Do you ever feel awkward or embarrest when taking Photos?

[iRyzzz]

This includes public places such as roadside scenery or events. . .

What do you do to overcome this?

I feel as if everybody is watching me and in turn this messes up my shots and patiance and I rush shots or just get the shot and move on...

I do try and blank it out but its hard. Is it just me or do you feel like this sometimes?

[mshockley]

I used to feel quite awkward also in those situations. I'm used to doing portraits that people have actually asked for, so when I go out into situations like you are describing I still feel a bit weird. BUT, that is why when I'm not "working" I keep making myself go shoot in locations where I feel more exposed. It does get easier each time.

People probably are watching you for starters. Let's face it, if you are using any more kit than a point and shoot, people usually will notice. Just do your thing! I think it's just one of those areas where continued exposure will help you feel more comfortable.

[mshockley]

Side note: you saying that your messing up your shots from rushing> I've found that if I hang out in one place/event long enough, people do get tired of me and lose interest...lol....again, just take your time and get the shot you want.

[Tzetsin]

if you have a professional looking dslr then your absolutely right, as soon as you put the viewfinder up to your face people will be looking at you. Even before that, If you keep a camera on your hip, people will immediatly find you more interesting because of it.

Another interesting point is how people feel about you shooting, I once went out to a location, a small information center in my city, I took along a point an shoot to stake out some good locations for a shoot i had. I talked to the girl at the desk (didnt mention anything about the camera or the shoot) and took about 20 pictures in an around the building. She was watching me the whole time. Couple days later I got there first so I started doing some test shots and was Immediatly told (by the same girl) that I cant take pictures in there. The only difference was that I had my DSLR instead of my POS.

As long as i was just another "tourist" nobody cared that i was taking pictures, but once I went from tourist to "professional" It was like all of a sudden the pictures I took mattered, and it was no longer "OK"

[Harpo63]

yeah, that happened to me this morning.... Went to the indoor farmers market early in the am and there was not alot of people. So I stuck out like a sore thumb. Even had a old fellow, one of the vendors, point to my camera and ask me who I am working for? Just out of curiosity.... I said, just for me, for fun, Im working on a project. No big deal, just curious.

But some of the stares made me feel a bit awkward- especially from some of the vendors- I was wondering if they thought I was a spy from another vendor getting ideas on how they set their stand up!

[rosserx]

When I'm out shooting I'm more concerned about getting mugged.

[faeriegodess612]

Originally Posted by rosserx

When I'm out shooting I'm more concerned about getting mugged.

Ditto. Especially in Austin. Even just having that camera around your neck. You walk by people at the bus stop, and you can feel eyes on you. It makes you wonder " Ok, are you checking us out?" ( Cuz I usually go with a girlfriend of mine. ) "Or are you curious as to how much you can get for my camera?" Especially when your in the Capitol Building, and your taking a shot of the stairwell spindles, or this weird looking thing sticking out of the wall, and people literally stop and ask you what your taking a shot of. Texans are un-commonly nice though, so it's usually just a curiosity thing.

Only when I am doing nude photography. It can be both awkward and embarrassing, even for my models, when people find me standing naked with my big 70-200 mm in my hand while everybody else remains fully clothed. Most of the time, I keep my clothes on...

[RichardTaylor]

Mostly it's not a problem.
Never ever for 'scapes and urban wildlife.
Just smile & wave.
Events are particularly easy as usually there are quite a few cameras around people are in a good mood. Very occasionally I may be asked to cover one.
I never shoot in shopping centres and use common sense on other private property.
I also make no bones about what I am doing.
I usually carry a few cards, with where my pics can be seen, and contact details. to give to people if they are interested.

[RLucas]

Yes I do. I have tried every self help technique from Anthony Robbins to Zen meditation, and I still feel uncomfortable. I have to push myself through it almost every time. It hasn't really gotten any easier either. I don't think it is a lack of self confidence. I think it is more of a personal space thing. I like my space, but I also think I have an innate respect for others space as well. It just is what it is.