Photography

Go ask them! There won't be any problem :) people love having good photos of them, if not ig wouldn't be so popular ;) people will be grateful for sure

This is likely not a helpful suggestion, since I’m assuming you’re shooting with a DSLR or mirrorless digital, but having an odd or interesting looking camera is a great way to get portraits of strangers in public. When I walk around with my Minolta Autocord TLR camera, all types of people will comment on it or ask me about it, which offers a lovely segue to requesting a portrait. I don’t really do that as I’m not particularly interested in street portraits, but I see how it would work quite well and take the pressure and anxiety off trying to find subjects.

Just do it a few times, and you'll get used to it. Say something like; "Hi. Im a photographer and photographing the local street life, and was wondering if you would be ok with me taking a photo of you?", maybe you can add something saying that they look cool, or you like their style etc. or just tell them that you are photographing stylish people on the streets and you want to take their photo etc. Little flattery can make people warm up nicely. I promise you will be surprised how many people are ok with this (as long as you dont target people who look pissed off or in a hurry), especially if you say that you can send them the photo afterwards.

600mm f4

I get what you're saying, I bought my first camera last week and the other day I was trying to take some photos of car/motorbikes on a road close to my house. I see a motorbike coming so I shot a series of photo and as I'm scrolling too I could see the guy looked at me and sure as hell 30 sec later he comes back and ask me what I was doing (he seemed pretty bothered by it) so I showed him the pictures and said that I was new to cameras and I was trying it out, he still wasn't happy with it but he went his own way, not sure what he was hiding.

I tell them why I want to take the photo. “Do you mind if I try to catch the sun in your cigarette smoke? It looks really cool.” “You’re framed really nice between those lamps.” “Could I try to bounce my flash off that wall and onto that sketch you’re doing? I think it’d make a great picture.” It helps me in my intention and puts them at ease knowing my intention isn’t, ya know, sketchy. For candid shots though you just have to do it. Some days I’m too anxious. But if I can get in the zone and just shoot it’s a good thing.

A good pair of sneakers.

Smile , im an introvert with a pretty grumpy face so when I'm shooting people i give a smile when they look at me which immediately makes whatever threatening feeling they have disappear and makes them smile aswell. Just remember the worst case scenario they would tell you to delete the photos..people are like us mostly they don't want to confront anyone

I personally have never asked permission to shoot anyone. I usually have a large pair of over ear headphones on, shoot what I want and walk away. If someone kicks off and really objects I'll delete a photo but it hasn't happened yet.

“Hey, how’re ya? Playing around with a new lens and I’d love to shoot your portrait.”

Some people will say no (probably, but not always a majority) and some will say yes. Your energy and personality play a big part in this, so don’t act like you’re doing something wrong or inconveniencing anyone. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.

Pretend that you’re shooting the background behind them and they just happen to enter the shot. The “fishing” method.

I shoot first and ask questions later. thinking about this reminds me of the time i saw someone interesting on a bus pre-covid during one of the summer wildfires California has been having. Bright pink hair with a half face respirator looking down at a cell phone. I didn't have my camera on me so snapped a quick shot on my cell phone. I always have flash off but for some reason it went off this time. She looked up and we made eye contact for a second. Was slightly awkward the rest of the bus ride. I think I felt weirder about it because I was behind a cell phone instead of a dslr.

I just yell "heh fuckstick" and depending on their reaction start from there. Honestly this place, people want confirmation for every tiny decision.

I don’t ask. But I’m also careful to not get in people’s space or be obvious.

It takes practice but you can do it. When you notice people you want to take a picture from it's for a specific reason right. For example they have a cool style or outfit. When you approach them you explain that you are a photographer and would love to take a photo of them for the reason you decided before but say it in a compliment. Like "wow I really love your style because x". If they don't buy it then show your socials or portfolio. If they say no just say no problem and have a great day. After the mini shoot you could give them your business card so they can reach out if they want the photo and it's a great way to get some person to person advertising.

Just take it would be my advise you soon realize majority of people don’t care and you can make it so it’s not obvious aswell with a bit of practice! I honestly wouldn’t stress it I do and did and missed to many shots so if you can I would say just take it I’ve never had anyone complain! 😁

Take the photo, then flag them down so you can show them. Explain that you took it before asking so as to capture their natural appearance rather than a posed one. If they want it deleted, just delete it. Otherwise hand them a card so they know where to find it online later.

Source: I did party photography for 10 years.

I use a white van with the words "Free Candy" on the side, works every time. HA! j/k.

I'd say this is one area where certain gear sticks out and people kinda recognize it and think 'oh yeah, he's a professional' which helps tremendously. I was in the SW corner of Colorado back in 2004 and these two young kids (under 10) kept calling me "The Photographer"... when you show up with multiple cameras and big white lenses and yeah, you can't live it down really. I was enjoying DSLRs as they were new/fresh on the scene still and it didn't matter where I went people begged me to take their picture. Don't come off as creepy (no white vans, no free candy), just be polite and professional at all times. And NEVER think that because you're the photographer that that gives you privileges. I remember ducking out from in front of a couple at a hockey game and they were shocked. No other photographers ever apologized or got out of their way or view of the game. What we do is a privilege not a right.

I like this guys approach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvbT-jKVTrQ

Tone does a lot.

So in the past a trick I've used is to let the camera hang by the strap, and have a bulb in my pocket. When I see someone interesting I aim in the general direction and snap the photo. This accomplishes two things - not only do you not take your subject out of the moment, the random nature of not using the view finder gives you some very cool angles.

I see these street photographers saying hey I want to take photos and they be Ike oh yes of course you can do that.

I have a hard time believing it works that way in real life

I haven’t had the chance to try myself yet but I liked how a guy on YouTube took the photo and then complimented them if interaction was inevitable. In his case it was very obvious he’d taken their photo pretty close. Rather than running away he’d say “I love your outfit” or “You look great” etc and then kept it moving. I’d personally only ask beforehand in specific circumstances, like when I’m too close to be inconspicuous or need to stop and position myself very obviously.

Last year i had half a role of film i needed to finish of and didn't want waste it so went out for a walk and asked people "Can you help me with my photography? i'm finished off a role of film, looking for colourful things and i was your (what stands out) can i photograph you?

Some people asked if i was making a movie, some said Fkoff but most said ye sure.

Dress smart.

state the reason why you want to take the photo with a compliment

That's very correct question.

90mm or 135mm will help. After you will decide for yourself that at least you don't interrupt and bother them.

All in all, then you shoot a city central square, you can't ask every stranger for their permission.

https://preview.redd.it/l4um88825fwb1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e342d0a0e590db630d6f91217151631e0b3bd064

Here’s a photo I took recently in SF. I tend to approach people by complimenting their outfit, look or a detail (hair, a jacket, sunglasses) and then ask if they’d be into a portrait. They usually says yes, but if they decline, I don’t take it personally. I then own the scene. You have to make sure you have the light you want. That you’re analyzing your frame.

https://preview.redd.it/4g3uducn5fwb1.jpeg?width=3277&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=284833b86940f0f5d77f6c7458696d0801b53216

This is another I took in SF as well. It can be intimidating to go up to people, but you have to engage. It’s the nature of shooting portraiture photography. And like any “muscle”, the more you use it, the better you get. You smile, you wink, you laugh a bit more. Jazz folks up. Ask their name. In the end, they’re just people.

Waist level finder, or have a digital camera with a flip-up screen. If you're looking down at the camera, even if the lens is pointed at your subjects, it'll seem less like you're taking a picture of them than if you have the camera up to your eye and are pointing at them.

I feel bad so, I photograph plants and animals 😅

I just compliment their outfit or style or whatever and ask to snap a quick portrait.

Take the photo without asking, then show them and ask them if they like it. Asking permission ruins the shot. And pleasant conversation with a photographer who sees their beauty never bothered anyone worth talking to.

Take the photo, don't say anything unless they complain. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than to get permission.

Seriously, if people are visible, and out in public they are fair game. There is no expectation of privacy. The only time I would hesitate would be if they are visible but on private property, like standing in their front yard. I also avoid taking pictures of children out in public if they are identifiable. Parents can be (and should be) very protective of them.

My reaction to people complaining is to show them the picture and be prepared to erase it in front of them if the confrontation gets out of hand.

Invest in a super telephoto.

No need to talk to anyone.

If you think its going to be a good photo take it and explain yourself after. Most people are fine with it so they will just continue doing what they are doing. I'd find it awkward and a bit annoying to talk to every person I photograph on the street, but happy to speak to anyone who wants to ask.

Check laws about public photography but most places its fine to take photos of whatever you can see.

this is how i went from where you are to shooting candid at 10mm, i shot people i wasnt particularly interested in, i did this over and over so that when i did see someone or a group of people i wanted to capture i did it without hesitation.

you need to be fast and discreet, most of my subjects dont know ive photographed them, i have two cameras, one doesnt have a viewfinder, have to compose from back screen that doesnt flip so this is more difficult to be discreet with, at this point you brazen it out, but still being quick and decisive.

ive never had any issues and im 2ft in front of people, but if you do you can act dumb, tut and frown at your camera like a noob, continue to shoot as the subject moves so they think they arnt the subject, or smile and nod as you move on, i think on my feet and am really fast but i had this woman stood in front of me in a train station with lips pursed so tight! she wasnt happy i was taking photos, before she said anything i just started talking to her acting completely oblivious to the tight expression 'oh havnt been in here since it was all done up its amazing, (click) this was the first place i saw when i moved here as a child, thought id come in and have a look isnt it lovely? (click click)

its amazing how quick you go from being scared to take the shot of the person in front of you to actually herding them to the spot you want them to be by using very discreet body movements, think gary winogrand and the cut off technique.

the hardest shots to take are when its just you and another person, they see you and your camera from a distance, they are wondering if you are going to use it so you have to look disinterested till just before you take the shot and they hear the click as you pass, so build up to that intensity, try busy street lots going on, challenge yourself to pick six people out before you get to the next corner

even when im saying nope in my head, i still take the shot, its very addictive

If they're doing something that's actually interesting, they're not paying any attention to you. Take the open shot.