Ok, just wondering is there anyone out there how suffers from and has overcome this issue - basically I am somewhat "embarrassed" to take out my camera and take photos in front of people.
So fine, no problem in front of my kids, or trees, or flowers, or even sunsets, but other people and particularly at functions, I shun the camera which is usually with me but stays in my bag.
My reason for posting is that this occurs frequently, but at a party I went to at the weekend, the host was congratulating me on pics he had seen me post on facebook, and I went into shutdown. Later he said he'd love a copy of the photos I took that day and I had to admit I had taken about 5. I think it was stage fright as I don't like anyone to have any expectations - I take photos I like and happy to share if I think they are any good afterwards.
Is this is a common problem? I think maybe doing some street photography may help, so would love to hear if anyone has had a similar issue and overcome.
Obviously if I was a gung ho photographer I am sure I could deal with this, but for me this is a hobby, something personal, and I just wish I could deal better with this problem.
Love to hear any advice and that I am maybe not alone.....or am I??
Thanks x
You aren't alone! Make yourself take the camera out and shoot a series. Try to ask the subjects if they mind or not, offer them some change if they are street people. That is how I began to overcome it. Take some sneaky shots and revel in the fact that you set the camera up beforehand and got what you were looking for....people at functions seem to forget about the camera after a few mins or a few drinks whichever comes first! Make it known that if they don't want their photo taken, let you know, otherwise they are fair game! Just some stuff that helped me.
@gavincci - thanks. I have seen some of @robinwarner 's work and just love it. I must follow and find out more. @shadesofgrey - great to hear I am not alone and really appreciate the tips on how to tackle it. Shooting a series is such a great idea, but I shudder at the thought of it - must just convince myself this is my theme for period and do it! Thank you!!
I work at a school and take photos all the time of the kids and staff, if you act uncomfortable with the camera they will pick up on that,, if you act like its just another part of you, then they will quickly forget its there.... been lucky enough that I dont have to give the kids booze to get them to relax... lol
The stage fright part I cant really help you with, thats a confidence matter I think, and if you feel overwhelmed by the attention it brings you, then I would start off with the non personal contact photo. so go to a fairly popular tourist area near you home and start taking photos of buildings then after you feel comfortable take one or two of the crowd..
this way you get some candid people shots but wont look out of place with all the other cameras there..
after you do this a couple of times, and hopefully get comfortable you can then do a family dinner or party, then work your way from there..
@clarek if I could just share my experience with you. Of the shots that I have taken from parties I was the official (paid/free) photographer, so I said to myself, "I have the right to take photos of these people as I am engaged by the celebrant!" But ofcourse, I politely would ask a simple request to the celebrant's guests if I could take their photo, but them knowing I am the official photog (through a lineyard around my neck saying so). That's how I overcome mine, hope this helps.
@ronphotography thanks for your response. Unfortunately I do not expect to be taking photos professionally at any time, just some happy snaps to remember a day out. So won't be able to hide behind a lineyard anytime soon:-)
@jenrobcarr Thanks - I think you are right, guess it all comes down to confidence through practice. Must set myself a few goals over the coming months. It is reassuring to hear there are great photograhers (like yourself) who also find this rather a challenge. Cheers.
I am trying also- going to tourist attractions or local celebrations where there are alot of camera's helps. Then I stop and just try to get random people shots. Havent worked up to regular street shots-
i often feel foolish when out with my camera,i've found the zoom is my friend,that way i can stand well back from my subject matter to get the shot.
i'm photographing at a fundraiser this week end,i chickened out of having a photography stall where i took posed pictures, but i will take candids throughout the event,the organisers are all having tshirts made so people will know i'm the event photographer and not just some weirdo with a camera which will help me relax a bit
clare, ditto ditto ditto ... to all of what you said. i feel like an idiot out in public, like people are thinking "oh there's some chick who thinks she's a photographer just because she has a cool camera" type of thing :(( and i take photos for the same reason as you, i see something i like :)
but you know what, i remember back years and years ago when i got my first slr, an eos 1000 35mm and every time i saw someone with a better one than me, which was all eos's lol, i was just JEALOUS haha....i never thought those things of them. i just thought wow they must know what they're doing, i wish i did etc etc.
i'm sure you're better than you think ;-) and oh i just checked out your photos, and you are great ;-))
i am finding i am getting over the foolish feeling by taking a little extra time to set the camera settings before i take a shot. i'd rather get it right than stuff up a shot and have nothing to show for it :)
I used to scared too. I now wear my camera all of the time and it has become a part of me. However, there are times where I want to live and not observe and I will tell people that if they want to see the shots I didn't take. :) Hang in there and take pictures when you want, and no one will think any different. When i first started photographing events and getting the perfect moments, I stood way back and used my zoom. That helps too!
I get that a lot now too only I am not shy about taking pictures. My camera make so much noise that I can't be discreet so I hang it around my neck proudly and go for it. People are noticing my photos now and sometimes I feel like there are expectations that were never there before. That's ok because I don't mind challenging myself. I don't pretend to be something that I am not and I think I do a pretty decent job with a point-and-shoot camera. People are pretty accepting of that fact. So, for me, I just do it for myself first and for others second. I like taking pictures and I love sharing them.
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@shadesofgrey - great to hear I am not alone and really appreciate the tips on how to tackle it. Shooting a series is such a great idea, but I shudder at the thought of it - must just convince myself this is my theme for period and do it! Thank you!!
shooting from "the hip" works too...
http://erickimphotography.com/blog/2010/09/how-to-shoot-from-the-hip-street-photography/
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/assignment-chicago/2010/08/take-pictures-of-people-in-public-spaces.html
The stage fright part I cant really help you with, thats a confidence matter I think, and if you feel overwhelmed by the attention it brings you, then I would start off with the non personal contact photo. so go to a fairly popular tourist area near you home and start taking photos of buildings then after you feel comfortable take one or two of the crowd..
this way you get some candid people shots but wont look out of place with all the other cameras there..
after you do this a couple of times, and hopefully get comfortable you can then do a family dinner or party, then work your way from there..
Hope you can stop being so nervous soon :)
@jenrobcarr Thanks - I think you are right, guess it all comes down to confidence through practice. Must set myself a few goals over the coming months. It is reassuring to hear there are great photograhers (like yourself) who also find this rather a challenge. Cheers.
i'm photographing at a fundraiser this week end,i chickened out of having a photography stall where i took posed pictures, but i will take candids throughout the event,the organisers are all having tshirts made so people will know i'm the event photographer and not just some weirdo with a camera which will help me relax a bit
but you know what, i remember back years and years ago when i got my first slr, an eos 1000 35mm and every time i saw someone with a better one than me, which was all eos's lol, i was just JEALOUS haha....i never thought those things of them. i just thought wow they must know what they're doing, i wish i did etc etc.
i'm sure you're better than you think ;-) and oh i just checked out your photos, and you are great ;-))
i am finding i am getting over the foolish feeling by taking a little extra time to set the camera settings before i take a shot. i'd rather get it right than stuff up a shot and have nothing to show for it :)
good luck :)