For some time now, I've noticed people as I go about my life (often at the grocery store) that I'd like to photograph (often mothers and their children because of family resemblance). I need the advice of people more outgoing than myself. How would you (or do you) approach a complete stranger about taking his or her (or his or her child's) photograph. I need someone to put words into my mouth to diffuse the awkwardness of the moment.
Also, what would you offer them (think cheap)? Some people in this area still don't have computers so emailing them the results isn't always an option.
i really have no advice for the right way to approach someone. if someone has a striking appearance to me that i want to photograph, i just feel the urge to ask them if i could photograph them. i tell them i am an amateur photographer, and that they have a great face, or the colors they are wearing look striking against a building, etc. mind you, i have only done this a handful of times. i have gotten turned down a couple of times, but i just smiled and thanked them, anyway. :) i really don't offer anything unless they seem like they are interested.
I don't mention the amateur part...
Goes something like this:
"Hello, how you doing?" Extend business card
"I would simply love to take a shot of you (Doing this, wearing that), I like it because of (colour, tones, ect)"
For me I mention that if they want to give me their email I will post it on smugmug and they can download it for free(for facebook, ect) or do cheap prints.
If they ask what I am doing with the photo, I often have a project on the works... a portrait book, calandar, coffee table book, blog, so I mention it could end up in which ever one I think they will like best.
In your case, you could offer to make them a print (Costs you $.15) and they could pick it up at local wal-mart, pro-shop, ect. Order prints there or online and pre-pay and have the 'client' can pick-up because the info will be their name and number.
Or I ask to take their portrait and ask THEM to make a donation to a local chariety, ect in exchange for a copy of the print... this works really well.
If they say no... smile and walk away... if you left them your card... often you could get a call about shooting other things for them...
I might ask somebody if they see me and look interested in what I'm doing. If the're watching me, then I'll greet them and say, "I take pictures just for fun to post on my blog. Would you like to pose?" Sometimes they say yes, and sometimes not. I've even had them give me their email addresses so I can send them their picture. Works for me.
We cannot put the words into your mouth but we can offer some tips on what we do. Personally, I ask if I can photograph someone who can be recognized in a picture. Be ready if they ask for a copy and be willing to obilge them because it's the right thing to do. If they say no, say Ok and walk away.
Photographing children is a gray area and should be done with care. They will want to know why you want to take a picture of the kids and with good reason. I generally will try my best to keep facial features out of the picture to make it a generic scene.
If you are taking a picture out in public usually there isn't any legal problem until you go to publish it. You need to have consent from the parent or the person you have photographed.
So, I guess all you need do is ask outright but be prepared to explain why. As far as payment goes, just send them a printed copy of the picture as a thank you. Email is preferred but if you can't ask if there is some place to mail it to and then make sure you do send it.
Oh, I should also add that sometimes they agree but ask me not to put on the internet, just email it to them. With that request I comply, which is why I don't have a lot of picture of strangers in my albums.
Thanks, everyone, this is really helpful input. I didn't know prints could be ordered at Walmart online--and having the subject/model pick it up, that's perfect. I think having a card would help enormously so I'll likely put some $ into that.
I love the charity idea--I'd been considering that approach with a local animal shelter, though more before the fact: give to the shelter and I'd come out and photograph you and/or your pets. However, I have a cheap camera at this point with very erratic quality, so don't feel confident that I'd deliver something worthwhile quite yet.
"Approaching a stranger
People are kinder and better then you ever think they are or expect them to be. ... I think we want to avoid making our strangers feel uncomfortable and avoid looking (or acting) like a creep.
This is what I do:
1.I tell them immediately what I would like.
2.I ask them if its ok to take a picture.
3.Then I chat with them; sometimes i chat for 10-15 minutes( this is the key, everyone likes to talk about themselves)
4. I shoot a bunch of pictures...and ask which ones they like.
5.I invite them to email me if they'd like a picture (moo cards are brilliant. I have ones with my name, flickraddress, and email)
If they say no, I visibly put my camera away and chat a bit. If you respect their refusal, you are acting in the best way possible."
Source: http://100strangers.com/index.asp?Pageid=18
I was once asked by a photographer to take my picture that might be used in a school brochure. I was asked to sign a generic release. Does any one use a release? If so, what is the language you use?
I don't ask. I just do lol.
But that is just because of living in Philadelphia I've grown accustomed to holding my camera at my hip and just firing off, and if the person is in the frame then they are in the frame.
Model Release
For valuable consideration received, I hereby grant to JORDAN ANDERSON
(“photographer”), and his legal representatives and assigns, the
irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of
me, or in which I may be included, for editorial trade, advertising,
and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter the
same without restriction. I hereby release photographer and his legal
representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to
said photographs.
I say i would love to get of shot of them in whatever way it is and give them my card with my email address for them to let me have theirs so I can send them a copy. They often go "PLEASE". It's a bit more difficult when overseas and people don't have email>
I honestly think that once the camera comes out--strangers seem to want to jump in front of it! That's what I've experienced, anyways. I usually offer them an emailed copy as payment. (:
I was thinking of arranging to go to their home (or someplace the person is comfortable where natural light is available--come to think of it, coming up with a list of such places to suggest would probably make this much easier) as opposed to a street shot, but some of the same concerns apply so keep on talking!
@jensees
*knocking on the door*
-Yes?
-Oh,hi,I`ve been following you for the last few hours,actually all day,could you let me in,to take a photo of you?
-I`m sorry,I don`t think it`s...
*you put your foot in the door*
-Lettttt me in,let`s not make things worst! ........ *big smile on your face*
Ha! I think I'll pass on that scenario, Martin! For one thing, no time for stalking.
I often see these people I'd like to photograph at Walmart or another grocery store (not the most attractive setting/lighting) and it's usually the character of their faces (often family resemblance between mothers and children) that interest me.
@clarissajohal definately not here in Patagonia! images have been abused and exploited here and the older adult generation REALLY does not want to be photographed. The kids are all hams though.
Tweets ahoy!
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Goes something like this:
"Hello, how you doing?" Extend business card
"I would simply love to take a shot of you (Doing this, wearing that), I like it because of (colour, tones, ect)"
For me I mention that if they want to give me their email I will post it on smugmug and they can download it for free(for facebook, ect) or do cheap prints.
If they ask what I am doing with the photo, I often have a project on the works... a portrait book, calandar, coffee table book, blog, so I mention it could end up in which ever one I think they will like best.
In your case, you could offer to make them a print (Costs you $.15) and they could pick it up at local wal-mart, pro-shop, ect. Order prints there or online and pre-pay and have the 'client' can pick-up because the info will be their name and number.
Or I ask to take their portrait and ask THEM to make a donation to a local chariety, ect in exchange for a copy of the print... this works really well.
If they say no... smile and walk away... if you left them your card... often you could get a call about shooting other things for them...
Photographing children is a gray area and should be done with care. They will want to know why you want to take a picture of the kids and with good reason. I generally will try my best to keep facial features out of the picture to make it a generic scene.
If you are taking a picture out in public usually there isn't any legal problem until you go to publish it. You need to have consent from the parent or the person you have photographed.
So, I guess all you need do is ask outright but be prepared to explain why. As far as payment goes, just send them a printed copy of the picture as a thank you. Email is preferred but if you can't ask if there is some place to mail it to and then make sure you do send it.
I love the charity idea--I'd been considering that approach with a local animal shelter, though more before the fact: give to the shelter and I'd come out and photograph you and/or your pets. However, I have a cheap camera at this point with very erratic quality, so don't feel confident that I'd deliver something worthwhile quite yet.
People are kinder and better then you ever think they are or expect them to be. ... I think we want to avoid making our strangers feel uncomfortable and avoid looking (or acting) like a creep.
This is what I do:
1.I tell them immediately what I would like.
2.I ask them if its ok to take a picture.
3.Then I chat with them; sometimes i chat for 10-15 minutes( this is the key, everyone likes to talk about themselves)
4. I shoot a bunch of pictures...and ask which ones they like.
5.I invite them to email me if they'd like a picture (moo cards are brilliant. I have ones with my name, flickraddress, and email)
If they say no, I visibly put my camera away and chat a bit. If you respect their refusal, you are acting in the best way possible."
Source: http://100strangers.com/index.asp?Pageid=18
Yeah,I wish I had the balls to do that. Maybe in the future.. This website is sure helping me build back my self-confidence,thats for sure..
But that is just because of living in Philadelphia I've grown accustomed to holding my camera at my hip and just firing off, and if the person is in the frame then they are in the frame.
For valuable consideration received, I hereby grant to JORDAN ANDERSON
(“photographer”), and his legal representatives and assigns, the
irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs of
me, or in which I may be included, for editorial trade, advertising,
and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; and to alter the
same without restriction. I hereby release photographer and his legal
representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to
said photographs.
Name:_____________________
Address:____________________
City/Prov/PC:________________
Phone: (___)_____-________
Email: ______________________
Signature:___________________
Date:_______________________
*knocking on the door*
-Yes?
-Oh,hi,I`ve been following you for the last few hours,actually all day,could you let me in,to take a photo of you?
-I`m sorry,I don`t think it`s...
*you put your foot in the door*
-Lettttt me in,let`s not make things worst! ........ *big smile on your face*
:-)
I often see these people I'd like to photograph at Walmart or another grocery store (not the most attractive setting/lighting) and it's usually the character of their faces (often family resemblance between mothers and children) that interest me.
"Oh don't try running, I have locked the back door..."