Back in April, I did a week of candid street shots. It was my first time doing it and, to be honest, it was a bit stressful.
Although I got through the week with a limited amount of confrontation, there were people who realised what I was doing and were not happy about it... as in the case of these two shots (both shot from the hip, but it's still hard to be discreet with a bulky dslr).
In both cases, there were unpleasant confrontations with them demanding I delete the photos and such. I ended up acting as though I were a foreign tourist who didn't understand the language, and in the end it worked (and I've used that option ever since), but it was nonetheless stressful.
I'm getting ready for another round of street, so for those of you who do this type of photography on a regular basis, how do you handle angry confrontations? Not those who just give you "dirty looks"; I mean those who actually come up to you and get truly angry... ?
I can't really speak for anyone else since I don't know their equipment, but from looking at your exif data I see that you shoot at 90mm, and maybe because that's relatively close, they happen to notice you? I know some street photographers who use a zoom lens to get to 200mm, or even 300mm. That way you're so far from your subject that they'll hardly notice you shooting from the hip. :)
Street photography is something I really admire but hearing things like this - wow I can't imagine it! Great shots though :-) How exactly do you learn to shoot from the hip - is it a lot of hit and miss? Or is there a technique to it? I have gotten a few shots of random people but I always have my kids around so I can pretend to be photographing them :-)
I'm not an expert - but I tend to shoot from further away - normally in touristy areas, and also kind of pretend I am shotting a building or market (I kinda focus on that) and pretend I am not looking at them. If i have been questioned I normally say I am doing a photography course and the asignment is people or some such thing
This is something I struggle with all the time, ethically. Some of the best photos I see are street photos, especially candid shots.
I do think however that with the Internet, people are, quite rightly a lot more concerned about where their photo will pop up. I think the best option would be to be honest with the person. Show them the photo and explain where it will go on the internet. I would also leave my details with them incase they want the photo taken down. I think if someone asked me to delete the photo I would. Some cultures are exceptionally offended by photography, and some individuals are very uncomfortable about their photos appearing online. There are plenty of other subjects who are willing, so I'd just respect their privacy and move on.
I've heard of people having little cards done up with their blogs/ websites on them to hand out to people who would like to see how their photos end up online. I've been thinking of doing this lately as I want to get more into street photography, but don't want to offend anyone. I think I'm going to attempt to give out the card to anyone who I shoot if possible, regardless of if they catch me, but I don't know how this will go!
Of course, in the absence of any privacy laws (and each jurisdiction is different), it is up to the individual photographer, as to what they feel is right or wrong in these situations.
@pocketmouse@mortisa OK, shooting from further away is an option for avoiding the confrontation in the first place (though I wasn't as close for these shots as it might seem), but my zoom lens kinda sucks and I prefer to use my primes (90mm or 35mm). What I'm really after is tips on diffusing the situation once whichever how-not-to-get-noticed technique has failed.
@naturalp Shooting from the hip takes practice, but basically, once you have a feel for the angle you need to hold your camera at for the right framing, if you use automatic zone AF, aperture priority set fairly wide (f/4 to f/8) and center-weighted metering, your success rate will usually be pretty high.
@holly_kate Yes, it's difficult to know how to handle street from an ethical standpoint. My personal feeling is that people who are out in public are "fair game"; others don't agree. And, as you mentioned, laws can vary greatly by country, so that is another consideration.
As for what you mentioned about discussing what you're doing or handing out cards with contact details, it's something to consider, for sure. Although that, too, depends on the culture of your location... none of these guys would have been open to a cordial discussion on the issue. :-/
When in France, a bloke returned to his car to find it had rolled into the River Somme, the local television station had already taken footage and so too had the local newspaper. When the chap swam to his car to rescue his wallet (and maybe his car-assist card?) I took a few photos with my 300mm lens (from a distance).
His brother was very grumpy and came to my table and got quite abusive. Luckily my French speaking friend diffused the situation.
Normally I do not take candid photos back here in Australia. The people here are uninteresting. However, while travelling extensively in PNG, a million people wanted me to take their photo. I got my full dose of candid photos there. But often there, I would ask first and I think this is the key.
Find people who are okay with the idea first.
Tips on how to deal with the situation if you get caught out taking a photo without permission? 2 ways I can see. 1, be strong and equally aggressive and say that it is your right to photograph whatever and whomever you please or 2, be super polite and see if you can charm your way out.
Tip on how not to get to that point, especially in a foreign land.... learn how to say "mi laik kisim piksa bilong yu, em i orait or nogut?" in the local dialect.
I think if someone specifically asks you to delete the photo then you apologize and do it, no questions asked and then move on to the next photo opportunity. That way no one is angry and you've respected their request for privacy. Not everyone is comfortable being photographed and if that's the case then they definitely wouldn't appreciate being in a post online.
Instinct, you have it for a reason. Use it! If you are feeling uneasy about taking pictures then ask first or move on. There are millions of picture options as you stand in one spot.
Another option is to stand further away so you don't look like you are pointing in someone's face. Or set up your tripod facing a direction and use a remote. People will see it but won't feel they are targeted but a face in the crowd.
Even with all the suggestions you get the best thing to do is just do it. Go out regularly and take pictures. The more your do it the more comfortable you will be and that relaxed approach will take you further than anything. When people trust that you aren't a stalker people will relax.
it is a gray area in the invasion privacy laws in the UK,
So i suppose if you get caught and they are not happy you should as @cassabear says apologize and delete .. or even ask before you shoot ,...
if You don't want to find a horses head in your bed one morning ....remember the godfather film... ((o; .... you never know who you might have peed off .... lol
On another note, I have often seen someone approaching, and simply set up my shot and let them walk into it. It amuses me that some people get cranky about having their photo taken, but they're happy to walk into your shot (assuming you'll wait for them to pass).
Another thing I do is make it very obvious that I'm taking photos, and look like I belong there. If you appear to be uncertain, some people will assume you are doing something you shouldn't be doing. Be confident. This especially applies around kids - when I'm shooting my own kids in a public place, I am very overt about it - I would never sit back with a long lens, as this is just going to make overprotective parents angry and cause them to assume the worst. I have shot kids who are interacting with my kids, and in those instances I've shown the parents of those kids the shots, and offered my card in case they'd like a copy (they rarely actually contact me, but it eases their fears).
I've used the language thing too, but only in relation to people asking for money (or cigarettes). I know just enough phrases (that I can speak fluently) to throw off just about anyone, and certainly anyone who has been drinking.
To all that I'll add that I tend to work with, "It is better to ask forgiveness than permission." I have asked people in the past, but the thing is that once they say no, you can't really take the shot. If you don't ask, well, you can. If someone tells me not to photograph them, I'll respect their wishes. If they watch me before I take a shot, I won't shoot them (unless they seem ambivalent about it). I've had very few occasions, with street photography, where I've had someone looking at the camera - I see my shot, and I shoot it quickly and move on, so it is very rare for someone to see me take their photo. But if they do, well, I answered that in the other thread.
@cassabear@steveh The law is, indeed, difficult to interpret in many countries and situations, true. And it may or may not be ethical to post photos of people who have expressed anger at being photographed: I accept that possibility.
What I will not do, however, is delete a photo of someone who is upset (just as i wouldn't rip out a roll of film just because someone didn't like being photographed with an analogue camera). If it was taken in a public place (and not through a bedroom window whilst climbing up a trellis, for example) is a valid shot for me to learn from and keep for my own private purposes. A photo of someone in a public place becomes an issue only when published (online or elsewhere). In my opinion, anyway...
@davidchrtrans that's fine David if your happy to do that, me personally i would try keeping the piece, and delete that file if they truly wanted it deleting. .. it cost nothing anyway unlike film, .. but understand were your coming from .. but hey i don't do many street shots of people, because of this reaction & i don't have a long lens..most of mine are shot on a 15-85 mm ... trees & sheep, dogs & cats don't argue back.. ..easy life mate
@crisd The problem with asking permission is when you're going for candid, unposed shots... getting regular people in regular situations. As soon as you ask if you can take their picture, the spontaneity and naturalness of the moment is gone. *shrug*
I guess it's a matter of only shooting people it looks like I can outrun... hahaha
what i usually do is ask first if i can and feel safe...and they i have to have the discussion of asking them not to pose and just go about what they were doing and then i take about 10 to 20 shots of them in hopes that one will be the money shot. sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. the hardest part is trying to keep the candid feel when they know you are taking the shot. they other thing i do is use my long lens and take shots from farther away...this seems to work out great...mostly they never know. i have been confronted once by a very aggressive guy who i was not even taking a shot of...that was super scary for me and freaked me out all day...he wanted me to give him my camera...i have gotten flipped off one time...otherwise i have been able to pull it off....it takes a lot of courage and it is not an easy thing to do...but i do believe that candid street photography is really interesting.. good luck..hope this helped...if you want to chat more..send me a message on one of my photos and i will respond...i rarely check the notifications but always read comments...good luck to you my friend...and sorry for any typos
@robinwarner Thanks so much for that input, Robin. You know I really love your street shots, and am both surprised and intrigued to learn that so many of the candid shots were taken after getting permission. I would have never imagined that and it makes me re-think my strategy completely. Thanks again!
most of the homeless shot i did not ask...some i did...almost all the homeless guys in venice i do ask first....having the long 270 lens is a huge help. i will only ask if i feel safe and am with others...but i have to say some of my best shots are when i do ask...cause i then am able to take a number of shots and pick from there...i seem to have to take like 20 to 30 to find one that i like....
Haha! I love the angry looks you're getting there! I took a wander through the rougher side of town doing some street photography here in Vancouver and was confronted more than once, but I think that was more due to the illegal activity that was going on. Most times I just quickly aimed my camera at buildings and explained that I was an architecture student (I'm totally not an architecture student), but other times it was rather obvious that I was not shooting buildings and I just moved along when things got uncomfortable. It was a day spent WELL out of my comfort zone but I think I'll give it another go.
@pwallis Aside from legal and ethical questions and confrontations, etc., I think street photography is a "must-do" exercise, precisely because it forces you out of your comfort zone. If you can get framing, composition and exposure right while feeling this kind of stress and pressure, you'll never miss a shot again under other, more relaxed, conditions. :)
@davidchrtrans I agree. I read up on the legal aspects of it here (basically if someone is outside of their home in any sort of public setting, anyone has the right to take photographs of them) - it's the ethical issues that I can kind of get on board with. If I caught someone taking candids of my daughter at the park, even if it was all done in innocence - I would take issue with that. I know I would. However I don't have a lot of sympathy for the people like these ladies in the shot, who were selling and consuming drugs in a public place.
have a card made up with the 365project info on it and web information or some other card and hand it to the people that either confront or ask you what the hell you are doing....
did some street stuff on Sat.. as it was at a market and in town with tons of tourists it was easy enough to take random shots or people ... I had a few people looking at me. but none confronted..
and if someone had confronted me I think because the safety in numbers rule I I would have confronted them back.... if I was on my own I m not sure what I would have done....
the other thing you may be able to do is,, take a few shots of the surrounding area so that when they confront you and want to see your shots you can easily have those shots to show them rather than their face etc....
tell them why you are there... if its for this project they may be ok with it..
if its for art or work they still may be ok with it... or they may ask you to delete
I am thinking that you would get a gut feeling as to the outcome and if you think it is going to turn violent then I would delete , no point in getting yourself injured over a photo.....
People have a RIGHT to be upset if you are capturing them at relatively close range without their permission. Professional photographer David Powell for "Tokyo Shoot" magazine says in his article: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/10-things-i-learnt-from-daily-shooting :
"
One of the most interesting pictures you can take is of people. I’ll let you in on a secret. Most people love having their photograph taken. Many photographers are very shy about asking people if they can take their photo so they end up trying to sneak a shot. This is just something you have to get over. While most people like having their photo taken, they also like to know it is happening. I have found that 9 out of 10 people will say sure and give you a big smile or pose of whatever you are looking for when asked. The approach I have taken that seems to work is being genuine and I simple ask ‘Do you mind if I take your photo?’. Often I will ask them to continue doing whatever they are doing and I take my shot. I also carry these business cards that I call ‘photography cards’ that I give people and let them know they can email me and I will happily send them a high resolution photo for their troubles. Probably 10% actually email me but giving them a card makes the interaction more ‘legitimate’ and puts people at ease."
So, in summary, ASK FOR PERMISSION TO CAPTURE THEM, THEN GIVE THEM A BUSINESS CARD.
a) I use a compact, non professional looking camera (mine is an Olympus Pen so you still get great quality)
b) I never ever ever look the subject in the eyes at any point - that's an invitation for them to come over and start talking to you.
c) I always keep walking - almost all of my street shots are done on the move. You can take this to an extreme and do shots of people in bus windows (or if you're in the bus) to add an extra element of separation. I'm also known to sit in the passenger seat of the car and snap people as we pause at red lights.
I've got tons of street shots of people looking straight at my lens, but none that are too pissed off (yet). I think the key for me is to use a tiny little camera - people just lose a lot of the assumptions when you're not hauling around a DSLR.
I have been doing Street Photography for a few week, so it is all new to me (and enjoy it). So far, I have had no problems with anyone. I do feel conspicuous holding a DSLR camera and pointing it at people as they walk past. I try to make it so obvious that I am taking a photo, so they can see me as they walk towards me. I do not make eye contact and look beyond my subject. I do not like the idea of using a lens with a focal length above 80mm as it makes it even more obvious. I work with a 50mm lens and get in as close as possible to my subject (not too close though). I am anxious that someone will take offence to my picture taking, but I have a few excuses e.g. I am involved in a photo project, I am taking part in a competition at the local camera club, but in some respects I do have one genuine excuse.....It is to record a photographic record of people in real life situations today and the environment they are live and work in. I do not want to photograph movie stars, sports personalities etc, but the average person walking down the street. I do not like the idea of asking someone in advance for permission to take their picture as it will be false/posed and unrelaxed. I would also like to add that I do not think it is wise to take photographs of children for obvious reasons.
I take a load of street shots and have been lucky to avoid any confrontations so far. I tend to shoot people and the environment as a whole so generally I won't be pointing my camera straight at their faces. Just recently been trying iphone candids in the street so maybe confrontation isn't far away but as several people have remarked already it could just be the presence of a big DSLR that annoys some people?
I have tried a few street candids & from my experience, in no particular order, I would make the following points:
1. Be confident. If you're worried & looking nervous, people will be more inclined to wonder what you're up to.
2. Don't use a big, long telephoto zoom lens - it makes it really obvious if you're spotted by your subject pointing directly at them. Be brave, put on a wide angle & get in close.
3. For me, I would not ask permission first as you'll lose something of the spontaneity of the shot.
4. The law (in the UK) allows photography in any public place, pure & simple. The use of a business card as mentioned above is a great idea & one I'll be taking up.
5. Use common sense when it comes to including children in your candid shots. For me this means that unless it was my own children, 99 times out of 100 I wouldn't take the shot.
@sburbidge Thanks for your input, Steven. I agree with everything you say, up to and including photographing children.
As far as asking permission goes, I tried that this evening and am regretting it even now. As in the UK, laws in Spain protect me when it comes to public places; I tried the "courtesy" route this evening and failed... I'll try for the stealth option next time.
@davidchrtrans David - have you considered a rangefinder camera? If I were doing a lot of this sort of photography, I'd invest in one. A Leica M9 would be my first choice, but I'm sure there are far cheaper alternatives that can give excellent results. I find PAS compacts to lack fine control - especially in regards to low light and depth of field - but the rangefinder is the quintessential photojournalist camera, in my opinion. Great lenses, great quality images, much quieter shutter activations (no mirror flip - compared to SLR), more compact (less obtrusive) and able to be handled without being noticed. My first camera was a rangefinder (a Leica), and I really miss that ease of use and carry, not to mention the gorgeous images it created
I have been confronted once when i took a candid shot of our street sweepers.They thought I was photographing their inactivity and will report them to authorities. It has been settled a i explained my side and they saw me taking just about anything candid. Lately though, I see people who are curiously looking at me doing candid, so their curiosity is an opportunity for me to ask them if I can take their photo for a project. I really enjoy street photography. I also got this ebook by Thomas Leuthard which offers a wide range of excuse for street photogs everywhere. =)
This is an interesting topic as I have always wanted to do what @robinwarner does but I am a scared chicken. Last weekend I took photos of some people and I learned that if you asked them for permission you don't get the shot you want. There was a lady who looked really nice sitting down and when I asked she immediately stood up and posed. There was also a guy who looked wonderful in his glasses and when I asked he took them off and screwed up his eyes to squint. So I was disappointed with my shots. I think the best way would be to take the photo first and then go up to them and say. I took your photo and wondered if I could keep it? Show them the photo and hope for the best? What do you think?
I have taken some of my photos as street shots and have a couple of rules.
1) If they are a street performer, I will pay them a few dollars.
2) If children are in my picture, I will not focus on their faces
3) I hang back when I take my photos and then zoom in with the point and shoot, so they may not notice
4) If they do notice, it turns out I actually do not like the direct eye contact because it ruins the natural feel
5) If they ask for the photo to be deleted I will do it immediately.
This almost met all my requirements, but I did have momma staring me down.
I take a lot of street shots and agree and abide by a lot of what Paula just stated. I would add I avoid taking shots that may include sleeper cell terrorist, mafia or illegal aliens - afterall I'm in NY. Plus I try to be sneaky but never disrespectful.
I'm just starting with street shots and it's not easy. I don't have the nerve to ask and then feel that it takes away from the natural scene. I use a p&s ..not as noticeable but is not as clear. And that's a "good thing!" I personally don't mind that. Never get children full on but usually from the side or back. I enjoy doing it, because that is the kind of photo I like. Love people in action and doing their thing I asked Ross about it and he had a great answer. He should put it on here!!
Am i the only one who thinks its not only rude but really unethcal taking someones photo who doesnt want to have their photo taken... and then putting it on the internet.
Why cant you ask their permission after you have taken a candid shot of them?
Never had problems with streetphotography, but I mostly use my IXUS when taking them. Well I was caught with my EOS by this lady, but she didn't seem angry!
Oh, I do find that I like to not tell the person first because then they change their posture, behavior and attitude. I am more a sitback, watch and find the shot.
@mmmchoc Not the only one - but I'm just not one to be all that comfortable with portraits or taking photos of people in general, so it's a type of photography that I avoid.
I guess it's a matter of projection - I'm hideously uncomfortable with having pictures taken of myself, which is half of why I got into photography, truth be told. It's safer behind the camera than in front of it. ;) I also hate when they're posted someplace like Facebook, etc., without my permission. So, I guess I operate under the assumption that everyone might feel the same way, and I avoid pictures of people in general. Just my $.02.
I do street photography more than any other style and I feel most comfortable doing that. I use a large camera and most of the time large lenses too. I think it is a feeling thing, if you take your time and really try to feel who is open for it and who is not. I am very discreet in my candids but if I sense that someone is open to a more direct portrait session then I approach them. I think your best weapon with street photography is a huge smile, a friendly attitude and a lot of experience. You will eventually become invisible when you want to be. Also using an long lens like 135mm or 80mm portrait lenses will make you a bit less in their face. Another trick is point the camera, wait for reaction, drop it, smile, get them to smile back and re shoot. It almost always works with me. Good luck :)
Personally, I wouldn't be too pleased if someone just took my photo while I was out and about. Just because I went to the street market, doesn't mean I was asking to be photographed.
Asking seems to be the best policy, and the most respectful of those around you.
@susan365 --- I agree asking is the what we need to do for the type of project Danny Santos is doing which is not street photography but taking portraits of strangers. I have started my own 100 Strangers Project on Flickr and have four pictures already submitted. The whole idea is to gain confidence and skill at getting that portrait of someone we don't know, telling them we would like to post it online and getting their permission. It's a great excercise in building that confidence. I recommend it for everyone.
Just been reading through everyone's tips, they are all very helpful! I've been set to do some street photography this weekend for my A-Level Photography course. Hopefully won't get any rude people!
@davidchrtrans I am out on the streets of Seattle daily taking street shots. I use a 24-70mm or my favorite 50mm lens on my DSLR. I am usually in very close proximity with my subjects. I take a quick shot and walk on. I really try not to make eye contact which helps me not get into those types of confrontation. I have had a couple of times where people gave me the finger or asked what I was doing. I advised I was documenting the action of the streets smiled and moved on. This is the best advice I can give. Be quick, smile if eye contact is made and quickly move on. Good luck. This is my only style of shooting and I love it.
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I do think however that with the Internet, people are, quite rightly a lot more concerned about where their photo will pop up. I think the best option would be to be honest with the person. Show them the photo and explain where it will go on the internet. I would also leave my details with them incase they want the photo taken down. I think if someone asked me to delete the photo I would. Some cultures are exceptionally offended by photography, and some individuals are very uncomfortable about their photos appearing online. There are plenty of other subjects who are willing, so I'd just respect their privacy and move on.
I've heard of people having little cards done up with their blogs/ websites on them to hand out to people who would like to see how their photos end up online. I've been thinking of doing this lately as I want to get more into street photography, but don't want to offend anyone. I think I'm going to attempt to give out the card to anyone who I shoot if possible, regardless of if they catch me, but I don't know how this will go!
Of course, in the absence of any privacy laws (and each jurisdiction is different), it is up to the individual photographer, as to what they feel is right or wrong in these situations.
@naturalp Shooting from the hip takes practice, but basically, once you have a feel for the angle you need to hold your camera at for the right framing, if you use automatic zone AF, aperture priority set fairly wide (f/4 to f/8) and center-weighted metering, your success rate will usually be pretty high.
As for what you mentioned about discussing what you're doing or handing out cards with contact details, it's something to consider, for sure. Although that, too, depends on the culture of your location... none of these guys would have been open to a cordial discussion on the issue. :-/
........ even the girl from Amnesty International ran away!
His brother was very grumpy and came to my table and got quite abusive. Luckily my French speaking friend diffused the situation.
Normally I do not take candid photos back here in Australia. The people here are uninteresting. However, while travelling extensively in PNG, a million people wanted me to take their photo. I got my full dose of candid photos there. But often there, I would ask first and I think this is the key.
Find people who are okay with the idea first.
Tips on how to deal with the situation if you get caught out taking a photo without permission? 2 ways I can see. 1, be strong and equally aggressive and say that it is your right to photograph whatever and whomever you please or 2, be super polite and see if you can charm your way out.
Tip on how not to get to that point, especially in a foreign land.... learn how to say "mi laik kisim piksa bilong yu, em i orait or nogut?" in the local dialect.
Another option is to stand further away so you don't look like you are pointing in someone's face. Or set up your tripod facing a direction and use a remote. People will see it but won't feel they are targeted but a face in the crowd.
Even with all the suggestions you get the best thing to do is just do it. Go out regularly and take pictures. The more your do it the more comfortable you will be and that relaxed approach will take you further than anything. When people trust that you aren't a stalker people will relax.
So i suppose if you get caught and they are not happy you should as @cassabear says apologize and delete .. or even ask before you shoot ,...
if You don't want to find a horses head in your bed one morning ....remember the godfather film... ((o; .... you never know who you might have peed off .... lol
http://365project.org/discuss/general/8541/take-my-picture
On another note, I have often seen someone approaching, and simply set up my shot and let them walk into it. It amuses me that some people get cranky about having their photo taken, but they're happy to walk into your shot (assuming you'll wait for them to pass).
Another thing I do is make it very obvious that I'm taking photos, and look like I belong there. If you appear to be uncertain, some people will assume you are doing something you shouldn't be doing. Be confident. This especially applies around kids - when I'm shooting my own kids in a public place, I am very overt about it - I would never sit back with a long lens, as this is just going to make overprotective parents angry and cause them to assume the worst. I have shot kids who are interacting with my kids, and in those instances I've shown the parents of those kids the shots, and offered my card in case they'd like a copy (they rarely actually contact me, but it eases their fears).
I've used the language thing too, but only in relation to people asking for money (or cigarettes). I know just enough phrases (that I can speak fluently) to throw off just about anyone, and certainly anyone who has been drinking.
To all that I'll add that I tend to work with, "It is better to ask forgiveness than permission." I have asked people in the past, but the thing is that once they say no, you can't really take the shot. If you don't ask, well, you can. If someone tells me not to photograph them, I'll respect their wishes. If they watch me before I take a shot, I won't shoot them (unless they seem ambivalent about it). I've had very few occasions, with street photography, where I've had someone looking at the camera - I see my shot, and I shoot it quickly and move on, so it is very rare for someone to see me take their photo. But if they do, well, I answered that in the other thread.
What I will not do, however, is delete a photo of someone who is upset (just as i wouldn't rip out a roll of film just because someone didn't like being photographed with an analogue camera). If it was taken in a public place (and not through a bedroom window whilst climbing up a trellis, for example) is a valid shot for me to learn from and keep for my own private purposes. A photo of someone in a public place becomes an issue only when published (online or elsewhere). In my opinion, anyway...
I guess it's a matter of only shooting people it looks like I can outrun... hahaha
did some street stuff on Sat.. as it was at a market and in town with tons of tourists it was easy enough to take random shots or people ... I had a few people looking at me. but none confronted..
and if someone had confronted me I think because the safety in numbers rule I I would have confronted them back.... if I was on my own I m not sure what I would have done....
the other thing you may be able to do is,, take a few shots of the surrounding area so that when they confront you and want to see your shots you can easily have those shots to show them rather than their face etc....
tell them why you are there... if its for this project they may be ok with it..
if its for art or work they still may be ok with it... or they may ask you to delete
I am thinking that you would get a gut feeling as to the outcome and if you think it is going to turn violent then I would delete , no point in getting yourself injured over a photo.....
"
One of the most interesting pictures you can take is of people. I’ll let you in on a secret. Most people love having their photograph taken. Many photographers are very shy about asking people if they can take their photo so they end up trying to sneak a shot. This is just something you have to get over. While most people like having their photo taken, they also like to know it is happening. I have found that 9 out of 10 people will say sure and give you a big smile or pose of whatever you are looking for when asked. The approach I have taken that seems to work is being genuine and I simple ask ‘Do you mind if I take your photo?’. Often I will ask them to continue doing whatever they are doing and I take my shot. I also carry these business cards that I call ‘photography cards’ that I give people and let them know they can email me and I will happily send them a high resolution photo for their troubles. Probably 10% actually email me but giving them a card makes the interaction more ‘legitimate’ and puts people at ease."
So, in summary, ASK FOR PERMISSION TO CAPTURE THEM, THEN GIVE THEM A BUSINESS CARD.
a) I use a compact, non professional looking camera (mine is an Olympus Pen so you still get great quality)
b) I never ever ever look the subject in the eyes at any point - that's an invitation for them to come over and start talking to you.
c) I always keep walking - almost all of my street shots are done on the move. You can take this to an extreme and do shots of people in bus windows (or if you're in the bus) to add an extra element of separation. I'm also known to sit in the passenger seat of the car and snap people as we pause at red lights.
I've got tons of street shots of people looking straight at my lens, but none that are too pissed off (yet). I think the key for me is to use a tiny little camera - people just lose a lot of the assumptions when you're not hauling around a DSLR.
1. Be confident. If you're worried & looking nervous, people will be more inclined to wonder what you're up to.
2. Don't use a big, long telephoto zoom lens - it makes it really obvious if you're spotted by your subject pointing directly at them. Be brave, put on a wide angle & get in close.
3. For me, I would not ask permission first as you'll lose something of the spontaneity of the shot.
4. The law (in the UK) allows photography in any public place, pure & simple. The use of a business card as mentioned above is a great idea & one I'll be taking up.
5. Use common sense when it comes to including children in your candid shots. For me this means that unless it was my own children, 99 times out of 100 I wouldn't take the shot.
As far as asking permission goes, I tried that this evening and am regretting it even now. As in the UK, laws in Spain protect me when it comes to public places; I tried the "courtesy" route this evening and failed... I'll try for the stealth option next time.
1) If they are a street performer, I will pay them a few dollars.
2) If children are in my picture, I will not focus on their faces
3) I hang back when I take my photos and then zoom in with the point and shoot, so they may not notice
4) If they do notice, it turns out I actually do not like the direct eye contact because it ruins the natural feel
5) If they ask for the photo to be deleted I will do it immediately.
This almost met all my requirements, but I did have momma staring me down.
Why cant you ask their permission after you have taken a candid shot of them?
I guess it's a matter of projection - I'm hideously uncomfortable with having pictures taken of myself, which is half of why I got into photography, truth be told. It's safer behind the camera than in front of it. ;) I also hate when they're posted someplace like Facebook, etc., without my permission. So, I guess I operate under the assumption that everyone might feel the same way, and I avoid pictures of people in general. Just my $.02.
Asking seems to be the best policy, and the most respectful of those around you.
Danny Santos Street Photography
http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/