Who else is "shy" about their photography?

[Iguanasan]

Looks like I'm not alone! I'm generally in the same position. Right now I'm using a small point and shoot and my camera goes with me just about everywhere, however, I still feel a little out of place when I pull it out for an "artistic" shot.

Most people expect to see cameras at kid's birthday parties or playgrounds, etc. but when you crouch down to take a macro shot of a lone blade of grass because it strikes you as interesting, people look at you kinda strange. At least that's how it feels to me.

I think the problem is that photography is one of the few "personal" artforms that you generally do in public. Most people's art is done in privacy but not so with photography. To get the really good shots you have to go out into the world.

All I can say is to keep working at it. Start by going out at odd times when there is not as many people around and work up to being more at ease in a crowd. The results can be quite satisfying.

Regards, Iguanasan

[AnnetteJ]

I totally relate to this thread! When I go for a photo walk and spend ages photographing a twig from various angles I do feel a bit silly. I sometimes wait for people to move on, or stop if someone appears, but usually only if I'm blocking the path! Or if I'm in a town and get struck by a patch of peeling paint on a door, or a rusty drainpipe or interesting manhole cover! My hubby came in as I was chuckling and commented that he was told on a photography course that the more embarrassed you feel taking a shot the better it is likely to be.

[windrider86]

Do it enough and you'll get over it. Watch and see how people reacte when they see someone with a camera. 9 times out of 10 you'll se them posing for you.
One of my first assignments when i went to work for a newspaper was to go out and photograph an accident. i felt so stupid and felt like i was infringing upon these poor people. But then one of them walked right up to me and asked if i was with the media and was all smiling and asked if his picture was gonna be in the paper.
That camera of yours is an extension of you. It should empower you.
People do look at you like you are from outerspace if you are lying on the sidewalk trying to get that perfect shot of some building or you pull your car over onto the side of the road during rush hour traffic. Who cares! Are they ever gonna see you again? And if they do, they will remember you as the photographer that is willing to do what it takes to get that perfect shot. Might even land you a job or two!
Be proud of what you are doing. Act like you have confidence and people will really think you are a somebody and willprobably even ask you as much!

[jiminyClickit]

The answer no one will want to hear: give up worrying about what others think of you or your actions while taking a photograph. Unless you're being furtive, or creepy, they aren't thinking about you at all.

They're doing the same as you - worrying about what others are thinking about them. Once you get that, you relax your body language, start to look like a working photographer, and if people watching you think anything, it may be to wish they had your job!

As children, we are the center of our own Universe. As we grow, the issue slowly begins to be, how can we be useful, even helpful. If you're prepared to show the curious what you're doing, to answer questions about photography, you may experience the opposite of shyness, and begin finding more reasons to go outside and take as many photos as possible!

As with public speaking, or any performing, practice can turn fear into acceptance, confidence, maybe even joy, eventually. Any craft responds to repetition, and if you need to begin alone and in private, fine. Do that: it will call on great creativity to get good images from around your living space. When you're ready (you'll know), go out to places you know. Then with time and experience, you may venture to those places and situations that seemed frightening before.

No need to worry about what others may be thinking: they're too busy with their own worries.

[prrs4me]

Windrider and Jiminy, Thanks for the great advice. It really applies to many facets of life.
I must say it was therapeutic reading this thread though.
Now to get out shooting!

[JoesPhotos]

If you look and act like you should be there then noone will say anything. Like my former coach my little league football used to say when the kids wanted to show off when they scored. "Act like you've been there before" I know photography is not sports, so to speak, but the same theory applies.

When I'm out taking pictures you need to look at it as a walking business card. I live in a rather large tourist town and the opportunities are numerous here. I've thought of setting up a portable studio on the beach and snap family portraits at sunset. The one I did for my step-sister, for a large discounted price, made me money. As people were walking by on vacation they asked about having their family photos taken. Booked 2 gigs from a 45 min basically free gig.

So don't feel embarassed when you break out a camera. If people ask just think of something funny to say. Well unless it's the cops. ha ha. They still make them laugh.
ie: I would say if asked about taking pictures of produce: "My wife is a visual learner/teacher and we're teaching our 3 year old how to cook, now where's the Spinach!"

[KendraW]

This post has been therapeutic for me as well.

BUT. I am not shy or self-conscious when just out shooting pictures of random objects, strangers, events, etc. I do however feel incredibly self-conscious directing a shoot. Like today, I was photographing a 5-month old and got some great posed portraits of him, but would have much rather had his mom just hang out and play with him and give them a little direction to get some more natural, candid portraits. But I felt awkward, so I just did the posed portraits and called it a day.

I guess practice, practice, practice, right?

[peeperita]

i'm terribly shy about my camera in a public situation.....

last year there was an assignment called strangers.....i thought, how easy is this? and i toddled on out to my honda and drove with confidence....the second i pulled over to shoot, i got self conscious and split.....if that honda could have peeled rubber it would have.....i failed miserably again and again that day because i couldn't bring myself to approach anyone to ask their permission....

same thing goes when i'm wandering around town......i'll get up early on a sunday just so i don't run into any questioning stares.....

now, plan a portrait?......i'm the one who's on stage....last session i stood on top of the coffee table gesturing like a mad woman....

peeper

[jiminyClickit]

"...last session I stood on top of the coffee table gesturing like a mad woman."

Now that's a shot I'm sorry I missed!

[blarg]

I too get nervous when I take my camera out. Last night at a party (all my shots came out poo as well) I didn't feel comfortable. A point and click would have loked better, especially as I spend so long trying to get the settings right before shooting.

The other day I wanted a picture of a tree in fog. Drove for miles, found heaps along the main road, but felt too conscious about pulling over and setting up the tripod, that eventually I went along quieter roads until I found one.

But the advice given above is good and I will try and take it onboard. It's harder in a way as I live in a country where I speak little of the native language, so instantly I lack confidence.