photographing strangers

[Darren Rowse]

very wise NV - I'm increasingly aware of taking photos of kids and the different implications that it can have. Very tricky.

[photonoob]

Anonymous 'faces in the crowd' thing, where no one person is the focus of the picture, I'd go ahead and snap away. But if one face is the point of the picture, then ask - either before or after, if you don't want to make your subject self-conscious.

It's not photography, but I work in radio and frequently have to go up to total strangers and ask them questions and so on. It's nerve-wracking at first, but I've gotten used to it. Be polite, say 'excuse me', and most people will be civil in return, is what I've found. They may say no, but they'll do it politely; they may say yes, and be rather flattered.

[Fraggleroxer]

to stay within the law, i use the "Were are my feet rule"

if you are standing on public property, you are ok to shoot whatever you want, even if your subject is on private property. this includes crime scenes, goverment building etc... its important to know ur rights as a photographer..check out this website:

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm


happy shooting all

[barrie]

I tend to shoot first then show the photo to the person and offer to either delete it or email it to them. So far I've had great interactions with people doing this. No one has asked me to delete their photos and now that I have their email address I have a way to reach them if I want to get a release at a later date. Plus they are usually thrilled that I am just giving them the photo, not charging for it.

In some settings, if the person sees me about to take the photo I will point to the camera with a questioning look on my face like I am asking if it's ok. So far, I've only gotten yes nods.

In other settings, like at a group function where I am acting as the recorder for the event, I will announce up front why I am taking photos and ask if there is anyone that doesn't want theirs taken. If anyone says no I will tell them that if they accidently show up in one of the shots that I will delete it. That seems to put people at ease.

When I first started out taking photos of people in public places it made me pretty uncomfortable. I just try to be as respectful as I can. What I find is that most people tend to actually like it - especially if you have a camera that makes it look like you know what you're doing even if you don't, like me!

[Fraggleroxer]

my suggestion is to use a medium throw lens, like a 50mm prime. that way, it forces u to get close and interact, capturing the moment, instead of stealing it, with a long zoom lens.

[Bail]

I attend a drag racing strip in NY quite often. My purpose is not photographing but for racing. Every once in awhile there is a guy standing right behind the barrier at the light tree with a camera shooting pictures. A lot of people I race with get annoyed by him. Why? I have no clue. A neat thing he does though is when people are heading back to staging, He has his assistant handing out business cards with his Info and website. On the back of the card is a password. When you go to the site and enter in the password, all of the photos he took that day are displayed with a huge watermark on it. You are then able to pay for the image or pay for a print.
I thought that was an ingenious idea. I would like to do that for the local bands here. The club they play at allows photography and/or video.

As for strangers, I'm not sure.
I would like to photograph women,
But I am a shy guy when it comes to asking random people questions. Especially women! I practice on the beggers in a town not to far. I make sure to pick out the artsy ones over the "Hey gimme a dollar!" with whiskey on their breath type. The ones I run into play musical instruments, Dress in very weird outfits and are generally nice. I do a "walk by" first to make sure they are not schizo, bi-polar, crazy and to make sure they won't cause me harm. I approach and say "Hi, I was wondering If I could get a couple of pictures of you playing your instrument? I will toss you a couple of dollars in return". I have never been turned down by them. I also give them tips afterwards to make even more money that I've learned from a couple of homeless people in Washington D.C. "Whenever someone puts any paper bills into the collection plate, pocket it right away! That way when other people walk by, They see you have no money and they might give or give more". I told one guy that and next time I ran into him, he thanked me and even paid for my parking.
Why do I choose the homeless? I have no friggin clue! I find them interesting so I get interesting photos.

[Fraggleroxer]

as for the first part of ur post:
that photographer is smart as hell. thats how u make money right there. what did it cost him to shoot that? NOTHING! its all profit. even if he only sells a few prints, thats money in the bank

second part:

i think that alot of people are attractive to shooting the homeless is because we seek out what is different to us. it wouldnt be as excited of a picture if it was somthing we were use to, if u know what i mean. i plan on living in a crack-house for a few weeks after winter breaks. i really want to get to know them for awhile, before i even pull out a camera. keep up the good work mate.

[Bail]

Not sure where your from but bunking up with the homeless or the addicts is a very bad idea if you ask me. Your asking to get stabbed or robbed. Someone tried that around my area and he ended up getting stabbed and his photographic equipment stolen along with his clothes, wallet and his car. In my area, most if not all of the homeless are major drug and/or alcahol addicts.

Drug addicts are even worse. They will steal anything that is easy to steal! Your 20D could get a lot of crack.

[agirlandherlens]

I'm right there with you on being uncomfortable asking others... but its one of those things that we, as photographers, have to deal with if we are going to venture into portrait photography.

If you don't have their face in the picture, you don't need a model release.

If you're doing general shots and people are in them (like kids playing at a park but you're not focusing on any certain one), then I would say you don't have to explain yourself, but be ready (its always handy to have a card or be willing to get rid of their pictures).

Flattery only works with certain types of people. Don't act like you're coming on to them. Just strike up a conversation (you can use small talk, if you're into that sort of thing), or just ask them if they wouldn't mind giving you a second to help further your hobby/career. ALWAYS offer proofs and let them know your full intentions! Setting up an e-mail strictly for this purpose is a great idea, especially if they have questions later. But do always have a model release handy. Hey, if they don't oblige to sign it, you're still getting some practice in!

Bottom line, unless you're psychic (chances are... you're not), you'll never know what they're going to say until you ask. I know, I know... easier said than done... but just try putting yourself in their shoes and approach them how you'd like to be approached. <- Though, strike that last remark if you're into bad lines and cheesy come-ons! : )

Good luck! Remember, there are plenty of us out there that feel your pain!

[NaturesPixel]

Originally Posted by Fraggleroxer

to stay within the law, i use the "Were are my feet rule"

if you are standing on public property, you are ok to shoot whatever you want, even if your subject is on private property. this includes crime scenes, goverment building etc... its important to know ur rights as a photographer..check out this website:

http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm


happy shooting all

Zach.. is this just American rule.. or can we photograph people in the streets in Canada or Australia.. do you know???