When among the public, I find walking around with a large camera at the ready is sometimes comparable to walking around with a dead rat in hand (not that I've tried the latter).
I've been taking photographs as a hobby, forever. But I'd never had any strange public reactions until getting a real DSLR earlier this year. Prior to that I was using a Panasonic Lumix FZ-20. To put things in perspective, it's a Nikon D300S, a large camera but not huge (certainly no D3). I almost always use my prime 50mm lens which is a modest size, but that has a hood which people seem to mistake for an uber lense or something.
Since getting this new camera, I've had public performers actively turn away from me, despite having a continuous stream of people with compact cameras and mobile phones taking their photograph. At a public event, I've been singled out and ridiculed by a stranger for violating non-existent privacy laws. A store owner refused to acknowledge my existence after I photographed his two dogs at the front of his store. Again, this is despite the fact that there was a continuous stream of people taking the same photo on their compact cameras and mobile phones. Not wishing to cause trouble, I even deleted the images in front of him and apologised, but to no avail. It's a shame, they were beautiful dogs.
What is it about large cameras that puts peoples hackles up? We all know compact cameras and even mobile phones to an extent are capable of extraordinary detail, so why are they ok?
Not that I've done heaps, but I shoot on the street with EXACTLY the same setup as you (though saving for a 20mm f2.8).
I haven't come across those problems yet. Though definitely ready if and when something happens.
This is the second time I've shared this link today, but there are some really cool street photog references here that might help you out - http://www.erickimphotography.com
I know what you mean Dave as have had similar experiences. Lens envy? Size really must matter? LOL.
All jokes aside I guess people feel threatened by the big scary looking equipment. And I know what you mean when you have your lens hood on.
I get comments/remarks from people about being a professional (which I am not) and feeling they should move out of my way, other photographers with their smaller cameras having a dig or snide comment and I guess it does intimidate both the subject or other people photographing however I always try and be less intrusive than the ones with the point and shoot.
I have no magical answers but can empathise with you as it happens to me. I have not had anyone in my face agro with me, but maybe that is because I am female?
I guess a guy with an expensive large camera with large lens and lens hood can come across to those not used to photography and our gear as intimidating/threatening. It does not excuse it, but maybe they do feel this way and just articulate their feelings in a standoffish and aggressive manner?
I am interested in hearing others comments/stories on this. :0)
I have to say, I have never really run into that problem before. I have been doing photography for a few years now, and only once or twice have I been ridiculed/shunned, and thats with my D90 and my 200mm lens!
Try being a "punk-looking" teenager with a big camera, I've gotten countless dirty looks from people even if I'm not taking pictures that relate to them in any way!
I agree. My camera is a behemoth Pro size, same as a D3. It weighs a ton, is cumbersome, and people look at you. Screw em. If they want me to look inconspicuous, let them buy me a camera!
I guess I've always gotten the opposite reaction...when I shoot with my F5 or D300 w/grip I usually get a lot of polite compliments and comments. People are curious, and usually ask very friendly questions (are you pro, which newspaper do you shoot for, etc. nothing like why are you taking this photo and can you stop type of deals). One time I was doing some urban ex on this abandoned factory in my town, and a guy saw me and said it was great I was documenting the place before it gets torn down, and how he played their as a kid (I was scared he was going to say he was calling the cops on me or something). So overall, I have gotten a very positive response from my larger cameras. I think the only time I have had a hassle, or negative response, was in security lines at the Empire State building and Statute of Liberty ferry... I got jumped on to not take pictures, even though I wasn't even holding the camera in a position to take a picture.
Heck, even in tourist havens like Vegas where everyone has a DSLR I get positive camera comments, and I'm guessing it's due to the extra size. I've made some connections with makeup artists and others this way... just by walking into places like MAC with a camera that seems bigger than the rest.
I actually assumed Heidi's experiences would be more common than your own, David. I don't go outside much with my own dslr (which is a baby as far as cameras go anyway) but I've always felt awkward in public with one. Although I went to the pier this morning for a shoot and there were a LOT more people than there should've been but I didn't pay too much attention to them anyway.
I've had experiences more similar to Heidi's, for the most part. I use a Canon 5D Mark II with vertical grip, and often wander around with the 70-200 f/2.8 (white lens) with hood attached, especially when out with family or at an event where I need the "extra reach" for grab shots. I usually have my Domke J-1 bag slung over one shoulder, or my other lenses on my belt and my speedlight attached to my camera. I use an RS-4 camera strap that attaches to the bottom of the camera (tripod plate mount) and hangs across my body like a sling. It is a very obvious setup.
Mostly I find people get out of my way, or watch closely to see what shots I'm trying to get, but very rarely do I have anyone respond negatively. Like Heidi, I've had a number of people start up conversations in a very positive manner.
I do make sure I always look like I belong there, and everything I do confidently reinforces that. When people think you are meant to be there, they stop noticing you so much, I reckon. I've been let into areas the public aren't meant to go because it has been assumed I have the right to go there. Ive had people stop and ask me to take their photo, and sometimes simply jump into my shots.
The worst situation I have encountered was with an angry drunk (and don't drunks always know everything?) who threatened me directly. So I took a photo of him (in case I should need to show it to police later) and prepared to hit him with my 8kg camera if necessary (it's insured). He walked away. Being 6'2" and 90kg, and obviously an active sort, it is very rare for anyone to try to intimidate me and even rarer for them to consider following through, so my experiences may be somewhat different than what others have had.
@jinximages I think what you were saying about looking like you belong is key. Looking confident I think really helps. If you're acting nervous or shy, or like you don't know what you're really doing with the camera, I think it makes a person look a lot more suspicious.
And hi to another black rapid user :) Best camera straps ever!!!
(Random side story about people asking to take their photos... I was in Vegas with my Holga, and these ladies came up and asked if I could take their photo with their camera, because "that is a big camera you have, and I'm sure you know what you're doing!" If only they knew it was a $30 plastic film camera from China that a monkey can operate!)
That's interesting Heidi (@hmgphotos), I wonder if perhaps gender comes into it as well? I guess in general guys are construed as being more capable of predatorial characteristics. Is it possible people are instinctively more wary of men with cameras than women?
There have been times when I've been quite conscious of this, particularly in places with many children around. In such places, I'll sometimes hand the camera to my wife who'll take a couple snaps in my stead.
@bink I think you're partially right in your assessment. I've been exposed to many complaints about male photographers near kids' playgrounds and waterparks and the like, but never a female photographer being complained about. Of course, there are female child predators out there, but they are few and far between, and the community generally disregards their existance. I've shot my own kids (and friends' kids) at a local waterpark without issue, and again, probably because I just do it confidently and make it obvious I know the kids (which isn't hard when they run at you, grinning). We've had paedophiles caught at that same location, using cameras with "night vision" (UV / IR modes that can be misused to see through clothing), and people are paranoid as a result, but no-one has ever taken issue with me there. Again, I'm not hiding, not standing back, not trying to "blend in" or such - I'm standing right in there, very obviously taking my shots. People trust that more than someone sitting at a table at the back, alone and trying to not be noticed.
My opinion is that they think you take extraordinary photos, you're a professional, and you'll make money off of what you take. Maybe use their image in places and they either don't want that/feel they should sign a release/receive a royalty.
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I haven't come across those problems yet. Though definitely ready if and when something happens.
This is the second time I've shared this link today, but there are some really cool street photog references here that might help you out - http://www.erickimphotography.com
I know what you mean Dave as have had similar experiences. Lens envy? Size really must matter? LOL.
All jokes aside I guess people feel threatened by the big scary looking equipment. And I know what you mean when you have your lens hood on.
I get comments/remarks from people about being a professional (which I am not) and feeling they should move out of my way, other photographers with their smaller cameras having a dig or snide comment and I guess it does intimidate both the subject or other people photographing however I always try and be less intrusive than the ones with the point and shoot.
I have no magical answers but can empathise with you as it happens to me. I have not had anyone in my face agro with me, but maybe that is because I am female?
I guess a guy with an expensive large camera with large lens and lens hood can come across to those not used to photography and our gear as intimidating/threatening. It does not excuse it, but maybe they do feel this way and just articulate their feelings in a standoffish and aggressive manner?
I am interested in hearing others comments/stories on this. :0)
Heck, even in tourist havens like Vegas where everyone has a DSLR I get positive camera comments, and I'm guessing it's due to the extra size. I've made some connections with makeup artists and others this way... just by walking into places like MAC with a camera that seems bigger than the rest.
Mostly I find people get out of my way, or watch closely to see what shots I'm trying to get, but very rarely do I have anyone respond negatively. Like Heidi, I've had a number of people start up conversations in a very positive manner.
I do make sure I always look like I belong there, and everything I do confidently reinforces that. When people think you are meant to be there, they stop noticing you so much, I reckon. I've been let into areas the public aren't meant to go because it has been assumed I have the right to go there. Ive had people stop and ask me to take their photo, and sometimes simply jump into my shots.
The worst situation I have encountered was with an angry drunk (and don't drunks always know everything?) who threatened me directly. So I took a photo of him (in case I should need to show it to police later) and prepared to hit him with my 8kg camera if necessary (it's insured). He walked away. Being 6'2" and 90kg, and obviously an active sort, it is very rare for anyone to try to intimidate me and even rarer for them to consider following through, so my experiences may be somewhat different than what others have had.
And hi to another black rapid user :) Best camera straps ever!!!
(Random side story about people asking to take their photos... I was in Vegas with my Holga, and these ladies came up and asked if I could take their photo with their camera, because "that is a big camera you have, and I'm sure you know what you're doing!" If only they knew it was a $30 plastic film camera from China that a monkey can operate!)
There have been times when I've been quite conscious of this, particularly in places with many children around. In such places, I'll sometimes hand the camera to my wife who'll take a couple snaps in my stead.
That's a really interesting point you make about appearing to belong. I'll need to pay more attention to that I think.