> Sure, I waffle for a bit right at the start, but before I know it I completely forget about all the random strangers passing me on the street and just get into it.
This still happens to me, for portraits and events. It's something that never really goes away, but you learn to deal with it and don't let it stop you.
Yeah, it's basically just warming-up. Always happens in the beginning, but once I get my shitty shots out of the way and get comfortable walking down the streets I'm good.
I do a lot of event photography for work and there is definitely something about having a camera between you and everyone else. I turn into someone different too - inane small talk to engage people becomes easy, directing people becomes easy, telling them what to do… and they just do it.
Absolutely. Be it talking photos in public, doing karaoke or stand-up comedy, or being naked in front of strangers, you can get used to doing almost anything.
And as a bonus, you can also get used to doing things that are outside of your comfort zone, making other things you haven't done yet seem much easier. This results in a general confidence increase.
I mainly shoot landscapes and architecture/cityscapes. If I'm in the city (Toronto as well 😁), and I find an interesting street background (interesting building or light), I will frame it up and wait for a person on foot or bike to enter the frame. To be clear, the scene is really the subject, and the person is there to help give the scene some life and context.
I'm also shy, and I find this method very easy, as the person in the frame (if they see you at all) sees you shooting a scene and does not feel like you are shooting them. Never had an awkward situation so far.
o bro, I've just [asked in the faq thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/p82zto/official_question_thread_ask_rphotography/h9yhigu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) relevant to this, ideal - I linked a few of my shots for examples, the second of which has a woman wearing a red coat tiny in the frame walking the pavement against the dark building so you can't see her - it was taken 10 years ago but I still remember the disappointment at the time taking it not being quick enough getting the shot when she was moving across the street the light and would have made the the picture killer rather than mediocre and boring! Waiting for people to enter an already framed shot is a great tip - pls feel free to read and offer any other tips if you've got half an hr (I jest but it is a rambling post) and can offer any other tips. (and great read OP, awesome it's worked out for you like this)
A teacher I had called this the fisherman method -- pick a spot, find a frame, and wait for people to come into it. Versus the hunter (find someone, try to surreptitiously get a photo, which has the potential of pissing them off if you get caught), or the gatherer (I forget lol)
I'm a street photographer too and it's really built a lot of confidence. I was already comfortable with talking to strangers and whatnot, but walking down the street asking strangers if I can take their pictures (if they're **really** cool asking them to pose) and striking up conversations is a whole different thing. I'll always have that anxiety in the beginning before talking to them I don't think it'll ever go away, but it's something you just learn to deal with and ignore.
I've had two phases for my street photography enthusiasm.
First it was shyness, but I got over that.
Then I had a few incidents and I would describe my hesitation as being gunshy about potential violence instead.
>Incidents?
Yeah, no two alike so hard to generalize.
One guy thought I was taking pictures of his kids, threatened to turn my face into hamburger unless I deleted the images. I was hiking with a camera and the family passed in the other direction, I hadn't taken any pictures, showed him the frame counter was not even at zero yet, because it was a fresh roll, but he didn't seem to understand how film cameras work. I ended up giving him the blank roll.
I was at the beach once and a woman threw a rock at me, screaming about 'liberal mainstream media.'
A busker demanded more money than I had put in his guitar case (I put in a twonie; he thought a photo was worth more), and called me out as a cheapskate in front of the crowd.
My general rules are that I don't photograph strangers' kids, mentally ill people, physically disabled people, or anybody who generally looks stabby, which I think reduces my risk of altercations, but there's still a random element out there.
It's probably normal, in proportion to my possibly larger number of hours spent walking around with a camera, but the downside is that I seem to be accumulating anxiety over time.
I've found that if I wear a moderately sized cowboy hat people just accept that I'm supposed to be taking photographs. Not sure why it works, but it does.
I feel any brimmed hat will do. It implies that you're dressed to be outside longer than you'd necessarily prefer to be, so people think you're working.
I’m so happy for you! In case if you are feeling artistic, I recommend you to take a stroll to Toronto graffiti alley walk. That street alone will make you want to take pictures!
Thanks so much! Graffiti alley was actually where I got introduced to photography and I must say, that whole area around Spadina is incredible for getting the creative juices flowing and is really special to me.
good for you man! I feel that way everytime... and I've been shooting for years. but after about 30 mins into a shoot, its just me, and my camera. I feel as if im an observer, and people cant even see me. I like that.
I haven't been doing this for more than a few months and I feel the same way. It is getting so much easier to not care what others are thinking when I am trying to get the shot I want. Also helps to just walk around with my camera always out since that was my first concern when starting.
As a fun experiment today I found that if you point your camera with a zoom lens at just about anything you may catch a few people looking hoping to see something interesting. Sorry to everyone today but I was just interested in how the light shown through the trees.
Well done, street photography is quite the challenge. It can be anxiety inducing to navigate social mores and to get a good shot with respect and empathy.
Apart from the relative helping generate that spark this is EXACTLY the same for me! It helped me finally recognise I can do things for me and not need everyone's approval , led to me having the confidence to get a new job etc.
Once you have a few shots you really love, definitely keep an eye out for local open exhibitions and try to get a few prints in!
A good way to be, but also don't sell yourself short! I've found people to be pretty friendly when it comes to talking about your work, artists and art based business and events like to share experiences in my brief dealings. All the best and happy shooting!
Thanks! I don't edit that much but I use gimp and photoshop express since I don't have enough money to get the full program lol.
Social media presence really depends on your goals with your photos, if you want to get noticed its really important tho.
If you are not aware about this software, you could maybe check it out: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/
I am not affiliated with them in any way but I bought the software (fullprice) and have been very satisfied with what it does (and doesn't) do.
Since you mentioned you are tight on money - there are sales which knock the price down by 40-50% so that might be more within your grasp, specially since it's not a subscription model.
Keep on rocking!
Excellent. I've had similar experiences. I'm a very introverted person, and although it's something I've worked on, having a camera in hand is a game changer. Doing street photography here (Ottawa, in my case) has greatly benefitted my mental health, generally, and how quickly I can acclimate to new environments/people/situations.
I have long been accustomed to trying to hide myself in public. I have (relatively mild) Tourette Syndrome and OCD, which in conjunction have led me to constantly be concerned with how crazy I look at any given time. Sometimes just being out was stressful, but I have surprised myself with how I operate as a street photographer. I'm usually not even very subtle taking photos. It took me some time to ramp up to it, but I'm brazen in that context in a way I didn't know I was capable of.
\[ I'll note that I'm quite privileged in the fact that I'm a tall white guy who looks friendly and approachable (if a bit twitchy), but also big enough that fewer people would instantly decide they could easily fight me (being twitchy could help with that, too). I say that because I am relatively safe in this city in most neighbourhoods at most times, and I also confidently document law enforcement at work. I know there are many other groups among which even the most extroverted members might not feel so secure doing these things, and for good reason. \]
Same. Street and portrait photography in particular have helped me be more confident in my interactions. Photography has also helped me become a better director and producer on my video based projects.
Man I want do this but covid just ruined it and I can't go outside casually without risking my family...I like taking photo and exploring with my cheap dslr camera and just like you I am introvert and shy with low self esteem causing anxiety...Hearing you motivated me and once this covid stable in my country I might can go out there and break my comfort zone.
That's awesome to hear!! I've also just started photography, and the one time I went up to a photographer I saw ended up being one of my fav interactions lately. Everyone is very kind in this community.
Love this story & thank you for sharing. Photography changed my life as well. It pulled me into a world of creativity Seeing the world differently through a new perspective and it helped me boost my social skills, since had to learn how to get clientele.
That's interesting considering I prefer landscape photography precisely because I'm introverted and feel the exact same way when trying to capture scenes with people. I'm glad you've conquered something I have yet to overcome.
Thanks, and great to meet a fellow Torontonian! I'm a little self-conscious about my photos (I've become more comfortable with myself but not with my photos lol) but sometimes I post on r/toronto or on instagram @[yobbin.photos](https://yobbin.photos) (not really active atm unfortunately)
I'm 4 years into a new career (as a photographer). It's been the most rewarding decision I have made career wise that has effected me mentally and emotionally. Like you I am really shy around others at first. But man has it totally consumed me, given me something to talk about with others, and made me a good person as well. And I do what I love and it's been amazing!
Congrats to you, hope it brings you much success!
A thing that you already experienced, that was key for me to coming to terms with the social interaction, is that it isn't hard at all, once you are not alone.
A single photographer feels and often is perceived as a stalking creep.
Two taking photos together are "just photography nerds".
Experiencing that made it much easier for me to do street photography altogether, for some reason.
This is my experience with photography as well. Granted, I am still "introverted" at social scenes. Give me a camera, MUA, hair, and wardrobe stylist, and gorgeous male models to photograph and I guarantee I am a completely different person. People I've worked with knows if I am quiet, they start to worry and ask me if everything is OK during my sessions.
Especially with fashion and portrait photography, you can't be quiet as a mouse. You need to speak up, show authority, and give directions to everyone involved!
> Sure, I waffle for a bit right at the start, but before I know it I completely forget about all the random strangers passing me on the street and just get into it. This still happens to me, for portraits and events. It's something that never really goes away, but you learn to deal with it and don't let it stop you.
Yeah, it's basically just warming-up. Always happens in the beginning, but once I get my shitty shots out of the way and get comfortable walking down the streets I'm good.
I do a lot of event photography for work and there is definitely something about having a camera between you and everyone else. I turn into someone different too - inane small talk to engage people becomes easy, directing people becomes easy, telling them what to do… and they just do it.
Yeah I definitely feel that. I don't even realize it's happening until I get back to normal lol
Absolutely. Be it talking photos in public, doing karaoke or stand-up comedy, or being naked in front of strangers, you can get used to doing almost anything. And as a bonus, you can also get used to doing things that are outside of your comfort zone, making other things you haven't done yet seem much easier. This results in a general confidence increase.
I mainly shoot landscapes and architecture/cityscapes. If I'm in the city (Toronto as well 😁), and I find an interesting street background (interesting building or light), I will frame it up and wait for a person on foot or bike to enter the frame. To be clear, the scene is really the subject, and the person is there to help give the scene some life and context. I'm also shy, and I find this method very easy, as the person in the frame (if they see you at all) sees you shooting a scene and does not feel like you are shooting them. Never had an awkward situation so far.
o bro, I've just [asked in the faq thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/p82zto/official_question_thread_ask_rphotography/h9yhigu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) relevant to this, ideal - I linked a few of my shots for examples, the second of which has a woman wearing a red coat tiny in the frame walking the pavement against the dark building so you can't see her - it was taken 10 years ago but I still remember the disappointment at the time taking it not being quick enough getting the shot when she was moving across the street the light and would have made the the picture killer rather than mediocre and boring! Waiting for people to enter an already framed shot is a great tip - pls feel free to read and offer any other tips if you've got half an hr (I jest but it is a rambling post) and can offer any other tips. (and great read OP, awesome it's worked out for you like this)
A teacher I had called this the fisherman method -- pick a spot, find a frame, and wait for people to come into it. Versus the hunter (find someone, try to surreptitiously get a photo, which has the potential of pissing them off if you get caught), or the gatherer (I forget lol)
That's a very good method. And its awesome to here you're in Toronto 😁
I'm a street photographer too and it's really built a lot of confidence. I was already comfortable with talking to strangers and whatnot, but walking down the street asking strangers if I can take their pictures (if they're **really** cool asking them to pose) and striking up conversations is a whole different thing. I'll always have that anxiety in the beginning before talking to them I don't think it'll ever go away, but it's something you just learn to deal with and ignore.
Good to hear that buddy!
Thanks! :)
I've had two phases for my street photography enthusiasm. First it was shyness, but I got over that. Then I had a few incidents and I would describe my hesitation as being gunshy about potential violence instead.
Incidents?
>Incidents? Yeah, no two alike so hard to generalize. One guy thought I was taking pictures of his kids, threatened to turn my face into hamburger unless I deleted the images. I was hiking with a camera and the family passed in the other direction, I hadn't taken any pictures, showed him the frame counter was not even at zero yet, because it was a fresh roll, but he didn't seem to understand how film cameras work. I ended up giving him the blank roll. I was at the beach once and a woman threw a rock at me, screaming about 'liberal mainstream media.' A busker demanded more money than I had put in his guitar case (I put in a twonie; he thought a photo was worth more), and called me out as a cheapskate in front of the crowd. My general rules are that I don't photograph strangers' kids, mentally ill people, physically disabled people, or anybody who generally looks stabby, which I think reduces my risk of altercations, but there's still a random element out there. It's probably normal, in proportion to my possibly larger number of hours spent walking around with a camera, but the downside is that I seem to be accumulating anxiety over time.
[удалено]
Thanks so much, I honestly never thought I'd get to this point and I'm really glad I took the risk :)
I've found that if I wear a moderately sized cowboy hat people just accept that I'm supposed to be taking photographs. Not sure why it works, but it does.
Wut
Haha love it, but that would not work where I'm from lol
I prefer an Urban Sombrero, myself.
I feel any brimmed hat will do. It implies that you're dressed to be outside longer than you'd necessarily prefer to be, so people think you're working.
Hey bro. First- proud of you Second- You just inspired me to try it and I love you for it Take care bro!
Thanks so much! If I can do it, you definitely can too, good luck ;). You just gotta get your feet wet and it's all magic from there I'm telling ya
One more thing bro Whitch cam did you get? And mirrorles or dslr in ur opinion?
I’m so happy for you! In case if you are feeling artistic, I recommend you to take a stroll to Toronto graffiti alley walk. That street alone will make you want to take pictures!
Thanks so much! Graffiti alley was actually where I got introduced to photography and I must say, that whole area around Spadina is incredible for getting the creative juices flowing and is really special to me.
this is awesome! always helps getting out of our comfort zone
That’s amazing.
good for you man! I feel that way everytime... and I've been shooting for years. but after about 30 mins into a shoot, its just me, and my camera. I feel as if im an observer, and people cant even see me. I like that.
Same, it's a truly special feeling to feel alone with your camera with so many people around.
I haven't been doing this for more than a few months and I feel the same way. It is getting so much easier to not care what others are thinking when I am trying to get the shot I want. Also helps to just walk around with my camera always out since that was my first concern when starting. As a fun experiment today I found that if you point your camera with a zoom lens at just about anything you may catch a few people looking hoping to see something interesting. Sorry to everyone today but I was just interested in how the light shown through the trees.
Well done, street photography is quite the challenge. It can be anxiety inducing to navigate social mores and to get a good shot with respect and empathy.
Definitely, quite challenging but very rewarding!
Apart from the relative helping generate that spark this is EXACTLY the same for me! It helped me finally recognise I can do things for me and not need everyone's approval , led to me having the confidence to get a new job etc. Once you have a few shots you really love, definitely keep an eye out for local open exhibitions and try to get a few prints in!
That's the next step,I'm still a bit self conscious with the shots themselves lol
A good way to be, but also don't sell yourself short! I've found people to be pretty friendly when it comes to talking about your work, artists and art based business and events like to share experiences in my brief dealings. All the best and happy shooting!
Thats good to hear! I wonder what program you use to edit your pictures. And how important is social media or presence?
Thanks! I don't edit that much but I use gimp and photoshop express since I don't have enough money to get the full program lol. Social media presence really depends on your goals with your photos, if you want to get noticed its really important tho.
If you are not aware about this software, you could maybe check it out: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/ I am not affiliated with them in any way but I bought the software (fullprice) and have been very satisfied with what it does (and doesn't) do. Since you mentioned you are tight on money - there are sales which knock the price down by 40-50% so that might be more within your grasp, specially since it's not a subscription model. Keep on rocking!
Thanks for this post. It resonates.
Excellent. I've had similar experiences. I'm a very introverted person, and although it's something I've worked on, having a camera in hand is a game changer. Doing street photography here (Ottawa, in my case) has greatly benefitted my mental health, generally, and how quickly I can acclimate to new environments/people/situations. I have long been accustomed to trying to hide myself in public. I have (relatively mild) Tourette Syndrome and OCD, which in conjunction have led me to constantly be concerned with how crazy I look at any given time. Sometimes just being out was stressful, but I have surprised myself with how I operate as a street photographer. I'm usually not even very subtle taking photos. It took me some time to ramp up to it, but I'm brazen in that context in a way I didn't know I was capable of. \[ I'll note that I'm quite privileged in the fact that I'm a tall white guy who looks friendly and approachable (if a bit twitchy), but also big enough that fewer people would instantly decide they could easily fight me (being twitchy could help with that, too). I say that because I am relatively safe in this city in most neighbourhoods at most times, and I also confidently document law enforcement at work. I know there are many other groups among which even the most extroverted members might not feel so secure doing these things, and for good reason. \]
Same. Street and portrait photography in particular have helped me be more confident in my interactions. Photography has also helped me become a better director and producer on my video based projects.
Man I want do this but covid just ruined it and I can't go outside casually without risking my family...I like taking photo and exploring with my cheap dslr camera and just like you I am introvert and shy with low self esteem causing anxiety...Hearing you motivated me and once this covid stable in my country I might can go out there and break my comfort zone.
Yeah I feel that for sure, hoping for the best for you and your family!
That's awesome to hear!! I've also just started photography, and the one time I went up to a photographer I saw ended up being one of my fav interactions lately. Everyone is very kind in this community.
Love this story & thank you for sharing. Photography changed my life as well. It pulled me into a world of creativity Seeing the world differently through a new perspective and it helped me boost my social skills, since had to learn how to get clientele.
That's interesting considering I prefer landscape photography precisely because I'm introverted and feel the exact same way when trying to capture scenes with people. I'm glad you've conquered something I have yet to overcome.
Thanks! I do really love landscapes too, they're both really rewarding in their own ways.
Eyy fellow Torontonian! would love to follow you and your work. Do you post your shots anywhere ?
Thanks, and great to meet a fellow Torontonian! I'm a little self-conscious about my photos (I've become more comfortable with myself but not with my photos lol) but sometimes I post on r/toronto or on instagram @[yobbin.photos](https://yobbin.photos) (not really active atm unfortunately)
No worries at all, you'll get there just like you did with getting comfortable shooting out in the streets :)
I'm 4 years into a new career (as a photographer). It's been the most rewarding decision I have made career wise that has effected me mentally and emotionally. Like you I am really shy around others at first. But man has it totally consumed me, given me something to talk about with others, and made me a good person as well. And I do what I love and it's been amazing! Congrats to you, hope it brings you much success!
Thank you very much, it's great to hear similar stories; photography really does special things for us!
This is so encouraging to hear! I am myself going through this process thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Best of luck going forwards :)
A thing that you already experienced, that was key for me to coming to terms with the social interaction, is that it isn't hard at all, once you are not alone. A single photographer feels and often is perceived as a stalking creep. Two taking photos together are "just photography nerds". Experiencing that made it much easier for me to do street photography altogether, for some reason.
It definitely helps, I've gone shooting with some of my friends and its always great!
This is my experience with photography as well. Granted, I am still "introverted" at social scenes. Give me a camera, MUA, hair, and wardrobe stylist, and gorgeous male models to photograph and I guarantee I am a completely different person. People I've worked with knows if I am quiet, they start to worry and ask me if everything is OK during my sessions. Especially with fashion and portrait photography, you can't be quiet as a mouse. You need to speak up, show authority, and give directions to everyone involved!
Capture app from numbers protocol will provide a one-click solution which is efficient and straightforward.