Photography

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A place to politely discuss the tools, technique and culture of photography.

This is not a good place to simply share cool photos/videos or promote your own work and projects, but rather a place to discuss photography as an art and post things that would be of interest to other photographers.

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Self-conscious in public (alien.top)

submitted 10 months ago by InterestingDivide157@alien.top to c/photography@viewfinder.pro

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I've recently got my first camera. I mainly want to document what's around me

I like the idea of doing some pov style videos (with gopro and camera) and taking pictures. Street photography, I guess.

The thing is, when I'm using it, I feel really self-conscious. Like the whole world is watching and noticing me. I know this is ridiculous because if I saw someone, I wouldn't even think twice about them.

I've only really attempted this around where I live because I thought that would be easier, but when I think about it now, this might be making it harder vs. if I went into my nearest city.

Think about attempting my nearest city tomorrow. My thinking is that in a city, people are more busy, more used to people doing random shit, etc.

My conclusion is that I just need to keep attempting and putting myself out there, and I'll get used to it eventually.

Any advice would be great.

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[–] mentaldrummer66@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I'm really bad for this too (doesn't help that i always seem to choose massive lenses when shooting out and about) and often get super nervous when shooting on the street. I've found that when I'm taking photos on the street I like to find somewhere to take photos first and then hang around there for a while, keeping my camera either, and wait for someone or something interesting to come into frame.

I've also found keeping my camera up even after taking the photo helps make it look like I'm taking photos of something other than the person in my frame.

[–] InterestingDivide157@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago (2 children)

I'm just using a small 18-45 mm, so it's not too big.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going into town this week. I'm going to chill and get comfortable. See how I feel.

I like your suggestion of keeping the camera up after taking the photo. it makes it less obvious what you've taken a picture of.

[–] mentaldrummer66@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Also, if you have a mirrorless camera turning on silent shutter mode can be super helpful when trying to be discreet

[–] InterestingDivide157@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago

👍 hadn't really thought about that.

[–] mentaldrummer66@alien.top 1 points 9 months ago

It definitely helps. This is probably my favourite street photo that I took. I stood in this location for about 10 minutes with my camera in position waiting for people to walk into shot. Had to be fairly close too as this was shot with a 35mm lens. It’s not perfect but for someone who gets super nervous taking photos in public I’m happy with it.

https://preview.redd.it/wchtz0w5av2c1.jpeg?width=4365&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6532c53ac703bb290bd348735d4434ffd2bc61c9