Candid scares me!!!

Soldato
Joined
1 Mar 2003
Posts
5,508
Location
Cotham, Bristol
Went out at lunch time to try and get some BOKEH type shots with the 50mm. And I'm such a wuss went it comes to candid stuff, I just do not have the confidence to do it.

So bloody frustrating. Any tips for getting over my silly little fears?
 
Hate to throw up the standard 'grow a pair' response, but that's really all you have to do. And be prepared for someone going nuts at you for taking their photo. Or invest in a long telephoto.
 
just be honest with them. Most people dont have the time or inclination to approach people if they think they're taking pictures of them. If you do spot them staring you down or they approach you, just say "Hi, yeah I did take a picture of you. I just think you're an attractive/interesting looking person and you were in a great spot and it would make a lovely photo. If you're totally opposed, i'll delete it, but if you dont mind then id love to process it. If you give me your email address, i could even send you a copy when im done."

You'd be surprised how many people respond to a bit of honesty and flattery. There will always be one or two, but dont let it put you off. In any case, after the first time someone dislikes the idea, you'll be over it and it wont bother you again. You're only nervous once.
 
get a long tele, although you won't even have to take a photo for people to heckle you. i think the more you do it the easier it will get.
 
It helps when I'm oriental, I always just say I'm a tourist :D

I can picture it now! :D

1688ygw.jpg
 
Me no speke english? (change as applicable - I noz speekz ze englizh! or perhaps ehh, je no err, speak, le anglais, err, oui? et.c et.c)

That might work if you think you cant get away with it?
 
Couple of weeks ago I was sitting in a Pret in London (by Green Park) with a few people, sitting facing the window just pointing the camera at anyone who walked past and looked at us. Was amusing and I got some good pictures of annoyed looking people (by good I mean blurry and out of focus). One guy looked like he wanted to come in and start a fight :D. Wouldn't've done that on my own though...
 
Just go out and do it, seriously! I did a bit of street candid stuff at the London meet in March and anyone I thought might kick the crap out of me I just asked them first, they were fine with it :D
 
Just go out and do it, seriously! I did a bit of street candid stuff at the London meet in March and anyone I thought might kick the crap out of me I just asked them first, they were fine with it :D

you didn't ask me if you could take my photo! and my work mates stuck that image up at my desk when i got back on the wednesday! :D
 
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