How do I photograph strangers?

May 16, 2005 11:16 AM

What is the best approach for getting strangers to let you take their photograph?

I'm an amateur photographer and I really would like to take advantage of more situations where professionals/strangers are doing something photoworthy. What approaches are best in this situation? I find that many people get weirded out by asking to take their photo and I'd like to make it seem as non-creepy as I mean it. Thanks in advance.

posted by dflemingdotorg to sports, hobbies, & recreation (10 comments total)

Here's another thread on this.
posted by nitsuj at 11:20 AM on May 16, 2005

Just ask them.

Make sure you smile and that you don't mumble your request.

Also, leave the trenchcoat and shifty hat at home.
posted by bshort at 11:56 AM on May 16, 2005

get a medium format camera with a waist-level viewfinder. since you're looking down, no one assumes that you're taking a picture...
posted by horsemuth at 12:48 PM on May 16, 2005

If I want them to "pose" I usually ask them straight out. I have never had someone say no - most people love attention. If you get asked what the photographs are for don't try and explain your crazy interactive web project, just keep it mainstream and wholesome (no dirty internet) and say "portfolio building."

If I see people doing something interesting I just take the photo. Once or twice I have been asked what I am doing, I just tell them I'm taking photographs of street scenes. Obviously play it by ear.

You should just try it. Your confidence will grow as more people agree to be photographed, it becomes natural.
posted by fire&wings at 12:59 PM on May 16, 2005

I have business cards that say:

"I'd like to take your picture. Your photo may or may not appear on my photo blog at http://www.aquick.org/photoblog. If you would rather I not take your picture, please give me this card back. Thanks!"
posted by Caviar at 1:37 PM on May 16, 2005

I still like the advice in the previous thread where, after taking the picture, you waive your hands at the target to move out of the way (you know, because they messed up your shot).

If you straight-out ask them, and they say no, you're kinda stuck between a confrontation and a lost shot.

I've always used the genuine, slightly bumbling smile approach. Practice in front of a mirror to get just the right amount of genuine. :)
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 1:43 PM on May 16, 2005

It's my experience that most people want their photo taken - but if you feel creeped out, they'll pick up on it, and think something is amiss. But if you feel comfortable, so will they.

It might also be worth emailing the guy behind http://www.snowsuit.net/. His street portraiture is pretty amazing, imho.
posted by jazzkat11 at 1:52 PM on May 16, 2005

Take the picture first, ask later. If they are in a public place without a resonable expectation of privacy, then they are fair game. That said, if someone asks me not to photograph them I will generally oblige.
posted by trbrts at 1:57 PM on May 16, 2005

This whole asking for permission thing is so very odd to me. As a photojournalist, if someone is doing something photoworthy in a public space, it's my job to take a picture. Since I have to go up to them afterward and get names and information, it's better to shoot first before they know what I'm doing and either choose to pose or run away.

Bottom line: you don't legally have to ask permission to take pictures of people in most public situations. People may get up in arms if you're a man taking pictures of women or children (thank goodness that's not a problem for me) but you don't theoretically have to ask. Since you are not a member of the press, you may have problems with authority figures who don't like what you're doing. Just make sure you are able to articulate exactly what it is you're doing and why before you even start taking pictures.
posted by TheGoldenOne at 3:04 PM on May 16, 2005

You are not doing anything wrong by photographing people in public.

You need confidence first and foremost. Being uncertain -- or worse, trying to be surreptitious -- will get you immediately branded as "the creep with a camera", do not pass go, do not collect $200. As will fumbling with the camera at all -- set the camera the way you want to before raising it to your eye. Compose in your mind first, then frame and snap in one quick motion. Solicit eye contact. Smile. Wave if they frown. Be forthcoming when people ask why you're shooting. (On preview: yes, absolutely have your responses prepared for the inevitable "why's" and "how will the picture be used".) And accept the fact beforehand that a few people will think you're a terrible person for taking their picture. There's absolutely nothing you can do to change or placate them. Move on. You're doing things right if you're a little uncomfortable, but not extremely so, and it should go away completely after you enter the Zone once you've found your rhythm. Here's more on overcoming your own shyness.

And for the love of God, either use a TLR with a waist finder or the smallest, meanest, dirtiest camera you can find (rangefinders or point-and-shoots are great for street shooting). The streets are no place for the big and shiny equipment that might impress your friends (DO NOT CHIMP ON YOUR LCD). It'll just make you self-conscious out there, which is sheer poison (see the confidence thing above). Your equipment should, nay, needs to be the very last thing on your mind when you're shooting.

P.S. As a smoker, I've found cigarettes to be excellent peace offerings if you've managed to piss someone off.
posted by DaShiv at 3:33 PM on May 16, 2005 [1 favorite]