Here is a question for people who wander around by themselves, pointing their camera at various object at obscure angles. Do you ever feel embarassed or fear drawing attention to yourself.
I am of Indian descent, whose appearance has been mistaken for anything from Middle Eastern, to Latin American (darn this medium brown skin color). I used to(20 years ago) be able to wander anywhere, camera in hand, taking pictures in airports, on bridges, of buildings. But now when I head out, I feel pretty uncomfortable with the looks I sometimes get from people. I try to put on my "mostly harmless" look, or "I'm an artist, please don't bother me" expression. Is it just me or has the world really changed that much?
I don't know about 20 years ago, but I feel that way to, when I take pics in public. Though I never really noticed people giving me strange looks, I'm often preoccupied about what people will think. But then, I tell myself just what Dalia said. Often, I'll listen to music with my Ipod, helps me get inside a "bubble". I'm just careful not to take pics of people. But once, I was looking at a tree, thinking "hmm there's a nice shot to do here". And a family came, they sat in the branches and took a pic. I dared to ask them if I could take their pic, and they said yes :) It's a lovely picture (but I kept it for myself, because I told that to the family). I try to remember that.... if a professional photographer was here, he wouldn't mind taking the pics he wants. Now, I'm faaaar from being a pro, but if other people can do it, I can do it to :)
i always feel a bit embarrassed when i first start walking around , but soon block out that im walking around with camera and tripod and keep doing what i came to do !!! Most of the time i get asked if im a professional and i just laugh and say no its just a hobby lol Ive had lots of good convo's with people wanting to know more about the DSLR.
I get some strange looks and I sometimes have to make small talk with strangers, that comes with the territory. That said, with the security concerns we have today, I am somewhat careful of where I take photos, just because I know in some places they will be concerned that I am taking them for research, let's say. I am white and about as harmless looking as possible, but looks don't mean anything and I have been asked to not take photos, in the past, of high security areas. Which is something I understand, in certain areas. For the most part, though, I just ignore people. Unfortunately, I think the world has changed. I know, here in the US, it has changed very much in the last ten years, especially.
Once I start to take pictures, I usually block people out. Its more when I'm lining up a shot that I often wonder what people _might_ be thinking, but if anyone asks, I tell them I'm a member of an online picture a day photo challenge and they usually go away. If its around the office, I will tell security and they usually don't mind, unless someone complains.
I think everyone has an occasional feeling of uncertainty when out in public with their camera, but in most situations if someone stops by and you talk about your project or goal, they will often join in on some small talk. You can always ask them if they would mind having their photo taken as well. I think you need to use some common sense when out there, but in general I wouldn't let it bother me.
I agree with Dalia...we won't see most or any of those people again! I'm more uncomfortable some places thanin others, but when I took this picture the other day http://365project.org/Weezilou/365/2010-07-07 I was standing in an open doorway facing the crowd. I just kept telling myself not to make eye contact ;-) In this tourist town (where I've spent 10 summers) I'm still teased by some for looking like a tourist myself, but I let it roll off my back. I try to get a mindset that I look like I know what I'm doing, and like I said, don't let them catch you looking back!
i had never really thought about it until recently on a trip to israel. i was walking past the american consulate in jerusalem and snapped a picture of the american flag flying out front. immediately a consulate official raced over to me and asked to see my photo; apparently it was a security issue to be taking photos of the building. wow!
I'm the same way. I just get somewhat embarrassed I guess. Especially just having a little point and shoot. If I had a DSLR I feel it'd be a little different. Almost like people would take me more seriously.
It's something I'm working on trying to get over!
Know what you mean. People are wound a little too tight nowadays. One of these days I am not going to worry about what others think cause I am sure I am missing lots of opportunities by worrying about people.
I used to be quite worried about it but less now. The more you umm and aaahh about a shot, the more you'll look shifty and people will want to question you. Act as if you belong and thats different. If they come over and talk to you about it, and an official tells you to delete it then fair play. But you know what they say, better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission :)
People stare at me all the time when I'm out with my camera. I usually just ignore it and go on doing my thing, or I glare back at them to see how long they stare at me. I figure these people I'll never see again, and i mean, who hasn't ever seen someone out with a camera? I've been noticing a lot more people lately too trying to get into photography, so seeing someone out taking photos shouldn't be such an odd thing for people to see anymore.
I also find myself watching other photographers when I don't have my camera, seeing what kind of equipment they're using and how they're shooting a certain subject. I kind of feel like I myself am starting at them, but it's always interesting. So who knows, you may be inspiring another photographer :)
Thanks everyone, for your comments. I like the bubble idea, Cynthia.
Thinking about this I remembered reading an article about "the four fatal fears" that hold you back from doing what you need to do. They were:
Fear of rejection
Fear of failure
Fear of being wrong
Fear of emotional discomfort
I think this hangup of mine falls into the last one. I can see from the comments, some people have figured out how to get over it. I just need to figure out how get beyond it too.
Hi. Louise directed me to this thread. In my town, we have a prison almost in the middle of town. (The town grew around it after it was built.) I wanted to shoot it for the architecture theme, but I had this image of me being arrested for questioning if I did. I knew it would look suspicous, but the truth is that I am sure no one would see me if I didn't linger too long.
I always feel awkward taking pictures in public. I even feel awkward sometimes with my friends, who don't really get the idea of taking pictures for anything other than documenting an event, like a birthday or a holiday. It's something we need to get over. I remember my high school photography teacher telling me that a serious photographer will do anything to get a good shot.
Of course, you looking middle eastern adds a new element to the mix. Don't you think that's getting better now that we're so distant from 9/11, or is "racial profiling" still around?
Hey Cheryl, not sure about the racial profiling. Been to some places, where pulling out a camera may not be the best idea. Airports, federal buildings, South Dakota (kidding), anywhere where there are children. It's the times when I am innocently taking pictures in a park, or wandering around the city or a graveyard, that I feel the scrutiny. Just need to plow on ahead and ignore them I guess.
Of course, wielding an expensive camera in poorer parts of town may not be a good idea either.
I do sometimes get self-conscious, but usually that happens when I'm trying to take a photo that somehow involves people in a public place. But my situation is quite different--white woman vs Indian man. One of the realities of white privilege is that I'm noticed less, plus given the benefit of the doubt.
Recently I took a pic in a government office when I shouldn't have. (At the entrance I looked for signage prohibiting photography, but there wasn't any.) From a security point of view, it was pretty mundane--basically a pic of people waiting--and I could easily have done it with my phone without attracting any attention.
But an employee saw me take the pic, started asking me questions--then heard my foreign accent--it was really an unpleasant situation which could have turned out worse than it did.
i get odd looks from folks, even when i am not taking photos, haha.
anyhoo. i'm not really all that bothered by folks when i take pictures.
random story. i was taking pictures of the lifting of a planetarium dome a year or so ago in fort worth, and some lady gave me all this info about the planetarium because she thought i was with the press. ah, fun times.
I cant compare it 20 years ago...but since this project, Ive only been stopped/asked questions once. I can see everyones point, I too would wonder someone is taking pictures of buildings etc. Its only natural instinct, clearly the way forward is "i'm artist, don't bother me" type look rather umm and ergghinhg about whether to take a shot or not. That way you get less attention as opposed drawing attention to yourself.
I just picked up my DSLR and just realized how OBVIOUS I am out there in the world now! With my point-and-shoot, I felt invisible. Now with my Strap, Zoom, tripod or whatever, I feel like everyone driving by (even on those remote wooded locations) people must be staring at me. But the only real worry I have is if I might be asked to go away if I photograph something that belongs to someone because now people will care because I appear professional.
one place I have found that I am very comfortable with my camera is harbourfront Toronto. I live in Toronto, but when I go to harbourfront I just play like I am a tourist. everyone is walking around with a camera, so I don't feel like I stand out. Anywhere else though I try to pick a place that is not too busy, or anywhere early in the morning seems to be good because the general crowd volumes are down. But sometimes it seems that no matter how quiet it is, when I stop and pull out the camera to line up a shot, from out of nowhere, here comes a person, or a car...and I'm like "where did they come from?". We just have to lean in to the fact that as long as we are not doing anything wrong, then the heck with who is watching and what they are thinking.
The plus side where I live, is not alot of people have the money for expensive cameras like DSLR's and such. They'll automatically assume you're a professional or at least trying to be and get what you're up to right off the bat. You'll always get stares for what ever reason, but I'd suggest to be aware of your surroundings regardless who's watching. To me it doesn't matter what they think, as long as you do it in a professional manner. Just be careful because the real worry isn't what they think, but if they're going to try and take your camera from you. I've had it almost happen several times.
The only time I feel self-conscious while taking pictures in public is when I point the camera at people. I feel like I should get their permission. Otherwise, I don't care. I lay on the ground to get the angles I want, kneel, jump, stretch, or as I recently demonstrated, stopped my car on a bridge.
Hey, take it from me. I'm a skinny, white all-American 18 year old kid, and I still get funny looks when I'm out taking pictures. I think in today's world, everyone's just wary of everyone. I mean, i could imagine how it might be amplified for you. My best advice is just what Dahlia said... forget them! You'll probably never see them again anyway. Don't let a judging glance that lasts a second keep you from creating a beautiful piece of art that lasts forever. :-)
Have you really noticed the way people act and dress in public today? I was recently at the beach where obviously there were no weight limits on bikinis. Anything you can put a hole through is pierced and, well, as for tattoos, nursing homes are going to be very interesting in the future. What's the point of this? The least of my worries is taking a photo in public. I could care less if people see me or not. :)
Honestly, I find it funny when people give you funny looks. I just smile or wave at them and they seem to be more embarrassed and just look away. Sometimes I feel self-conscious taking pictures of random people just because, like Sandra said, I feel like I should get their permission. But normally I don't mind crouching, sitting, lying on the floor or climbing up trees/ climbing frames to get a good photo. I think at the moment I can get away with it, being a 16 year old girl. I don't think you should let the colour of your skin make you embarrassed about taking photos, if it's something you enjoy doing who's to stop you?
The reactions I get usually depend on what camera I am carrying. When I have my D300 w/ grip and big lens, people usually treat me like I'm with the newspaper, or something else "important" and don't hassle. When I'm using my D80 with a small lens, like a 50mm, I feel like they get a bit more weird about things, like "what is this crazy tourist doing?". And of course when I have a film camera I get those "why isn't there a screen on the back?" looks...
Sometimes I feel a bit self conscious, but I usually just go about my business. Usually curious individuals stop and ask what I'm doing and stuff, and are rather friendly (happened to me today while photographing an abandonment, and I ended up having a nice chat with the guy about how he use to play there as a child). Being a girl in a relatively male dominated photo field (motorsports & MMA photography), I'm use to stares, glares, and whatever else.
I've always wanted to do photography in an airport, but that's one place I feel entirely uncomfortable. I don't need some over reactive person reporting me to security just because I thought the chairs would look cool through my Holga.
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You'll probably never see them again anyway !
Do whatever you want, as long as you're not hurting anyone. ;D
...and no, I'm not too fussed about the looks from by-passers. I get the strange looks sometimes, but so what?
Now go out and enjoy!
It's something I'm working on trying to get over!
I also find myself watching other photographers when I don't have my camera, seeing what kind of equipment they're using and how they're shooting a certain subject. I kind of feel like I myself am starting at them, but it's always interesting. So who knows, you may be inspiring another photographer :)
Thinking about this I remembered reading an article about "the four fatal fears" that hold you back from doing what you need to do. They were:
Fear of rejection
Fear of failure
Fear of being wrong
Fear of emotional discomfort
I think this hangup of mine falls into the last one. I can see from the comments, some people have figured out how to get over it. I just need to figure out how get beyond it too.
Thanks again everyone.
http://365project.org/metatransitions/365/2010-07-11
I always feel awkward taking pictures in public. I even feel awkward sometimes with my friends, who don't really get the idea of taking pictures for anything other than documenting an event, like a birthday or a holiday. It's something we need to get over. I remember my high school photography teacher telling me that a serious photographer will do anything to get a good shot.
Of course, you looking middle eastern adds a new element to the mix. Don't you think that's getting better now that we're so distant from 9/11, or is "racial profiling" still around?
Of course, wielding an expensive camera in poorer parts of town may not be a good idea either.
In the US? I don't think I'd feel so secure. I take that back. I'm sure I wouldn't.
Recently I took a pic in a government office when I shouldn't have. (At the entrance I looked for signage prohibiting photography, but there wasn't any.) From a security point of view, it was pretty mundane--basically a pic of people waiting--and I could easily have done it with my phone without attracting any attention.
But an employee saw me take the pic, started asking me questions--then heard my foreign accent--it was really an unpleasant situation which could have turned out worse than it did.
anyhoo. i'm not really all that bothered by folks when i take pictures.
random story. i was taking pictures of the lifting of a planetarium dome a year or so ago in fort worth, and some lady gave me all this info about the planetarium because she thought i was with the press. ah, fun times.
Sometimes I feel a bit self conscious, but I usually just go about my business. Usually curious individuals stop and ask what I'm doing and stuff, and are rather friendly (happened to me today while photographing an abandonment, and I ended up having a nice chat with the guy about how he use to play there as a child). Being a girl in a relatively male dominated photo field (motorsports & MMA photography), I'm use to stares, glares, and whatever else.
I've always wanted to do photography in an airport, but that's one place I feel entirely uncomfortable. I don't need some over reactive person reporting me to security just because I thought the chairs would look cool through my Holga.