New -Nervous to Shoot People

[Shereen]

Hi, I just got my first DSLR this week, I've been reading all the "beginner" articles and they have been fabulous.
However I would LOVE to start shooting people but I feel there is a bit of an anxiousness about getting in peoples faces, or even just aiming a lens towards them trying to capture "candid", friends or strangers without making THEM feel uncomfortable.
Any suggestions of how to get over this/through this?
I want to be a fearless photographer, any suggestions from your own past "beginnings" would be welcome!

[Jayman11]

Just do it...be polite. If I see someone interesting I always say "Hey, do you mind if I take your photo?" I've never had anyone give me any issues or say no. Do a workshop where you work with models even. That was harder for me then just walking up to someone on the street. Mainly because I actually had to think a little more about poses and such instead of just being candid. I'm a ballsy person to begin with so it's never been hard to just confront someone and as long as you do it in a polite manner you should be fine. Think about it this way, chances are you don't know and will never see the person again, worst they can do is say no thanks and walk away.

[corvus2606]

i find it helps to think of the viewfinder like a tv. what you see isnt happening to you, its just in front of a camera somewhere. It helps to remove yourself from the picture, and makes it about the subject. I've never copped any agression as a result of taking photos of someone. and remember, if you're in a public place, the law is in your favour

[baycruisers]

Context makes all the difference. Walking up to an interesting-looking person on the street or elsewhere in public and asking to take a photo could be experienced as intrusive. Going to a kite festival at a nearby park (as I did recently) and taking photos is completely different. Everyone's having fun and there are lots of people with cameras. Kids love mugging for cameras although most were so involved with their kites that it was easy to get candids of them. Parents seemed pleased that someone wanted to take photos of their kids. So, practice in an environment like that and you'll become more comfortable. Having a big smile on your face that says you're just having fun too, also helps. I can imagine that a serious look seems out of place.

Using a long lens also allows you to "get close" without being close an helps isolate the subject against the background, if that's what you want.

[RecoveringPhotophobic]

I too struggle with portraits and always feel a bit awkward. In my experience though the vast majority of the time people don't mind as long as you have a friendly appearance and a smile on your face and your polite about it.

but beware of cultural differences and where you are. If there's an amber alert in your city that day - maybe don't photograph kids in the park. And if you're in another country try to find out before hand what the general feeling is towards photographs - some people will expect to get paid, others may already hate you before hand just because your western (if you are). In Marrakech I was chased for several blocks by a group of people for taking a picture of a guy's mule (the animal - not the innuendo).

Separating yourself from the situation mentally may help but never forget where you are , especially if you travel.

[inkista]

Right now, the Online Photographer blog is having a pretty good discussion on this topic. Would suggest these two entries:

• Street Models
• On Street Photography

[Shereen]

THanks to everyone's replies! Great suggestions!!! I'm excited to try these, especially going to events where it's expected people will take photos, great tip!
Also I'll be sure to check out those discussions!

[Superfitz]

Originally Posted by RecoveringPhotophobic

...I was chased for several blocks by a group of people for taking a picture...

hahahaha...That is awesome. Please tell me you were able to get some pics of the mob chasing you as you ran.

[amit_raaaj]

Originally Posted by Superfitz

hahahaha...That is awesome. Please tell me you were able to get some pics of the mob chasing you as you ran.

Camera rolling all the time Hillarious......

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

just try talking to people. it really helps to ease the "tension" and nerves. a fun project to begin with, which a friend of mine has done and i will begin come summer time, is to talk to homeless people. give them $2 or your chosen amount to hear their story and for a photograph. you'll meet some very interesting people, it gets you more used to talking to strangers, and you're helping someone in need.