Me – Excuse me, would you mind if I took your photograph?
Mother – Why you want to take my picture, I’m not model, I just hard working Polish woman. I come here to visit my daughter and now strange man with big camera is wanting to take pictures.
Daughter – Stop being so difficult mother, just smile for the man and let him take a photo.
Me – Click Click…….
Mother – Smile?.... Smile?..... I no smile. If I smile, next he want me to take off clothes…. then he puts my bazooomas on internets.
Daughter – Just stop it mother you are embarrassing me now.
Me - Click click…… click……..
Mother – So Mr clicky clicky in my face…. Let me look at these pictures you take…….
Me – Sure, here you go.
Mother - Hmmmmm….. Ha ha ha ha…….. Ha ha ha ha…. this one is good…… is funny, I like this. You put this one on your internets and you send to me.
Daughter – For God’s sake mother…….. I just give up.
Now you see this is just the kind of exchange that makes me too scared to try any street shots. Plus obviously I don't yet have a suitable lens so can put it off a bit longer. Great capture btw - the body language of both is so eloquent. Is the bloke on the left pretending not to notice there's a bit of a kerfuffle going on?
@pistache But that's half the fun of it. Most people are happy to have their photo taken. If they aren't, just walk away and no harm is done.
What some people do, is get some business cards printed up with the web address of your 365 journal printed on them, so people can see their picture when you post it. It also helps to break the ice and lets people know you are a serious photographer rather than some sort of creepy voyeur. :)
I need a measure of your street savvy. To just go ahead and click while your subject debates the negatives of allowing her picture to be taken, well, that's fantastic! Just look at the story-filled image you've captured. You inspire. I'll still be a chicken to attempt such a shoot, but you inspire.
@judithaltman Not sure I'm ready for TV....... but I fo sometimes wonder if there is a market for a book of street portraits and short stories about the people in the photos. :)
@lyndemc You just need to be brave and do it. I haven't had a really bad reaction from anybody and I've been doing street portraits for about 3 years now. Most people love having their photo taken and feel it is a compliment that someone want to do so. Once you get into the habit and get your confidence, it becomes easier and easier. :)
@anna45 I usually find that people actually enjoy having their photo taken. If you are confident and look like a proper photographer (Posh camera and big lens) there is generally no problem...... Not sure I would get away with it if I was using an iPhone. :)
This is fantastic! Also the gentleman off to the left (I'll just ignore all this and they'll go away) or the woman in the back on the right (I'm the model, why's he taking her photo) - so many stories! This and yesterday's russian spy show you have great talent for storytelling. Yes, I think a book with 365 photos and accompanying stories would be a great seller. I'd buy it. You are very entertaining. Great shot. FAV
@swillinbillyflynn Yes, a book is a fab idea. I definitely think it would be a success. Your photography and your storytelling are so interesting. I know I would buy it!
@swillinbillyflynn Thank you for that encouragement. I'll recite it in my head the next time I contemplate approaching someone. I suppose the first time is the toughest.
Love your candid street photography, and the commentary....and, following (thanks for the earlier Follow, BTW....it took me a little while to visit your album!).... Have you ever seen the HONY (Humans of New York) pictures? They are amazing! Here is a link to the book http://www.amazon.com/dp/1250038820/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=4161583446&ref=pd_sl_3pcz2ebz73_e
What some people do, is get some business cards printed up with the web address of your 365 journal printed on them, so people can see their picture when you post it. It also helps to break the ice and lets people know you are a serious photographer rather than some sort of creepy voyeur. :)
xxx