We Shoot, Therefore We Are by myautofocuslife

We Shoot, Therefore We Are

Before joining 365, I would never have thought to shoot strangers. But, earlier this month, I did some street photography and survived the experience without lasting psychological scars. (I think. I hope.) So, while at the Botanic Gardens to shoot orchids, it suddenly crossed my mind to shoot the shooters. And this is that shot. XD

This was shot in the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House, my favorite spot in the National Orchid Garden. Periodically, a fine mist is sprayed into the air and provides a tropical atmosphere for the many hybrid orchids on display.

Groups of tourists would enter the mist house and a shooting frenzy would ensue, with people shooting orchids and people shooting people posing with orchids.The visitors exclaim over the flowers in different languages. Their tour leaders would excitedly point out the fragrant orchids, then the slipper orchids, then offer to take photos for everyone. I usually beat a hasty retreat because it gets very crowded in there, and I return when the groups leave.

Once, I overheard a Japanese tourist saying to her husband, "My iPhone shoots better photos than the camera, look!" I was tempted to ask her to join 365 but I didn't want to annoy them with my half-past six Japanese communication skills. 8D
This is a cool shot and idea, Livia.
March 24th, 2012  
This is amazing! The colours and chaos of the flowers are just beautiful :)
March 24th, 2012  
Livia, this experience and image reminds me of my story yesterday at the cherry blossoms in dc. Isn't it funny how we all converge to capture the beauty...and even that process is in itself beautiful!
March 24th, 2012  
I love seeing the "behind the scene" shot! I'm always tempted to spread the news of 365 too! I always think people would think I'm selling them something! ;o)
March 24th, 2012  
Did you look over your shoulder to see if someone was shooting you?! LOL Funny shot! Beautiful gardens!
March 24th, 2012  
Great shot and idea. At first I thought it had to be a photo from a 365 meet!
March 24th, 2012  
i wonder what they do with their photos after they've uploaded them on their computers? before 365, i used to shoot a lot of photos, especially when i am in a garden such as this. then i go home and look at all the photos and i ask myself, what to do now? then 365 came, and i shoot more per day that i ever used to.

i've been to a botanical garden in singapore a long time ago, late 70's, early 80's. my camera was an instamatic and the photos didn't turn out so well. i aim to go back the next time i make a trip to manila.

nice sneak shot, livia. and the garden is so beautiful.
March 24th, 2012  
Awesome shot Livia!!!
March 24th, 2012  
Interesting - so much to look at!
March 24th, 2012  
Lovely shot Livia, congratulations again for stepping out of your comfort zone, go girl! I love shooting the photographer:0)
March 24th, 2012  
Cool idea. Like all the colour & detail.
March 24th, 2012  
Very cool shot! I must still brave street photography, so I'm glad you came through unscathed!
March 24th, 2012  
I've actually done it, but I usually ask. Tried it in Las Vegas on our recent trip tho and got the answer, "We work for tips." How did I know? I thought they were dressed like that to advertise a show.
March 24th, 2012  
You've captured the interest and excitement of this place very well in your pic and story! Excellent work, Livia!
March 24th, 2012  
I'm amused by the snappers!
March 24th, 2012  
why didn't you tell them about 365? I've told several people while on photoshoots.

LOVE This, the plants looks fantastic
March 24th, 2012  
It's great!
March 24th, 2012  
Great capture of both the photographers and the lush gardens.
March 24th, 2012  
Very nice!
March 24th, 2012  
Most be a great place to spent time ,to watch and photograph the flowers and people.
Many thanks for you comment on my orchid pic. You`re very kind
March 24th, 2012  
Lovely capture! The place looks like a photographers paradise :-)
March 24th, 2012  
Nice capture! I like to do this too, which is something I never did before 365!
March 24th, 2012  
oh yes, funny to see 'us' shooters
March 24th, 2012  
Well done...fear released! I'm still working on that one...shooting strangers!
March 24th, 2012  
Awesome shot! I understand these guys - I would go totally shutter crazy in such a great environment. No wonder you go there often :-).
March 24th, 2012  
Rob
Nice shot.
March 24th, 2012  
Lol! what a great capture! (do you think he took a photo of you taking photos?)
March 24th, 2012  
nice shot Livia!this must be an amazing place for taking pictures
March 24th, 2012  
eva
Nice shot!
March 24th, 2012  
lol this is a wonderful people shot.
March 24th, 2012  
Great capture Livia.
March 24th, 2012  
Love this candid . . they remind me of "me!" Geez, I hope that nobody is shooting me in these places. I was just in our local "butterfly" house today and it was packed with people. Some let their children catch the butterflies and many of the insects were injured. Sad. I prefer to be there alone . . unfortunately it never is empty.
March 25th, 2012  
Great Livia! Its fun to take candid photos of people. This is terrific.
March 25th, 2012  
Like the story and shot of man amongst so many flowers
March 25th, 2012  
I never really had a chance to thank you for the follow... truly appreciated. Your work is beautiful... will follow too ;)
March 25th, 2012  
Cool idea, great candid!
March 25th, 2012  
Lovely candid. Good job!!
March 25th, 2012  
These people look so intent on what they are doing I bet they didn't even notice you taking their picture, nice candid!
March 25th, 2012  
Hey, what a lovely place, never even knew of its existence! Has it been around for long? I enjoyed myself at Jurong Bird Park, it was very well maintained. I really like Singapore, so clean!
March 25th, 2012  
What a beautiful place! These photographers look very intent on photographing the flora and I doubt they even noticed you... great photo!
March 25th, 2012  
What a cool catch
March 25th, 2012  
Wonderful capture
March 25th, 2012  
We have a conservatory here that sounds quite similar to this place. It's such a lovely spot for photography!
March 25th, 2012  
Great shot. I love street photography but I too am reluctant to shoot people myself, especially in my home area. I'm a bit braver when I'm somewhere as a tourist.
March 25th, 2012  
Great shot & story.
March 25th, 2012  
Lovely title and picture. I love the people who see beauty everywhere and long to preserve it and share it. That is why 365 is so good
March 25th, 2012  
What a nice photo, Livia. A great idea to shoot others taking photos, especially in such a beautiful place. I have talked to others about my photo taking and 365, some are interested and some have heard of it. I personally found this a great place to learn, meet others from around the world also interested in photography, and post my photos while getting comments and seeing a variety that I would have not seen anywhere else. Love it as it was that missing piece in my photography.
March 25th, 2012  
Well done and i love your story. I'm still working up the courage to start taking pics of strangers :).
March 25th, 2012  
wonderful capture Livia! love the story!
March 25th, 2012  
ah the old "taking a photo of the flowers and you were just in screen" trick. LOL Very creative and love these random, human interest photos.
March 25th, 2012  
Great candid xx
March 25th, 2012  
Great Shot and Story Livia!! I have a hard time just shooting random people but you make it look fun!! I think i may give it a whirl!!! Love it!
March 25th, 2012  
Those snappers look totally oblivious to what's going on round them. 365 clearly teaches you to look around! Nice shot.
March 25th, 2012  
Great candid capture, loved your story too!
March 25th, 2012  
Mel
Very cool photo, and a lovely story too, well done on shooting the shooters :)
March 25th, 2012  
Lovely place to take pictures, Livia. Great candid capture. Maybe one day somebody will do the same to you haha.
March 25th, 2012  
Great candid shot Livia!!
March 25th, 2012  
great shot of the shooters...although I have to admit I did get a little camera envy ;)..those gardens look like a beautiful place to visit!!
March 25th, 2012  
Great candid shot! The orchid garden sounds wonderful, but I agree, I'd try to avoid the crowds too!
March 25th, 2012  
You did great here!! Love the photo and your title!! One thing I cannot do, is take photos of strangers, unless they are far far away! ha ha ha
March 25th, 2012  
Cool shot Livia and love all the greenery and the story too!
March 25th, 2012  
What a wonderful place to go to get pictures. No wonder everyone has their camera ready. If I were there, you better believe I would be taking pictures. Nice capture of the shooters.
March 25th, 2012  
This is a cool shot, I like the story that goes along with it, gives more of a feel to the image!
March 25th, 2012  
Great shoot the shooter shot! I still need to take some street photography.
March 25th, 2012  
Jim
Very nice
March 25th, 2012  
I'm still too timid to shoot people without permission. Once got a thrashing for taking the photo of a customer service person who wouldn't give me a refund for tickets. We were standing in the hallway of the metro in DC so it was a public spot. Is it legal???
March 25th, 2012  
Really cool "behind the scenes" shot Livia.
March 25th, 2012  
Beautiful shot! I agree with all of the above.
March 25th, 2012  
Nice shot of the shooters! Looks like an amazing place!
March 25th, 2012  
A great, big, people-oriented, flowery "THANK YOU!" to everyone!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by! Glad you've all enjoyed this candid shot. I forgot to mention that I shot the shooters with my macro lens because I didn't have anything else to change it with. Heh. Every time I go to the Botanic Gardens, my sole intention is to shoot the flowers only. Surprisingly enough, for a people shot, the macro lens did all right here. I think.

Again, thank you all for your kind and encouraging comments!

March 26th, 2012  
Have to agree. Since I've joined 365, I've been trying to get more people to join. As for shooting people, I'm no where ready for that yet. Maybe I'll start after the halfway point. Lol
March 27th, 2012  
I love this photo!! So much enthusiasm over taking pictures of flowers!
March 27th, 2012  
Great shot!!
March 28th, 2012  
Nice people shot.
March 28th, 2012  
me too! I was just thinking we should tag them, but now I see your photographers tag, and I'm going to check it out! I think I may have labeled one of mine "photog"
March 31st, 2012  
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