I photograph lots of moving vehicles and do get some strange looks from some drivers...especially when i shoot Police vehicles...i have had a couple of run ins with the Police about taking shots of them and the good thing about this is that it makes you harden your attitude with regards to photography in a public place.
self-conscious photographer...
- Thread starter eyetrip
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Soldato
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I haven't had a problem yet in public even when walking around with a big white lens, and that includes the beach. At worst I'll get someone asking if I am a member of the press or something, or ask me about the lens/camera, never had anyone iniate their "boxing stance" yet 
If you appear confident it's better. If you look edgey/anorakey then people will get edgy too.
If you appear confident it's better. If you look edgey/anorakey then people will get edgy too.
Well, still having issues with this, but getting there slowly!
I wanted to scout a bit locally for nice places that I can take photos in future, plus I needed to test my 12-24mm, which I have had for two weeks, but not really used!
I only walked about with my gorillapod, and not main tripod, and tried to ignore people walking by. I know they don't care that I am taking photos, but still have this annoying self-conscious feeling.
Anyway, not a very exciting set, but my main aim was scouting and testing. And I really need to get used to using the built-in level on the camera because I had to adjust a number of them as they were skew...
Out testing 12-24mm - from RAW, no adjustments by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm - SOOC by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Yes, yes, I know, dont' shoot into sun. Was just wondering what flare would be like.
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
I wanted to scout a bit locally for nice places that I can take photos in future, plus I needed to test my 12-24mm, which I have had for two weeks, but not really used!
I only walked about with my gorillapod, and not main tripod, and tried to ignore people walking by. I know they don't care that I am taking photos, but still have this annoying self-conscious feeling.
Anyway, not a very exciting set, but my main aim was scouting and testing. And I really need to get used to using the built-in level on the camera because I had to adjust a number of them as they were skew...
Out testing 12-24mm - from RAW, no adjustments by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm - SOOC by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Yes, yes, I know, dont' shoot into sun. Was just wondering what flare would be like.
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out testing 12-24mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Shoot how you like mate.
Have you tried taking on some work or assignments from somebody? There are aspects I don't like about photography sometimes, but being focused on a task and under the expectation to produce results can embolden your approach.
This is how I got over my fear. I went on a course with a local pro and a few other people. Because there was a few of us I immediately felt less self conscious snapping away.
I've been wandering around Chester on a few occasions since I bought my 5dmk3. People are generally miserable so and so's in the main street, but in the precinct and around by the cross and the old Odeon by the town hall people really don't care. Basically the nearer you get to touristy places in Chester, the less people care as they clearly know what people are doing (even if you're not doing touristy photos).
I was in London on Monday and Tuesday and while I had my camera with me I just couldn't be bothered taking any photos, but I noticed that despite people seemingly being more stressed/aggressive in London compared to most towns and cities I've been to, they generally don't care enough to moan at people. The amount of tourists I saw taking photos in the oddest places was amusing. Walking down a no name street, taking a photo of their mate in a crowd for example. No one batted an eyelid.
One thing I've noticed is that the more aggressive you are in taking the photo, the less people care. Hiding the camera, or acting all edgy attracts unwanted attention as it seems to be human nature for some people to see a weakness in people and pounce on it. As long as you're confident looking (you might not be, but if you fake it it works!) you get left alone.
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCdV9N7
It's just occurred to me that I didn't upload the rest of that day. Ho hum
This one is in London a few weeks ago:
148A1911 by Niall Allen, on Flickr
That's in the museum, and the only trouble in there was people getting in the way of each other taking photos. It was madness
I was in London on Monday and Tuesday and while I had my camera with me I just couldn't be bothered taking any photos, but I noticed that despite people seemingly being more stressed/aggressive in London compared to most towns and cities I've been to, they generally don't care enough to moan at people. The amount of tourists I saw taking photos in the oddest places was amusing. Walking down a no name street, taking a photo of their mate in a crowd for example. No one batted an eyelid.
One thing I've noticed is that the more aggressive you are in taking the photo, the less people care. Hiding the camera, or acting all edgy attracts unwanted attention as it seems to be human nature for some people to see a weakness in people and pounce on it. As long as you're confident looking (you might not be, but if you fake it it works!) you get left alone.
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjCdV9N7
It's just occurred to me that I didn't upload the rest of that day. Ho hum
This one is in London a few weeks ago:
148A1911 by Niall Allen, on Flickr
That's in the museum, and the only trouble in there was people getting in the way of each other taking photos. It was madness
Well, I am either getting over my self-consciousness, or I suffer more form typical bloke issues than I thought.
Sun was shining at 6 this morning, so thought "To hell with it, am making the most of it while it's here", and was out the door by 6:20. Never mind that the clear blue skies from 20 minutes ago had disappeared, I pushed on, and was rewarded with some sunny spells - though, silly me, I didn't think to take my winter coat, what with it being summer and all.... anyway.
Standing down by the river, camera bag over shoulder, camera around neck, I really wasn't bothered what people thought.
So, as I said earlier, am either getting over this self-consciousness, or my confidence is directly proportional to the size of my equipment... familiar concept with guys, no?
Sun was shining at 6 this morning, so thought "To hell with it, am making the most of it while it's here", and was out the door by 6:20. Never mind that the clear blue skies from 20 minutes ago had disappeared, I pushed on, and was rewarded with some sunny spells - though, silly me, I didn't think to take my winter coat, what with it being summer and all.... anyway.
Standing down by the river, camera bag over shoulder, camera around neck, I really wasn't bothered what people thought.
So, as I said earlier, am either getting over this self-consciousness, or my confidence is directly proportional to the size of my equipment... familiar concept with guys, no?
Caporegime
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Well done 
Associate
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Yeah, confidence definately growing & the size of your equipment SHOULDN'T make any difference.....apparently 
(sunshine does help too 
)
I guess the more you go out & shoot, the more comfortable you'll become.
Good stuff.
(sunshine does help too ) I guess the more you go out & shoot, the more comfortable you'll become.
Good stuff.
Don't you hate it when you type out a long post, are just about done pasting images in, then because you are tired and not thinking straight, you do something stupid like hit the back button and wipe out everything you had typed?!?!?!?!?!?!
Sigh, in brief, here's some stuff from today.
Mostly wanted to be playing with getting birds in flight, but not much luck on that front.
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Sigh, in brief, here's some stuff from today.
Mostly wanted to be playing with getting birds in flight, but not much luck on that front.
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Out in the early morning sun(?) by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Well, had another day out, with camera round my neck.
Though this time, instead of early morning with few people around went down to the river where there was some dragon boat racing on.
I forced my self to step out of comfort zone a bit, and pointed the camera in the direction of people. Not that they were particularly interesting, but just to help me move on with my issues.
Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon grew bored of it. And moved on trying to find something more appealing. Didn't have much luck on that, apart form finding a great spot I can visit in future for photographing birds - where I saw the jay below.
One the positive side, I think today has helped convince me to keep the tamron 70-300mm usd. It's really pretty decent for the price.
I will one day get the Sigma 70-200mm I want, but for now this will do
So heres some stuff from today
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Gull by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Daisy by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Grass by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Bee by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Jay by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Jay by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Though this time, instead of early morning with few people around went down to the river where there was some dragon boat racing on.
I forced my self to step out of comfort zone a bit, and pointed the camera in the direction of people. Not that they were particularly interesting, but just to help me move on with my issues.
Wasn't sure what to expect, but soon grew bored of it. And moved on trying to find something more appealing. Didn't have much luck on that, apart form finding a great spot I can visit in future for photographing birds - where I saw the jay below.
One the positive side, I think today has helped convince me to keep the tamron 70-300mm usd. It's really pretty decent for the price.
I will one day get the Sigma 70-200mm I want, but for now this will do
So heres some stuff from today
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Twickenham Dargon Boat Race by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Gull by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Daisy by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Grass by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Bee by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Jay by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Jay by chris_rabe, on Flickr
I retread some old territory yesterday, mostly because I wanted to see how the sigma 10-20mm compared with the brilliant Samsung NX 12-24mm.
The sigma held up well, even if it not quite up there with the NX 12-24mm. Not quite as sharp, more prone to flare, but still very good by all accounts.
But what I noticed most of all yesterday, was that I think I am well and truly over my shyness when it comes to walking around.
For the most part, I am not even thinking about it, and on those moments when I find myself thinking about it, I tell myself "They don't care that you are walking around with a camera!" and move along.
Feel so much more comfortable now.
Anyways, some pics taken with the 10-20mm:
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
And took my new Sony DT 35mm lens along. Well impressed with this little lens
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
The sigma held up well, even if it not quite up there with the NX 12-24mm. Not quite as sharp, more prone to flare, but still very good by all accounts.
But what I noticed most of all yesterday, was that I think I am well and truly over my shyness when it comes to walking around.
For the most part, I am not even thinking about it, and on those moments when I find myself thinking about it, I tell myself "They don't care that you are walking around with a camera!" and move along.
Feel so much more comfortable now.
Anyways, some pics taken with the 10-20mm:
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
Retread - Testing Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 by chris_rabe, on Flickr
And took my new Sony DT 35mm lens along. Well impressed with this little lens
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
More testing - Sony DT 35mm by chris_rabe, on Flickr
I would not use digirev videos as the staple of street photography 101 because the culture over there is completely different to over here in the UK. You can photograph someone rght up close and they'd simply walk on by minding their own business whereas here the same could happen but most often they will stop and ask what you are doing and why you're taking their picture, don't you know it's not allowed??! etc.
Add to the fact that Kai's got a crew with him, he's being filmed and people are seeing that. They know something professional is happening and will just go about their business.
When you're out there on your own shooting street it's completely different. You have to fit in, you're not just someone walking around with a camera aimlessly taking pictures, you should walk and be part of the street first, take in what's going on around you and you'll soon enough see the photos happen right in front of you, you'll raise your camera, take the shot and then back to lurking and waiting for the next one.
By that time you're most likely going to be doing it so seamlessly people won't even notice you. There will be times when you will want to ask someone's permission to shoot their photo, maybe they've got an interesting face or whatever but that too will be seamless with practice
Press the forward button, it's still there! If not then you want a better browser (Firefox/Chrome).
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Caporegime
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Im currently doing a 100 strangers project as some of you already know. take about 50 strangers so far. started it last year and been doing it on and off.
Today i went after work to try and take some and was quite nervous. cant seem to shake off the nerve even though i am halfway in to reaching 100 strangers .
i dont know what is my issue. i am overal quite a confident fella.
If i have to approach someone, or do a interview or a presentation, i am fine. i do it and do it pretty well with confidence yet if i want to approach someone i freeze?
I dont know what my issue is as i KNOW i can approach strangers and talk and create a interesting discussion as done before yet that shyness is still blooming their!
If you take a look amy my flickr set, i have approach some people who at face value you would think they will say no/threaten u or laugh at you(approached attractive woman, scary men etc etc and most say yes) So i honestly dont know my problem.
Maybe my problem is this: I tend to be too damm picky with my subjects and dont approach someone that doesnt stand out in some way or is not attractive. i always tend to approach people who stand out or is attractive.
Also, when the sun is beaming down, i have walked past some amazing subjects due to the poor lighting at that path or place the subject is.
I think that when i am thinking more then 2seconds about taking a picture of someone, i freeze but if i just sya yup your my subject and think nothing else about it and just approach and say hi, all is well
GRRR wtf is wrong with me
Link to some of the shots
http://500px.com/JonneyRichy/sets/100_strangers_project
Today i went after work to try and take some and was quite nervous. cant seem to shake off the nerve even though i am halfway in to reaching 100 strangers .
i dont know what is my issue. i am overal quite a confident fella.
If i have to approach someone, or do a interview or a presentation, i am fine. i do it and do it pretty well with confidence yet if i want to approach someone i freeze?
I dont know what my issue is as i KNOW i can approach strangers and talk and create a interesting discussion as done before yet that shyness is still blooming their!
If you take a look amy my flickr set, i have approach some people who at face value you would think they will say no/threaten u or laugh at you(approached attractive woman, scary men etc etc and most say yes) So i honestly dont know my problem.
Maybe my problem is this: I tend to be too damm picky with my subjects and dont approach someone that doesnt stand out in some way or is not attractive. i always tend to approach people who stand out or is attractive.
Also, when the sun is beaming down, i have walked past some amazing subjects due to the poor lighting at that path or place the subject is.
I think that when i am thinking more then 2seconds about taking a picture of someone, i freeze but if i just sya yup your my subject and think nothing else about it and just approach and say hi, all is well
GRRR wtf is wrong with me
Link to some of the shots
http://500px.com/JonneyRichy/sets/100_strangers_project
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Soldato
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- Swimming in a lake
For your 100 strangers project, do you talk to them and ask, or just try and do them discreetly?
kd
kd
Caporegime
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Talk to them by asking them first.
the best ever encounter i have had is with someone who said no lol. Dispite saying no, me and the bloke chatted for nearly an hour!
he really loved the project i was doing and we was talking about London in general and how people are like nowadays in the busy streets of london all just keeping to themselves etc etc.
It was a fantastic encounter and i did not even get the shot.
That is what the project is about for me personally. to meet new people and build up confidence and courage. Also, to practise portrait photography in general
the best ever encounter i have had is with someone who said no lol. Dispite saying no, me and the bloke chatted for nearly an hour!
he really loved the project i was doing and we was talking about London in general and how people are like nowadays in the busy streets of london all just keeping to themselves etc etc.
It was a fantastic encounter and i did not even get the shot.
That is what the project is about for me personally. to meet new people and build up confidence and courage. Also, to practise portrait photography in general
Soldato
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- Swimming in a lake
Yeah, was curious as I will live close enough to London soon to try it out!
kd
kd
Caporegime
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lONDON is big!