Who else is "shy" about their photography?

[sk66]

I was at the local Farmer's Market yesterday...looking for pictures for this weeks assignment ("fresh"). The place is always pretty busy/ packed with people. I've got $2-3000 worth of photo gear on my shoulder and I'm taking pictures "from the hip" because I don't want to be conspicuous taking pictures of vegetables!
There are TONS of photo opportunities at the market and elsewhere which I pass up because I'm self conscious; I guess that's the root of it anyways.

This is not "like me" and there's no reason for it. I've got to get over this!

[richsuk]

I'm ok most of the time, I don't particularly like doing planned portraits of people at the moment and I don't like getting the camera out whilst at parks full of kids. Everything else not an issue lol

EDIT : Actually it probably isn't shy-ness as such, more about typical public opinion and future career fears that make me shy away from those situations.

[maxharvard]

I don't have any issues whipping out my camera. I'm always up for a good conversation about camera junk

~Eric

[Sergio]

I'm a little shy around people my age, but I get over it eventually.

[SandeeWig]

I can totally relate, although I must give you kudos for at least shooting from the hip. I just neglect to take the camera out at all.

I stopped recently to take pictures of a huge tree that had been hit by lightning and split in half near my son's daycare. I was totally self conscious about being out in the road as cars drove by and people walked down the street, assuming they are thinking to themselves, "who the heck does she think she is?!"

[ukglyn]

Must admit I am bit shy about getting my camera out, on a beach or other tourist place no problem because its sort of expected, but in places where its never see, like your market example I get really embarrased.

[prrs4me]

Originally Posted by sk66

I was at the local Farmer's Market yesterday...looking for pictures for this weeks assignment ("fresh"). The place is always pretty busy/ packed with people. I've got $2-3000 worth of photo gear on my shoulder and I'm taking pictures "from the hip" because I don't want to be conspicuous taking pictures of vegetables!
There are TONS of photo opportunities at the market and elsewhere which I pass up because I'm self conscious; I guess that's the root of it anyways.

This is not "like me" and there's no reason for it. I've got to get over this!

Yes I feel the same way you do. I don't know why but I do. And yes I have to get over this too. I'm going to try anyway.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

I don't have any issues whipping out my camera. I'm always up for a good conversation about camera junk

~Eric

I wish. I'm fine in most situations, but taking candids of people (where they might object), or in places where people might think "what is he doing?" I get self conscious.

I think I'm going to make a new "self assignment". Take the pictures which I would normally hesitate to take and be "blatant" about my photography.
I'm sure this self consciousness and concern is entirely self induced and the best way to get over it is to "just do it".

[oldwolf]

a zoom lens might help too. that will keep you further away from the subject.

[vikingforlife44]

I am getting better about not really caring what others may think. A few of my shots I have posted here, I'm sure the neighbors wonder what the heck I'm up to. Out in the below freezing temps, at night trying to get pictures of ice. Or setting up my tripod and camera during a heck of a snowstorm to get pictures of the boy scouts selling trees.

Weirdest I have felt though was walking into a cemetery carrying my equipment with me.