So tonight I was out taking pictures of downtown. Usually people pass by, minding their own business. I sometimes wait for them to pass. But then there are the other two types of people, which I encountered again tonight. Those who have to be in front of the camera (also known as a happy drunk), and the ones who mutter "Delete that picture" as they pass by (not to be confused with a variation, the DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE type).
The "take my picture" lady stood there, practically dancing in front of me. I was focused on reviewing my previous shot, but eventually chuckled as she wouldn't give up. She left after she caught me smiling, "see, I made you smile." No photos of her.
The "Delete that picture" guy, in a group of friends, didn't stop as he passed. I didn't acknowledge him. It's your problem if you're doing something you shouldn't be and you get caught on film in public.
Anyways, long winded here, what do you do in these situations? After the dancing lady left, I momentarily had the thought that I should have shot lots of pictures of her, using the flash each time, just to be obnoxious. I didn't, because I'm respectful.
The "Delete that picture" types, I just ignore. If they decide to get up in my face about it... well, that doesn't happen. Apparently I am intimidating. But if it ever did, it would probably result in me saying something unpleasant while ensuring I had a nice, clear close-up to show the Police later, if needed. You know, like if he broke my camera with his head - I could say, "He looks exactly like this, but with a 77mm diameter circle etched into his forehead."
Joking aside, it would be unusual if ignoring didn't work. And if it didn't, your safety should be your first consideration, and your equipment your second (you don't ever let someone touch your camera, as some people may try to do). If they demand to see your photos, tell them it's a film camera or something, or just refuse - you are in the right, and they are in the wrong. Well, that's my point of view on it - others may be less stubborn than me.
With the ones who want their photo taken - they usually leave smiling after one or two shots, or immediately if ignored. I have just fired the flash before, but it is just as easy to shoot and delete, and usually is no more than a mild and short inconvenience. Sometimes they will want to see the photo you took, and then they're happy. If someone won't leave me alone, I just answer them with the shortest number of words possible, and go back to what I'm doing, making a point of not looking at them or trying to maintain a conversation - very few people will persist with it, and the ones that do can be dissuaded by being totally dispassionate about whatever they're saying.
Assuming dancing lady was attractive, a bit of flirtatious pretending-to-be-a-fashion-photographer-like-say-Austin-Powers-for-example-"oh, yeah, work it, you're a tiger, grr, grr!"-and-such might ensue, followed by some sort of "hrm y'know, these shots would be much better under some studio lighting... at my studio"-style comment.
I don't have a problem taking photos if sorts ask for them, but then it's only happened about twice, ever, because I'm a hermit, so there we go.
When ignoring doesn't work, I often pretend to be a foreign tourist who doesn't understand the language. Although it never fails to send the "delete/don't take my picture" types packing with no further interaction, it does sometimes seem to encourage the attention seekers. But then, in the latter case, as Jinx said, a quick snap usually sends them happily on their way.
I'm always intrigued by the "Take my picture" people who then want you to email the photo to them. Yeah right. I understand if they helped you out with a photo shoot, but to just brazenly come up, ask someone to take their picture and then EMAIL it to them? Give me a break.
you should tell those "take my picture" types, "great... then i'll be able to hold on to your soul forever, mwah ah ah ah ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh", while tenting your fingers...
I have asked an obvious camera buff to take my picture as I don't have many of me, cause I am the one taking the pictures always. But now I know this is taboo, I m not going to do it. I have done lots for free so I didn't think it was a big deal, you know favor for a favor
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Joking aside, it would be unusual if ignoring didn't work. And if it didn't, your safety should be your first consideration, and your equipment your second (you don't ever let someone touch your camera, as some people may try to do). If they demand to see your photos, tell them it's a film camera or something, or just refuse - you are in the right, and they are in the wrong. Well, that's my point of view on it - others may be less stubborn than me.
With the ones who want their photo taken - they usually leave smiling after one or two shots, or immediately if ignored. I have just fired the flash before, but it is just as easy to shoot and delete, and usually is no more than a mild and short inconvenience. Sometimes they will want to see the photo you took, and then they're happy. If someone won't leave me alone, I just answer them with the shortest number of words possible, and go back to what I'm doing, making a point of not looking at them or trying to maintain a conversation - very few people will persist with it, and the ones that do can be dissuaded by being totally dispassionate about whatever they're saying.
I don't have a problem taking photos if sorts ask for them, but then it's only happened about twice, ever, because I'm a hermit, so there we go.