometimes Mom depending on the family. And now as we look back we don't have those Polaroid moments with Dad/Mom because they were behind the lens, instead of in front of it.

I'm not much of a street photographer, but I think there is merit in the argument of letting camera shy relatives omit themselves from formal photos but later capturing a moment here or there when they aren't paying attention. My Mom isn't too wild about being in photos, and I understand why, but I'm pretty sure my kid/her grandchild will appreciate the intermittent shots I sneak in now and again when the two of them are doing something.

 

[kreygscott]

We've all had this happen. You're at a family gathering, seeing people you haven't seen in a long time, and may never see again. You go to take a pic, and instantly hear, "I don't want my pic taken." Or, worse yet, if you do take a pic,they completely ruin it by making a funny face. It's tough enough trying to get everything right, much less have someone intentually do that. The only thing I've found that works for me is to take the pic fast, so fast they cant bi**h about it, so by the time they do it's all over. Most people are cooperative, and sure there are times we simply don't want our pic taken. Just curious how everyone else deals with that.

Sometimes a funny face is just what a picture needs. However I can understand your view concerning it ruining a perfect picture especially one which includes a family portrait. Taking a candid on the other hand does not necessarily work best with with family portraits. As you've learned, taking the picture quickly enough without them knowing can work occasionally yet its somewhat of a hit and miss.

 

[Joseph T Lewis III]

IMHO there might be times when someone's "don't take my picture" instructions perhaps should be stealthily ignored, for the greater good of all concerned.

Case in point: my ex wife got to the point she did not want her photo taken (not sure why, she's always had a beautiful face and was / is an attractive lady even though she is pushing 70 years old). She would actually put her hand in front of her face to prevent my taking her photo. We've been divorced for years but from what my kids tell me she still does it.

As a result, our adult children and grandchildren will have very few photos to remember her by, in the years to come. There are a few pics that people have managed to include her in, but very few if any of her by herself.

I suspect there are other people out there with the same situation. It might be their spouse, grandmother, or whomever, but there are people whose families won't have the photo memories of them that most folks do. Personally, I find this a bit sad.

I'm not suggesting that photographers be obnoxious, or routinely try to bully / force someone to have their picture taken. I'm also not suggesting photographers should force themselves on people they hardly know. All I'm saying is that there may be times that quietly including a beloved relative in a group shot, or maybe taking a telephoto shot of someone without their knowledge, would be greatly appreciated by that person's loved ones years down the road. (It goes without saying that the shot should be one which put the person in their best light, and not be in any way degrading or embarrassing.)

Just something to think about...