self-conscious photographer...

eyetrip

eyetrip

eyetrip

Soldato
Joined
8 Nov 2006
Posts
9,237
Much of my trouble with photography is feeling very self-conscious.

I have this problem where I feel very self-conscious simply carrying a camera about generally, but I still manage do it. Though hide it when possible...

I know I could improve a great many of my shots carrying a tripod, but I never do as I just feel silly for some reason.

Then there is taking photographs of people... I will sometimes see something involving a person, but I won't take the picture, as it feels like an invasion of privacy. So I always try my best to have people out of pictures.

Most recent example was just this last Sunday in a park, testing out video functionality, and I felt so bad when I had the camera pointed at some people with their dogs. And I was really trying hard to hide camera from passers by.

How the hell do I get over these issues of mine?

I have a lot of technical hurdles to overcome in the next couple of months, but I really need to start tackling my personal issues when taking photos.
 
Why do you think your photos will be improved with a tripod? Do you take a lot of long exposures or take a lot of photographs in the dark?

You will look worse to a passer by if you keep trying to hide your camera. Just have it on show but not flashy, treat it as a took like your Black and Decker drill and put it away when you are done with it. Being sneaky will be more problematic than just take a photo and smile at people if they see you, otherwise you are just a tourist, act like one! :D
 
Last edited:
As above, really. If you don't feel that you should be hiding, then it will help you out a lot. There's no reason that you should be, after all - it's just a camera.

Get out there and keep doing it. I agree it's not that easy to start with, but experience and repetition are the key.
 
Start talking to people/strangers can help. Trying to hide your camera is more dangerous than overtly recording people. You will look like you think you are doing something you shouldn't, so people will think you are doing something you shouldn't, which is never a good thing.

If you live near a city it should be easy to find subjects and you won't be the only one with a camera, the more photo's you take the easier it becomes.

df.jpg


dm.jpg


cq.jpg
 
Last edited:
Raymond Lin said:
Why do you think your photos will be improved with a tripod? Do you take a lot of long exposures or take a lot of photographs in the dark?
Click to expand...

I tend to photograph mainly wildlife. And so so so so many of my photos just come out a bit smeared.

Also, I tend to video things as much as photograph, and stabilisation can only go so far...

Sometimes I am not sure where it's down to sheer incompetence on my part or just hitting limitations of equipment, but that is a discussion for another thread I will be opening some time soon.
 
When it comes to feeling self-conscious, it seems to be far more when I am not on holiday... when I am on holiday, well, everyones out with a camera. Though still have issues with tripod carrying.

But if I just want to wander around my neighbourhood for example, I guess I just keep thinking that people would be wondering what this person is doing photographing around here...
 
eyetrip, i feel exactly the same as you!

I guess it just depends on the individual. My mate would happily set up his tripod in the town centre & doesn't give a monkeys.

On holiday though, it doesn't bother me at all?

A good tip someone once told me though, get yourself a high-vis vest! Actually carrying a tripod works better with this. (you could even get `Photographer` printed on it)
 
eyetrip said:
I tend to photograph mainly wildlife. And so so so so many of my photos just come out a bit smeared.
Click to expand...

A tripod won't be much help here, or indeed for anything that is moving around. The only way to get a sharp photo in these circumstances is to get a higher shutter speed - either by increasing the ISO, opening the aperture, or just waiting for a sunnier day!
 
Philip Perfect said:
A tripod won't be much help here, or indeed for anything that is moving around. The only way to get a sharp photo in these circumstances is to get a higher shutter speed - either by increasing the ISO, opening the aperture, or just waiting for a sunnier day!
Click to expand...

Perhaps. I will need to figure out what I am doing wrong... possibly start that thread up next week :)
 
The fact that you try to hide it...usually makes it more obvious that you're carrying a camera from experience :)
 
Best way is just not to bother trying to hide it. Believe me after wondering around with a 1DX and a 50cm+ 400mm f2.8.

You should be able to take sharp pictures without support, unless in poor lighting and you cannot push ISO high enough / using a huge lens.
 
Everybody has already pointed out the obvious, that trying to hide what you are doing will make you more obvious and make people wonder whether you are up to no good.

If you need a tripod though, for shooting wildlife/landscapes/architecture then I think its about one of the best signs you can give passersby that you are a Photographer. Whenever I've used mine around London, most people will also go out of their way to try and not ruin your photo, as they can see you aren't just a regular tourist.

I would think doing the above, most people will pay you no mind. What I'm not getting though is what you said about shooting a lot of video and people?

If you aren't shooting video for some specific project, is there a reason why you would film random people? Not to mention, any attempt at hiding what you are doing, especially with a tripod will stick out like a sore thumb.
 
Nexus said:
I would think doing the above, most people will pay you no mind. What I'm not getting though is what you said about shooting a lot of video and people?

If you aren't shooting video for some specific project, is there a reason why you would film random people? Not to mention, any attempt at hiding what you are doing, especially with a tripod will stick out like a sore thumb.
Click to expand...

I won't typically shoot video of people. Sure they may get in the way on holidays, but people don't generally interest me....

My example from Sunday is simply that I was trying to test video on the camera, and there was very little to film, so took some video of people with their dogs... just saying that it felt invasive...
 
It is a basic human instinct, the belief that people are looking at you, judging you, staring at you. They're not, they're more interested in talking into their mobile phones, having a laugh with their friends or just simply doing what they're doing.

Sure they will look at you intially because you've got a nice/unusual camera/lens combination, but if you carry on regardless they'll soon lose interest. If you suddenly act all odd and hide the camera they'll assume you are up to no good and that is when they will stare. A simple 'Hi' when they pass often breaks the ice or even 'Nice dog what breed is he?' they'll start talking to you. They'll often start asking about the Camera. I've met some really nice people that way - I've then offered to take a picture of their dog with them and emailed it to them. Works wonders and if you're in the area the next time they see you they'll realise your not a nutter!

You say you like taking photographs of Wildlife?

If that is the case find your nearest zoo. Go photograph some animals there - there will be loads of people with Cameras and you know what, no-one is looking at you. It will allow you to build up some confidence around people.

Alternatively find out where your nearest R.S.P.B Reserve is. They're great places to photograph wildlife, they're staffed by a hoard of nice volunteers, many of whom are really interested in Photography themselve. They'll give you some really good tips on where to find the unusual creatures. In many cases the reserve wardens do guided tours around the sites on certain days of the week. It costs a few quid to get in, but if you join for around £35 a year, you get free access whenever you want.

You could also find out who your nearest Wildlife Trust is, this is again a network of Volunteers across the Country who own/manage thousands of reserves. Again they welcome photographers with open arms.
 
Simple solution if you don't feel confortable taking a picture of something don't take it?

I very very rarely take photos of random strangers as like you I don't feel comfortable doing it and find the whole idea a bit odd (no offence intended to those that enjoy it) I don't feel that this effects my photography in anyway as I don't want to take pictures that make me feel uncomfortable it's supposed to be an enjoyable hobby!

The tripod thing is another tricky one, I know I would benefit from using one more often particularly taking landscape shots as the light is falling in the golden hour but to be honest I can't be bothered with them they slow me down and make me thing too much which usually means I make the wrong decision!

Feel free to push yourself out of your comfort zone if you really want to but don't get hooked into taking pictures that you feel you should be cause other people do.
 
A work colleague did a day's photography course in Chester during last summer. He was surprised at how exertive the tutor was with street photography. They walked around the streets of Chester, fooling around and having a laugh in front of hundreds of shoppers. This helped the students to lose their inhibations and quickly gain their confidence to take good imaginative photos. He said that they had the courage to stop people and ask if they wanted their pictures taken. Many gave their email addresses so they could have a copy of their photos.

Another form of inspiration is to look at the videos on DigitalRev's website. How the guy just wanders down the streets and markets of Hong Kong snapping away and braisingly waving his camera, shows how you can grab attention and use it for that quirky public shot.

Living in the countryside, I am yet to visit a city and try this!! Watchout Holyhead & Bangor.. Here I come!!
 
I usually try to be as bold as possible without hindering the shot.

Using a TLR for street shooting helps a lot too!
 
Well, there's plenty of advice to take on board.

Should be going to Kingston this Sunday. Will take the camera with me, and will try and force myself to use it openly.

Though my other half will probably get annoyed with me holding things up!

Wish it was lighter in the evenings. Would force myself to go down to the river several days a week, proudly wearing my camera around my neck :)

I am currently considering a camera course somewhere in London some time before April. But as I am currently looking at spending £140 on Lightroom and Photoshop, another £70 on camera stuff may be ambitious right now...
 
Take your camera with a big white 70-200 on to the beach and see how many people come up to you. (3 on my last trip)

Its good practice in explaining why your there and that your not a weirdo, your soon learn to handle situations and be more comfortable and your find that if you approach the situation well that 10/10 times people are all cool with it. (one guy even dragged me half way across the beach to take a picture of a dead crab:eek:)

But shooting people is always a tricky subject, and you should be considerate that some people simply don't want photos of them taken.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom