If there are lots of people around I have snapped some photos. But what if it is more intimate or obvious you are taking a photo of a stranger. Do you ask? But then if you do, you may get a cheesy smile and pose and miss what originally caught your eye. But then again I don't want to be the creepy lady with the camera :p
For example, recently I went for a pedicure. While I was there a mother and her oh so adorable little girl came in to get one together. Her little girl's feet barely reached the foot bath. The whole scene was such a great moment. But then I stopped and worried "Do I ask? Don't I ask?" In the end I got nervous and didn't take the shot.
What is your opinion, or what have you done in the past? Any tips or tricks to taking good street photography? Or if you do ask and you aren't a professional photographer with credientails, how do you ask without weirding people out?
If you don't ask and don't take the shot ... then the answers is the same as asking and getting a "no". So I say in that case, ask if it bothers you not to.
In that setting I would ask for sure. If across the street, then i won't. I don't have much street photog in my 365 project (like many here do and they will surely post their answers). I have asked more than ten different people and every one has said "sure". Although I at times offer to give them pics if they give me a way to get them to them.
The thing with kids makes me nervous just because you don't want to freak anyone out.
I'm interested in reading the replies to this. I've never thought about street photography before but this past weekend I happened to catch a shot of a couple standing outside of a theater looking over the playbills. It just to me seemed like a kind of cool urban scene. They didn't even notice me across the street but something feels a bit odd about posting that.
I have just recently taken and posted a few shots none of which I have asked permission for! they were all in public places and I don't think the person knew they were being photographed. I have been a little intimidated about posting but feel if it is in a public place it is probably OK to do so. I am cautious about using children, especially young children, as a subject though unless the parent has given permission.
In the case you cite (since there is a child involved), I would ask; and offer to email them a photo. Also, if given the affirmative, show the parent/guardian the shots you took before departing. Raw street, I wouldn't ask, but if it would ease the situation, I would converse with them after I've gotten the shot, because doing so before could result in staged behavior.
Of course it is, street photography is anything you may find happing in a street, which obviously includes shops and business's such as the pedicurist's she was in.
Asking or not asking, that is basically saying if you want a street portrait or street shot. Street photography is capturing the moment, event, emotion, etc which would all be lost if you asked, don't think, just shoot and move on. If you see someone interesting, and want a portrait, then ask them. I usually start with "Hey, this may seem a little odd, but any chance of photograph?" they usually then ask why, and just reply with "That I'm a street photographer, and you have a really interesting look". Usually people will say yes, and be kinda stoked that you have noticed them. I also printed out some cards, just with my name and email on, so you can give them one and they can email you for a copy of the shot. Don't be so nervous about it, it's just talking to people
I haven't done much street photography... but at school I would take the shot, then show it to the person involved and ask if they were okay for me to keep it. The downside to this is I did have to delete some great shots of kids who just hated having their photo taken... Asking before the shot definitely changes the image... if children are involved, I'd definitely ask before I did anything with the image though.
This is a tricky area nowadays. My weirdest example was when I took out my camera to photo my husband and our friend in the swimming baths and was pounced upon by the manager. We were at the Senior Citizens' session!!! Once too I was almost arrested in the Empire State Building as my husband was routinely searched on our entry and I saw it as a great photo-op. Seven years on from 9/11, I suppose I should have known better. Anyway they made me delete the image.
it depends on the situation and environment.. street photography is quite complicated in the sense that you captures the moment/scenes in their natural state. 90% i don´t ask. i shoot first then ask their permission later (if needed). I always make sure I have a personalized card with my name and email address in it... when i think that they recognized that i took a shot at them and I can´t do a quick "escape" i simply approach them and tell them that i took a shot and show it to them, asking them if i can keep it or not and offering my card just in case they want a copy..most of the time, they gave me positive reactions and got to keep all of my shots.
ow and dont forget to always bring a copy of the photographer´s right wherever you go for a shoot. will be a big help just in case something not so good arises.
I tend not to ask unless the subject notices me. However, I never take photos of little kids without asking and telling the parent what I'm using it for. Then again, if it's a bunch of people in a crowd, I don't worry about it. I'm also sneaky, so people don't often realize I'm taking a photo. So basically, there's my non-answer. I'd do what feels comfortable to you.
I never ask, but must mention that most of my pictures is taken from inside the car. I like the shot to be real life and drama without any fake smiles ext.
I like the candid nature of people not knowing what is going on, even when it is blatant that you are photographing them. I have never asked when on the street,however I am slightly choosy on the shots to take. I also don't like taking photos of children just in case someone takes it the wrong way, makes me nervous and if you look nervous I think you already look guilty of something. I also won't take photos of people around a bank entrance, ATM etc.
Depending on the picture you want is how you approach it. If maybe nerves are an issue, maybe start with a small zoom lense until you realize that, really not very many people take notice of a camera anymore.
Never ask, but if you feel uncomfortable about the shot then dont take it, as others have said street is all about the moment and if you ask permission that moment has gone. You can always explain after you have taken the shot what you are doing and the worst thing that can happen is you have to press delete.
With street photography, I follow the motto "tis better to ask for forgiveness than for permission". Except when it comes to cops - I usually ask them first.
@jase_h Thanks for that Jase, I have always been a little bit nervous doing street photography and I am a fairly outgoing person. Your comments have given me some ecouragement to just go and do it and if anyone asks just tell them, I am a street photographer and they look really interesting. I'll give it a go
For street candids I dont ask. But i've also shown the people that i've taken candids of the picture if they were within close proximity and usually they like the picture. One thing I dont do with street candids that I see alot of people do is take pictures of kids. To me thats where I draw the line.
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In that setting I would ask for sure. If across the street, then i won't. I don't have much street photog in my 365 project (like many here do and they will surely post their answers). I have asked more than ten different people and every one has said "sure". Although I at times offer to give them pics if they give me a way to get them to them.
I'm interested in reading the replies to this. I've never thought about street photography before but this past weekend I happened to catch a shot of a couple standing outside of a theater looking over the playbills. It just to me seemed like a kind of cool urban scene. They didn't even notice me across the street but something feels a bit odd about posting that.
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Depending on the picture you want is how you approach it. If maybe nerves are an issue, maybe start with a small zoom lense until you realize that, really not very many people take notice of a camera anymore.