Embarrassed by your camera? I am...

[davehodg]

All you people with the clunky Canon G series. Take a look at the S90. Almost all the features and very slim and portable. Goes with me everywhere:

Dave Hodgkinson Music Photography» Blog Archive » Canon Powershot S90 – first impressions

The Nikon D300 has mostly been on the shelf for the last couple of months.

[reyesabm]

My family doesn't really appreciate that I bring my camera EVERYWHERE. Sometimes I get a nudge from people, but for the most part, if I don't have my camera at an event, I hear "I almost didn't recognize you without your camera."

I do wish I had a P & S though!

[summerbl4ck]

What I read in the OP question was not necessarily that his family was embarrassed that he was taking his camera everywhere, but that maybe they were tired of being subjects? I remember being at a wedding and the photographer was covering the event well, not being "in your face." But I also remember feeling like I should be sitting up straight, trying not to have a double chin, etc. I had a great time, but I was still relieved when the photographer was finally done. I think it's good to remind ourselves sometimes what it's like on the other side of the camera too.

[Beccah]

I'm not one to care about what others think when it comes to what I carry. I'm actually rather proud with my hefty Nikon around my neck.

[Gonzo13]

I carry my camera almost everywhere with me, except to work. I have it i a backpack though. My Wife every once in a while grumbles about it but if I don't have it and something that should be photographed happens then she gets upset. It is a catch 22. I recall once not bringing my camera because we were going into a church for a baptism of her 2nd cousin, and not being a church goer I wasn't sure what the policy on cameras in churches were. So I left it at home and got crap from everyone because I didn't have my camera.

I personally am proud of my Canon xti and my photographic abilities. I'm not the best photographer but I am getting better all the time.

I also think that summerbl4ck might be onto something about them being subjects. Curiously have you ever asked them why they were reacting that way when you went to grab your camera? My wife personally wants a camera to be completely automated, a dslr can be kind of but not completely. That is why she doesn't want to use the Canon, and she also thinks that it sometimes takes me to long to do everything with to take a picture. Usually though when we get home she sees the pictures and she is glad that I had the Canon with me.

[Bluenoser]

Originally Posted by sdaggett

I have become increasingly aware of how my kids and my girlfriend react when I grab my camera bag these days, and I am starting to leave it at home because it isn't a positive reaction.

In the age of point and click cameras that are getting smaller and smaller, I have often thought to myself "I wonder what people think when they see this giant camera around my neck?"

So when I grab my camera bag and my girlfriend says "Your bringing that one?" or she says "I have my Kodak..." (her point and click) and waits for me to say "Ok, I will leave the Nikon here." and then smiles with relief when I do respond that way... I start to be super aware of what others may be thinking~ and find myself leaving my camera at home.

Does anyone else have this issue? Am I the only one? Am I being ridiculous?

Shaun

Yes you are. You have a very nice camera and you're letting other people dictate when to use it? Not meant to be blunt, but c'mon. Why did you buy the camera? To sneak around with it when no one else is looking?

[JackieJet]

I'm only ever embarrased when I try using my P&S as I'm forevery holding it up to my face trying to look through the non-existant eye viewer

[Photostudent]

Originally Posted by JackieJet

I'm forevery holding it up to my face trying to look through the non-existant eye viewer

I am glad I'm not the only one who does that!!!

[MeiTeng]

Originally Posted by StillFocus

I had that problem once, so I bought a slingshot bag. Much more comfortable and easy to carry.

As for being embarrassed to have my camera? No, I'm not usually. I've been known to photograph my food in restaurants and such.

I am "notorious" for food photography wherever I dine. I try not to bother too much even if people were to stare and whisper when I go about shooting food. My family's used to it so they are not bothered at all. As for other kind of shooting, I don't want to be bothered with what people think of my dslr and gear.

[natek313]

Originally Posted by JackieJet

I'm only ever embarrased when I try using my P&S as I'm forevery holding it up to my face trying to look through the non-existant eye viewer

LOL! That's great. Hahaha.