I've always been the one behind the camera (thus avoiding standing in front of it for many, many years) but all my pictures have always consisted of family and friends and inanimate objects.
The thing is, I've often seen potential for a good shot with strangers but I never really know when (or if) it's acceptable to take a photo of someone you don't know at all?
I'm not taking about a few people here or there who happen to be on the picture in a crowded area but actually having them as an important part of the picture.
I've often considered asking people if I may but I'm a bit too shy to actually go through with it, plus it kind of takes the spontaneity away from most of the pictures.
So I was wondering what your thoughts on this are? Do you just take pictures of strangers, do you ask, do you avoid it all together? Do you feel it's stepping over boundaries or is it just a part of photography and life? :)
@deanshotgun I tend to ask them - a lot of the time I have to get photos at gigs of the crowd and after having watch partypress - a photography company that aren't exactly scrupulous, I prefer that approach.
People can get upset about the whole thing, plus these guys have broken up marriages before with extremely out of context images taken without permission (it's the bars right to allow them but common courtesy could be there at least)
On the other hand, walking up to people or in to places *last week a scrapyard* and asking in a friendly manner gets results, though if it's on the street and whatnot be prepared with a little notebook, sending them a copy's often the done thing...
You're perfectly allowed to take photos of strangers with in reason, but it's my opinion they should know about it, even afterwards if you're worried about losing the candid factor.
I just had this conversation with my husband. If a person is out in the public, they are public property. I do not hide my camera and I do everything I can to avoid children I don't know. You could follow @andrewdearling he has a People on the Tube album that could inspire you. http://365project.org/andrewdearling/on-the-tube
Inspired by @andrewdearling, whom I follow, I tried my first candids last week. Most of my shots are from behind, which is mean in one way but on the other hand, no faces are visible, so the person cannot be recognized and thus his privacy is protected. I took a shot of two fathers pushing their buggies by pretending to take a picture of the bridge they were walking on. They probably realized my scheme and are featured with their faces on here now, but as long as you don't catch someone in a compromising or embarassing situation and as long as it is in a public place, I don't see a problem with it. If someone should complain, I would not use their picture. And I also avoid children, even though someday I might have the courage to ask a parent for permission because they are just the cutest ;)
Thank you for the inputs and comments. It's kind of a "touchy" subject to me because I myself hate when people take pictures of me directly but don't mind the tourist-camera getting a shot here and there. I'd just prefer not putting people in a uncomfortable situation, seems like I'll have to learn how to ask for permission ;)
And I don't even lift my camera when there are children around, especially if they aren't with their parents; for me that would be taking it too far even though I mean no harm. But I agree with you Jenna, they are the cutest, and I'm lucky to have a nephew I can "practice" on once in a while :)
@deanshotgun I've found parents love getting off the cuff snaps with their kids, sometimes I do day time events and if the photos are going somewhere easily accessible they're asking to get ones with their kids...
@killerjackalope I really think I need to work up the nerve to ask people to take their photos. It just seems a bit awkward to walk up to a complete stranger and ask, "Hey, I saw you from over there and I was wondering if I could take a picture" or the alike, kids or not. But I'll get to practice this summer when I go to Italy; lots of charismatic people I'd love to shoot :P
And I guess it depends on where you are/live. Some people don't mind at all but where I live it's almost a death sin to point a camera at someone.
@deanshotgun People are wary and suspicious about photos here but you can talk to anybody so it's a mixed bag...
I find talking to strangers fun, it used to be my job - one thing is they're strangers, it doesn't matter if they think you're crazy because you don't know them but it's nice if they're nice...
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People can get upset about the whole thing, plus these guys have broken up marriages before with extremely out of context images taken without permission (it's the bars right to allow them but common courtesy could be there at least)
On the other hand, walking up to people or in to places *last week a scrapyard* and asking in a friendly manner gets results, though if it's on the street and whatnot be prepared with a little notebook, sending them a copy's often the done thing...
You're perfectly allowed to take photos of strangers with in reason, but it's my opinion they should know about it, even afterwards if you're worried about losing the candid factor.
Thank you for the inputs and comments. It's kind of a "touchy" subject to me because I myself hate when people take pictures of me directly but don't mind the tourist-camera getting a shot here and there. I'd just prefer not putting people in a uncomfortable situation, seems like I'll have to learn how to ask for permission ;)
And I don't even lift my camera when there are children around, especially if they aren't with their parents; for me that would be taking it too far even though I mean no harm. But I agree with you Jenna, they are the cutest, and I'm lucky to have a nephew I can "practice" on once in a while :)
And I guess it depends on where you are/live. Some people don't mind at all but where I live it's almost a death sin to point a camera at someone.
I find talking to strangers fun, it used to be my job - one thing is they're strangers, it doesn't matter if they think you're crazy because you don't know them but it's nice if they're nice...