Who else is "shy" about their photography?

[paaper4u]

My feeling is when I take pictures of people that some how I am intruding on their personal space. We all know how uncomfortable we get when we are standing too close to someone we don't know....we look away, avoid looking at them or are very quiet. Well that is the same feeling I get when I take pictures of strangers. And I am too shy to say "hey may I take a shot".
But there are some good tips here, and I will try them out.

[Keels1225]

I have no problem taking pictures in publicor around strangers, but I get very shy around my family and friends. It's not that I don't think my photos are good enough, it's more that I don't want them to watch me being artistic in any way. Weird, I know.

[blarg]

Since posting on this thread, I have become a bit more bolshy out there. The camera has become my comfort blanket and I happily shoot whereever I feel now.

[Loose_Canon]

My best advice is to build your confidence (self-confidence). Be prepared and look and act professional.

For example, if you are shooting fruit for an article, even for an assignment here, print out the assignment and put it on a clipboard to carry with you. Put a few of your business card on your clipboard too to be ready to show or give out. If the area may be considered "sensitive" fro ma security standpoint (many public places are now) check w/ the authorities beforehand. And if you have written permission to be shooting, by all means have your paperwork & credentials with you. In a farmers' market, just go up and introduce yourself and tell them what you are doing. If they object, just move on; if not, you've made a new friend.

Dress the part - wear decent clothes, maybe even a photog's vest. Don't look like a derelict - look like a pro. Hold your head up and walk confidently. And I do not recommend sneaking around "shooting from the hip." That gives the wrong impression and bring the law on you if you look suspicious.

So look & act professionally (even if you are an amateur) and be prepared. You should have no trouble. And the more you do this successfully, the easier it is to do the next time.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by blarg

Since posting on this thread, I have become a bit more bolshy out there. The camera has become my comfort blanket and I happily shoot whereever I feel now.

Congrats! I'm progressing as well...

[WhiskeyPete]

I've been doing a lot of performance shots of bands in smaller venues lately. When they're playing to a packed house, I have no problem squishing up to the front for some quality shots. But when the place is empty and the crowd is back from the stage a bit, I do feel a little self-conscious being the only one right in the band's face. My solution? Get drunk! Haha, I know it's not a long-term solution, but I must say, I was at my boldest and got my best shots thus far at a recent show where I perhaps had a bit too much fun...

[cloverlane]

i am usually shy if i am the only one carrying a camera or taking pictures for that matter
ilove to do street photography but shy to take pictures of people them not knowing

[nicotine]

I have no qualms about shooting objects/friends in public. Where I start to get shy is when I am taking pictures of people I have never met before.

[EmOz]

I have to admit, I'm still fairly shy about it all. I've got a few friends who are into street photography, and I really do envy their ability to focus (pardon the pun) on the task at hand and ignore the strange looks that they get. They get get questioned occasionally about what they're doing, but most people tend to be fairly good. Occasionally you'll get the abusive person, but in public places, its not illegal to be taking photographs, so they stand their ground.

Some of the guys have even had t-shirts made up with "I'm a photographer, not a terrorist" on them

I'm still trying to find my feet with the whole invasion of privacy thing. For example, there is a lady at work who has a new tattoo on her ankle which I think would make an awesome black and white / partially coloured shot. Being a married guy, I feel awkward asking her to take a photo of her legs, even though my intentions are strictly honest, and I know that its for art's sake.

I guess confidence will come with time.

[Mezzo]

I've noticed a lot of posts are about being shy. I'm shy too, and I can completely understand where everyone is coming from when they say they feel goofy/shy/weird taking pictures out in public. I am just the same way! Many times I worry about what people think when I'm kneeling down with my camera pressed up in my face, looking so very fascinated by a single leaf or flower. "What could possibly be so interesting about that flower?!" Or "Why is he in prone position on the sidewalk?!"

Anyway, I wonder if there is a deeper psychological connection to this. Would you say that photography is somewhat of a "sidelines" sport? Passive and behinds the scenes, we like to observe and blend in...avoid confrontation. I know this does not describe all styles of photography, since, for example, portrait photography requires you to interact with the client and set a mood for the photo shoot. But in my opinion, I think we would rather choose to go unnoticed... as far as public photography goes, at least.

So, could you then say that photography is an activity that attracts shy/passive people to begin with?