I was thinking about taking my camera with me to my local farmers' market today but didn't because I knew I wouldn't actually be able to take any photos. I'd feel too much like I was interrupting, intruding on or taking advantage of people. I only have a Canon Powershot S5, so no big lenses to hide behind.
i know what you mean! i feel awkward. but i try to take it one step at a time. and today, [while i was stopped at a lift bridge so car was off, etc.] i actually got out of my car with a line-up of cars behind me to take a picture ( http://365project.org/mrstu/365/2010-06-23), knowing that i'm sure they saw me and wondered what i was doing.
so maybe start by sitting somewhere and casually taking photos would help? or alternatively, you can bring a friend with you and pretend you're taking a picture of them but go around them?
I take a lot of pictures in public, but not usually of people lol. I will stop to take a picture of flowers, statues, buildings, signs, etc. Sometimes I do get weird stares but I dont mind. Now if I walked up to someone and asked to take their picture and I was rejected im not sure how that would make me feel... probably really weird! lol.
You could always pretend you are taking a picture of something else, or get it when they are not looking I guess lol.
I take my point and shoot out and hold it by my hip as if I'm just carrying it and then press the shutter button when I judge I've got the shot I want. Mostly people don't notice and it's interesting to go home and see the results. You can see some results on my flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigy_p/sets/72157624236161634/
I take many shots in public and the people dont actually mind! they think that they going to appear in some newspaper or magazine or something and often even offer to pose for me :)
Lameez... Do u b chance happen to wear a PRESS sign :) .. Craigy P thats a brilliant idea I will have to try that.. just wanted to ask for a tip.. how do u manage the focus
Most people dont mind, if they do, they're not shy in saying!!
I find with a point and shoot people just leave you to it, and with a bigger camera they often come over and ask what you're up to. I find the most prob is with the jobs-worths telling you cant take a photo of this and that, and for the most part, they are 100% wrong.
Personally I found it weird to start with, but its well worth getting over feelings of shyness to reap in the rewards :-)
And... as Steve says, could try staying hidden!
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so maybe start by sitting somewhere and casually taking photos would help? or alternatively, you can bring a friend with you and pretend you're taking a picture of them but go around them?
I've been meaning to start that project for some time now.
You could always pretend you are taking a picture of something else, or get it when they are not looking I guess lol.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigy_p/sets/72157624236161634/
I find with a point and shoot people just leave you to it, and with a bigger camera they often come over and ask what you're up to. I find the most prob is with the jobs-worths telling you cant take a photo of this and that, and for the most part, they are 100% wrong.
Personally I found it weird to start with, but its well worth getting over feelings of shyness to reap in the rewards :-)
And... as Steve says, could try staying hidden!
Josh, I like the 100 strangers suggestion.