What's the proper approach to photographing people in public?

February 27, 2008 1:47 PM

As an amateur photographer, how do I photograph people in public without it being awkward or creepy?

I do lots of photography, purely as a hobby. I tend to focus on inanimate objects and scenes in part because I find it hard to take pictures of people I don't know. When I'm in public and I see someone doing something interesting or with an expressive look on their face, I often want to take a picture but don't because I feel awkward about it. I have a long-ish lens (200mm on a 1.6x body), so I can keep some distance, but chances are they will see me taking the picture, at which point they'll probably assume I'm a weirdo, and I can't hand them a business card from the local paper to explain that it's all in the name of photojournalism. I even feel awkward asking people for permission to take their picture, which is already a problem since it takes any spontaneity out of the shot.

(Note: all of the above goes doubly for pictures of kids.)

Does anyone have any advice for the best protocol for photographing strangers in public? Should I always ask permission first? What should I say if anyone confronts me about it? How can I get the shots I want artistically without seeming shady? Am I being paranoid about it and most people don't actually care?

posted by EnormousTalkingOnion to media & arts (47 comments total)

I am definitely disturbed by the prospect of some random person taking my picture in public. It may have already happened a thousand times for all I know, but holy hannah that creeps me out (and doubly if I noticed someone shooting my hypothetical kid).

I would definitely ask permission first. But as you say, that ruins your craft. What a conundrum!
posted by fusinski at 1:51 PM on February 27, 2008

If you're in a city or on a college campus most people will assume you're a photography student or a hobbyist and will probably ignore you. If you need a cover story just say you're taking a photo class and the final project requires you to take candid shots.
posted by otio at 1:53 PM on February 27, 2008

Albeit far less than proper, I shall hereby reprint a copy of...
Lynn's Patented Method for Taking Sneaky Photos Without Asking Permission

1. Find your subject.

2. Either stand against a wall or sit down and pretend to be fiddling with your camera, looking at the photos you've already taken on the fold-out digital screen. Twist the screen into an angle so that it doesn't look like you're taking a photo even though you've strategically pointed the lens at the subject.

3. Try to focus on the subject. Then focus elsewhere for a minute. Then go back on them. Meanwhile, laugh as though you just looked at a photo you really like. Repeat this until nobody pays any attention to you. They clearly think you are just insane and in your own world.

3. Wait for the subject to strike the perfect pose, then click until you get the photo you want.

4. Keep playing with your camera for a few minutes even after you got your photo. Then walk away with a feeling of sneaky accomplishment.

And... waaaaa laaaaaaaaaaa!
posted by miss lynnster at 1:54 PM on February 27, 2008 [2 favorites]

You could get a spy lens! (I want one myself.)

I know what you mean. I have this problem too. If you have a smaller camera, you can always fiddle with it. Make faces, be annoyed. People will assume, in this device-laden culture, that you're having trouble with it and aren't actually taking pictures. Also, you can get good at the "walk and shoot" method, which is quick and dirty and might not get the composition you're looking for, but it can result in some good shots.
posted by agregoli at 1:54 PM on February 27, 2008

Digital cameras with autofocus lenses make this so much easier. Wrap the camera strap around your hand and keep your finger on the shutter release. Try to hold it at your side in as relaxed a fashion as possible and "shoot from the hip".

If I'm trying to be sneaky about it I figured out a grip where I basically hold the camera with my hand upside-down and my thumb on the shutter release.

Really, though, I think the best way to do street photography is to make it very obvious that you are taking pictures of the surroundings and of people. For example, if you're in a restaurant or bar, take out your camera and leave it on the table. Fiddle with it, change settings, and finally take some pictures of the wall. Then start taking pictures of "safer" human subjects - the male bartender (if you're a guy), older people. Try to make it obvious you're not trying to stalk anyone. If anyone asks, be upfront and honest about the whole thing.

I have the same problem as you, it's awkward to take pictures of people you don't know. I think this is a really good way of getting more comfortable with it, though. Just don't look creepy, and if anyone asks you to stop then oblige them. It might even help to start off by going to organized events - rallies, protests, whatever - and practicing there, because there's an expectation that the press will be there snapping photos anyway.
posted by backseatpilot at 2:07 PM on February 27, 2008 [1 favorite]

I wouldn't ask permission -- you technically don't have to, and it would ruin the moment. If you're confronted, apologize and say you're just a hobby photographer or a student working on a project who saw a good picture. This has always worked well for me when I was busted doing street photography. I would always offer the subject a copy of the picture...they would give me their email or their address and I would always mail it off.

It also depends on the kind of camera. When I shot with my huge Canon 1N w/ the fast f/2.8 70mm lens, it was quite difficult. Then I invested in an old used Leica which fit in the palm of your hand and I was just some guy on the street. It was just kind of hard to focus quickly.

That, and research some of the famous street photogs...a lot of them wrote about their work and their process. Admittedly, people are infinitely more skirmish around cameras and privacy issues these days, but it definitely provides perspective.

Happy shooting!
posted by virga at 2:12 PM on February 27, 2008

Turn off your flash, if it's a digital camera with a shutter sound, turn it off. If there's a red light that comes on on the front, put some black tape over it. Don't hold the camera up to your eye/face to take a picture. Be looking in a different direction when you take the picture.

You can also use a camera on a tripod, then use the auto-timer set to as short as possible. That gives you time to look casual. A remote switch works as well.
posted by blue_beetle at 2:15 PM on February 27, 2008

The "for a class" cover story works pretty well. Often people will suddenly become very interested and helpful if they think you're working on some assignment. Otherwise I think most people go for the forgiveness instead of permission route for candid shots. If people notice and seem upset go up to them, introduce yourself, tell them what you're doing, maybe give them a card with your website if that seems reasonable, and flatter them. If they're still upset just apologize and walk away.

If the subject seems interested or at least content with your explanation then this is the time you bring out the model release.

I don't even try to photograph stranger's kids. It's just not worth the potential hassle.
posted by sevenless at 2:16 PM on February 27, 2008

Ha. I'm particularly interested in how this turns out because I am doing a photography course for uni this semester and one of my tasks is to request permission for photo taking and get a release form signed. The purpose of this tasks is apparently to make the student "bold". Sigh. So, yeah, I was wondering (piggybacking on the question) if you actually do take a good photo of some stranger and don't get a release form, how do you go when selling the shot?
posted by b33j at 2:24 PM on February 27, 2008

Wow. I'm sort of depressed the answers are to be even sneakier. I suggest being more obvious. I ask if possible before either verbally or with a look. If not I'll at least try to inform after the shot. Bring cards to share so they know who you are (moo cards are nice for this). There are exceptions like big public gatherings but I tried keep my subjects informed.

Nothing says "I'm violating your privacy" like taking sneaky pictures.
posted by chairface at 2:27 PM on February 27, 2008

I have a long-ish lens (200mm on a 1.6x body)
I'm assuming this is a fast 200mm lens and rather large. If so, I think this is your problem. It's really intimidating to be on the other end of a big lens. Think about if you were walking around and in your peripheral vision, you spotted someone aiming a big black tube at you. Traditional street photography is done with small, compact cameras with fixed focal length lenses around 50mm (on 35mm equiv) for just that reason.

If you want to do street photography, get a compact prime lens around the 25-50mm focal length and go up to your subjects. Take a photo, smile, and wave. Most people will simply ignore you and chalk it up to a random person taking photos. Be sure to blend into the crowd and don't get in anyone's way - make yourself invisible.

Second sevenless's comment: Don't photograph kids.
posted by junesix at 2:29 PM on February 27, 2008

As has already been stated, you don't need permission to take photographs in public spaces. I do it all the time (see the link to Flickr on my profile page).

I'm never "sneaky" about it. I simply take the photos in a straightforward way. Most of the time, people don't notice. When they do notice, I usually just smile warmly - I almost always get a smile back. An old teacher of mine called this "completing the transaction". It amounts to connecting with a human being.

If you want to follow people like Winogrand, get yourself a decent rangefinder, fix the focus to something you can gauge without the viewfinder and click away. With low profile equipment, you won't be noticed at all.

In any case, I'm quite interested in street photography and the ethical/cultural implications of public photography. If you feel like sending me a note, I'd be happy to discuss it further or share some images with you. Good luck!
posted by aladfar at 2:33 PM on February 27, 2008 [1 favorite]

Don't ask for permission as you'll end up with portraits and not street photography. First ditch the 200mm and get yourself a proper street 35mm lens. Someone with a big lens really screams weirdo. I find people are utterly comfortable when I approach them with my small compact and more just seem curious what I'm doing when I use my regular 35mm rangefinder. Here is some really good stuff on the subject. See how the pros work, especially the JM video. It's all about being comfortable with yourself and handling the camera. Your body language will make the biggest difference to how people react to you on the street. If you're comfortable, people will be comfortable.

Read 2point8's Ways of Working, a 10-step introduction to the ins-and-outs of street photography with only nine steps

And watch this Joel Meyerowitz video: Joel Meyerowitz On Street Photography

And this, Jeff Mermelstein working the street: Jeff Mermelstein (Media Matters)

And browse through the best street photography group on flickr: Hardcore Street Photography
posted by Hates_ at 2:34 PM on February 27, 2008 [15 favorites]

Well, I'm not selling any of the photos, they're just for me. So I don't worry about being sneaky. If I was going to sell the shots I would handle it in a professional manner. I do have friends who are professional photographers who DO have cards printed up and they say it's a great way to go.
posted by miss lynnster at 2:40 PM on February 27, 2008

Luminous Landscape also had a write-up of good tips for street photography.
posted by junesix at 2:42 PM on February 27, 2008

It's only creepy if you act creepy and/or have creepy thoughts. Don't act nervous or guilty when you are outed. Smile

If you have a long lens, people do not know that you are taking their picture. They can always assume but if you take cues from their disapproval then it will reinforce the fact that you were taking pictures of them. I always keep looking through the viewfinder and pretend that I am focusing while I am taking the picture. Keep looking as if you are framing the shot after they move away so they will assume you are taking pictures of something else.

Anytime you move into the realm of photographing strangers you really need the right attitude. You need to be focused on what you want to do and why you are doing it. Not only for a cover story but to convince yourself that this is worthwhile and not creepy.

Happy shooting!
posted by JJ86 at 2:45 PM on February 27, 2008

We should page DaShiv. He has made some hilarious commentary to the effect that being Asian helps, because people assume you're just another photography-crazed tourist.

I think this is very much like talking to people in public. You have to be comfortable yourself first. If you are approachable and safe-looking in your manner and appearance, you simply make eye contact and body language work in your favor. That can mean greater discretion, it can mean being friendly, it can mean being totally overlookable, it can even mean being flirty. Depends on where you are and who the subject is.

IMHO it isn't enough to just shoot the photo before you're noticed. There's always the next 5 seconds to think about. You want to do this in a way that won't attract ire the moment after the shot is taken. Who knows. Perhaps being big and scary-looking helps. Just shoot before you're noticed and hope no one wants to turn it into a problem after.

make it very obvious that you are taking pictures of the surroundings and of people

This strikes me as good advice. Wear one of those big pockety vests for added effect.
posted by scarabic at 2:49 PM on February 27, 2008

Thanks for all the feedback, guys. It's really good to see that reasonable people can disagree on the answer and that I'm not the only one who gets concerned about this.

I've tried the "take a picture without looking like you're taking a picture" approach, but having a pretty big camera with an actual shutter (no chintzy *click* noise), I can't be too sneaky even with a small lens. More importantly, I find it a lot harder to get good results. So I'd like to work on the "be up front about it and put people at ease" approach. That's what's especially tough for me - I dread the interaction of either asking for permission or explaining myself afterwards. But after reading these responses it seems like that's the best way to go, and I just need to get up the nerve and practice.

I love the idea of carrying cards with me - I'm going to get some printed up that have my Flickr URL, so that any subject can check it out and see that I take pictures of all kinds of stuff and am not just stalking them. :)
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 2:56 PM on February 27, 2008

Oh, and on the "big pockety vest" subject: I usually use a backpack camera bag that I love, but it just looks like a normal backpack, so maybe I'll carry around one of my clunkier camera bags on these expeditions, since they sort of scream "(semi-)professional photographer here! nothing to fear, people!"
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 2:59 PM on February 27, 2008

If you ask permission you'll end up with either fake smiles, paranoid people or simply lose the shot you were after. (" Hi! Can I take your photo?... and.. could you please kiss her again, just like before.. I'll throw the leaves up just like so..." )

Effectively you've got a 320mm lense-- that's a lot of space between you and your subjects. Of the people you take photo's of, only a tiny fraction are going to notice, and of those people, only an even smaller fraction are going to care.

People will assume you're not a weirdo if you're confidently taking pictures, the great thing about a decently pro looking camera, is people think you know what you're doing, so use it like a shield. Weirdos act furtively, tend to hide and creep about, if you're not doing that you'll immediately become less interesting.

And if they think of you as a werido, who cares-- you've (hopefully) got a nice picture. In the incredibly rare exception where someone approaches you, explain your a photographer and you're trying to get some nice pictures for your portfolio and you think you've just got a great one of them. Be enthusiatic, not defensive. Give them your email address and leave it to them to contact you if they want a copy.

The only reaction I've gotten off people when I've been shooting randomly, on several occasions (mostly when I've got my 70-200mm f2.8L lense on), is someone coming up to me and asking for me to take their photo, usually with their camera, because they assumed I must be somewhat talented.

Happy shooting!
posted by Static Vagabond at 3:04 PM on February 27, 2008

I have a friend with a bone disease, which has given her an unusual face. She's had people ask to take her photo or draw her picture many times. It's upsetting for her to have people photograph her, or even to be asked to have her photo taken.

Be sensitive. Even asking can be rude, if you're asking for the wrong reason.
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:07 PM on February 27, 2008

Don't ask for permission. That's the lesson I got from my photography class.

As a photographer, you live outside of the rules of the local culture. Your job is to get the shot. Asking for permission won't get the shot.

Apparently, outside of the US, folks don't care if you take their picture. So, people's feelings about having their picture taken is a local cultural thing.
posted by CrazyJoel at 3:24 PM on February 27, 2008

"Apparently, outside of the US, folks don't care if you take their picture. So, people's feelings about having their picture taken is a local cultural thing." Not.
posted by londongeezer at 3:29 PM on February 27, 2008

Other than America it seems most people are not uptight about having their photos taken. Of course this varies from place to place. But the USA is the place I find people to be the most anal about being photographed.

When I in places that have suffered a great deal I find that people are ironically more open and ready to share than snobby folks.

Or it might just be my bias.

Some of my photos are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/tarvuz

I just take people's photos if my internal radar tells me it is okay and if I have a tingling of my spider-sense I ask them. Sometimes they say yes and sometimes they say no. I don't really care and go on and ask someone else.

There is one famous war photog that gets AMAZING photos in every single culture and situation he visits. I would research him and see how he does it.
posted by tarvuz at 3:29 PM on February 27, 2008 [1 favorite]

Maybe if people look interested you can give them a card or something with your Flickr account on it so that they can see the pics you took, too. Don't ask them for an email address, thats just two transactions in which they are not the beneficiary.
posted by softlord at 3:43 PM on February 27, 2008

I think the suggestions about being 'sneaky' are just a bad idea. People might notice, and if you're being sneaky they'll think you have something to be sneaky about. Just grab a big honkin' DSLR and go snapping. If you have a large 'professional' camera they'll think you're a pro and not bother you about it.

Besides, if they are creeped out, so what? What difference does it make?
posted by delmoi at 3:45 PM on February 27, 2008

Heh, when I was Photo Editor many, many assignments like this fell apart because of sheepishness.

So the main thing here is this: if you are taking pictures of people in public, no permission, assurance, or explanation is necessary. If you're standing in a public space, you can photograph whatever you can see through a lens. This includes policemen, children, and through store windows. But don't take my word for it (please don't, in fact: I am not legal counsel)--look at the Photographer's Bill of Rights.

Now, depending on where you'll be, there may be some implications--if you were in a small space where everyone knew you well, doing this stuff may dampen your reputation. HOWEVER! If you're in a random public place, I strongly advise just walking up and taking pictures of whatever you want. And close, too. Using a telephoto lens, which is also completely OK, will make taking pictures way harder and also tend to flatten things unpleasingly. But that's a matter of opinion.

And if you have a great fear of confronting people looking like a creep (like I did), the only real way to get over it is to actually practice. Strap on a wide angle or a 50mm lens and walk right up to people, and take a few pictures. If your subject looks nervous, flash them a smile and maybe make a nice remark. Only tell people what you're doing if you feel like it, or if you think, by saying so, you'd get them to look the way you want (which is very rare--as stated above, you say "I'm taking pictures for blah blah" and people give you a toothy smile and a big, ugly pose). Remember: you'll never see these people again, so why should it bother you?

Gaining trust is a big part of taking pictures of people; very few that I've ever met act naturally when a camera is pointed a them. So it's up to you whether you want to capture them without their knowledge first or to try to build up a rapport. Personally, in public I only chatted anyone that was interested (and usually approached me first). It distracts me from taking more pictures!

The "famous war photog" mentioned above is James Nachtwey. If you want some inspiration, watch War Photographer, which is about his work. D-Day landing and all-around amazing photog Robert Capa said it best: "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough." That's the whole story right there, and I'll tell it to any photographer that would listen.
posted by BenzeneChile at 4:11 PM on February 27, 2008 [1 favorite]

Taking photos of people with a telephoto lens is creepy. I recommend you check out all the street photography links mentioned above. I do think that outside of the US people aren't as wierded out by strangers taking their photo. I live in Toronto and haven't had people come chasing after me yet, though I don't really take too many photos of strangers.
posted by chunking express at 4:15 PM on February 27, 2008

Don't ask for permission. Take the photo and deal with any consequences, I can testify to never having had any. Unless you are shooting for print media then tailor your equipment to the circumstances - anyone would be uncomfortable when confronted with a huge SLR and lens, it's ridiculous.

If you want to invest in a great camera for quick street photography then here it is. It has a rotating lens and people cannot tell when you are photographing them (and I say that as non-creepily as possible!) A truly fantastic camera for spontaneous and discreet photography - shoot upwards from waist height, sideways, you can even lay it flat on a table, partially cover it with your hand and look down on the screen as you photograph everyone sitting around you in a restaurant. It's a good few years old now but offers unparalleled freedom for taking photos without being noticed, and that's in churches, cinemas, gigs, as well as amongst the general public. I would link my blog for other examples but I think the photo above gives an idea.

I would also partially back up the America thing - it's worse there than in Europe.
posted by fire&wings at 4:20 PM on February 27, 2008

Taking photos of people with a telephoto lens is creepy.

Righto. Get rid of the telephoto and you'll be half as creepy and your pictures will be twice as good (if you use the shorter lens effectively). All of the best (35mm) street photography in history has been shot with lenses 50mm or shorter. A 35 is a great bet, but I like to use a 24 or a 28. I think the best way to learn to shoot street photography, beyond 2poin8's ways of working, is to check out the works of some of the greats, Cartier-Bresson, David Alan Harvey, Alex Webb, Gary Winogrand, the photographers at In-Public, etc. Look at their pictures and try to think about what the situation was like when the picture was taken. Think about where the photographer was in relation to the subject and think about what could have happened right before the shutter clicked (to give you a sense of the timing needed for the photographer to be in the right place) and right after. Use that as a guide the next time you're out shooting, it's like What Would Jesus Do for street photography, because, well, these photographers and others mentioned above are pretty much the gods of what you want to do.

The other aspect of successfully taking pictures of people on the street is actually doing it. Gary Winogrand would use at least 3 rolls every day, often not even developing the film; when he died there were something like 3000 rolls of exposed film sitting around his office undeveloped. Go out, walk down the street, and click the shutter as often as possible; at first it doesn't really matter what you're taking pictures of, just that you get comfortable with working quickly in a public setting. Moments on the street happen in the blink of an eye; there's an old video of Winogrand working (possibly this one over at 2point8) that shows him clicking through the crowd almost as fast his fingers can shoot and advance the film. In order to do this, you need to be quick on the draw, but you should also exploit the hyperfocal distance of your lens. That way, you can spend your time seeing instead of fumbling around with the camera. Ideally, your exposure and focus will be preset for the entire shoot and you only need to worry about pushing your shutter button.
posted by msbrauer at 5:20 PM on February 27, 2008 [1 favorite]

Thanks again for the feedback. I certainly agree about the telephoto and prefer to shoot with something shorter, but there are times when I want to get something that's in close and the only way to accomplish that at, say 50mm, is to get right up somebody's face in an undeniably obnoxious way. Anyway, I'm going to practice being more confident and less apologetic about it and hopefully I'll have some useful interactions with people that will make me more comfortable with the whole thing.
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 6:33 PM on February 27, 2008

Ten or fifteen years ago I used to hide my camera inside my button-down coat. I shot on the el quite a lot, and it was important to me that I went unnoticed. It also kept me from shooting promiscuously; there is no reloading of the two-and-a-quarter on the el.

Today, when I shoot strangers in the wild, I pass over their faces altogether and aim way low. I find feet/footwear way more interesting. I also still use my really old cameras because they feel more "street" to me. Or I'm really old.
Or did I not get old until I just said "street"?
posted by heyho at 7:19 PM on February 27, 2008

Taking someone's photo without his or her permission is completely unethical. It doesn't matter what you plan to do with the photo. Many people are uncomfortable and/or opposed to having their photograph taken, and for you to take a picture without asking could have negative consequences for you and the subject. Obviously if you are taking a picture of a crowded street you can't ask for everyone's consent, but when you have the ability to ask, you should. I always do when I'm taking portraits for photo classes, and I just ask the subject to pretend I'm not there and act naturally. It feels awkward at first, but I'm sure you'll get used to it. You will be surprised at how many people will continue on with exactly what they were doing rather than stare and grin at the camera. That way you get your shot and you know that the subject is comfortable with it.
posted by easy_being_green at 7:51 PM on February 27, 2008

Taking photos of people with a telephoto lens is creepy.

They also won't look as good, often, because the space compression at long focal lengths can steal a lot of depth from the photo. And you won't get that effect that people love where the main subject is in focus but other parts of the photo are soft. Which could also be described as a certain "depth."

Taking someone's photo without his or her permission is completely unethical.

Not to invite a big debate on this because it's clearly an opinion and you're entitled. But by what principle do you cry unethical? Placing your person in public subjects you to the gaze of others. From there you have to build this argument around some kind of ethical code relating to the use of cameras. Can I photograph your house without your permission? Can I look at you without your permission? How's it all work?

I completely support you if your practice is to ask first. But since you stated so strongly that it's an ethical issue, I thought I'd ask.
posted by scarabic at 8:27 PM on February 27, 2008

Taking someone's photo without his or her permission is completely unethical.

No, it really isn't. The things one does with the photograph could probably wander into the realm of unethical. Snapping a shot, not so much.
posted by chunking express at 8:30 PM on February 27, 2008

I've seen some neat photos by Stanley Kubrick that he took on trains. He kept his camera in his lap and had a wired shutter trigger, and he'd wait for the train to stop at a station to snap his pics so there was no shake.

As far as taking photos of people...it's not often obvious where a lens is pointing. If someone you're photographing looks up curiously, look past them as if you're considering your shot but they're in the way. This interaction takes only a couple of seconds and is almost subconscious.

Other excellent techniques from the now-defunct Pink Headed Bug.
posted by lhall at 9:20 PM on February 27, 2008

Mental Floss' Taking Pictures of Strangers Part 1.
posted by allkindsoftime at 10:26 PM on February 27, 2008

Also, think about this from the subject's point of view.

Living in NYC you can't really go anywhere without running into someone taking a picture in your general or specific direction at some point. Like most people, I don't particularly like the idea of some random person taking my picture.

So I look away. No big deal. I look at the ground, I turn my head, I change the angle I'm walking at. 99% of people have both the freedom and ability to make this decision if they notice you taking a picture that they might be in.

You're not forcing anyone to be in your shots, and even if they feel that way, you can always offer to dispose of the shot.

Its easier to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission.
posted by allkindsoftime at 10:59 PM on February 27, 2008

to get right up somebody's face in an undeniably obnoxious way

Changing your mind about this will be the biggest hurdle for you to overcome before you can start taking some good pictures. If you carry yourself and your camera right, you'll have no problem taking a picture of stranger with your lens and gigantic camera 2 inches away from their face. I've done it on the subway in NYC, I've done it in small villages in China, I've done it in Moscow, I've done it on an Amtrak smoking break in rural North Dakota. If you play it right and quickly enough, the person you're photographing will never think you're taking a picture of them; after all, why would someone ever want to take a picture of them. If they do notice, and don't seem too offended or anything, just say thanks. Sometimes that'll turn into a cool little conversation about "your art" or the weather or whatever. If the person looks a little perturbed and ready to confront you, start with the compliments: "I just love that hat" can do wonders to quell someone's annoyance. But most often, the people will just apologize to you, as if they were in the way of the shot. Just say "No worries" and keep walking.

You will have to take some heat now and again, but it's never too mad. Almost forgot about this happening to me. Was photographing a building mug of a Safeway in Seattle and a guy runs across the street to yell at me about taking a picture of him. I hadn't even noticed anyone walking by (especially since all the people were across a 4-lane street), but obviously something I did was offensive to the guy. Best thing to do is apologize, explain what you were doing, and say you won't take any more pictures of them. It'll all blow over eventually. Whether or not you honor requests not to publish images of people who don't want their picture taken is another story. For editorial use in the US, you're almost always in the clear, especially if it's on the street. But it feels bad. I've always lived by a policy that if someone doesn't want their picture taken and I can easily enough get another usable picture to fill the space in the publication, then I'll honor that request, no problem. Figure it's always better to have more friends than enemies.
posted by msbrauer at 12:49 AM on February 28, 2008

I struggle with this myself, but I'll second having some moo cards with you. I keep them with me all the time; I've offered to send folks a digital copy of the photo for uce on their Facebook page or to make a 4x6 print for themselves. This tends to "ease" things. Now for me- I actually approach people first, but that's the kind of photography I want to do. But you could just as easily take the shot, then go up and do the same thing afterwards. Good luck!
posted by twiki at 5:03 AM on February 28, 2008

chunking express and scarabic:

Some people genuinely believe that having their photograph taken steals their soul. Others don't want to be photographed for other personal reasons. It doesn't matter what happens to or with the photo later; it is the act of taking the photo that is in question.

If the belief is out there that a photo could steal one's soul, then it is the right thing to do to ask everyone (within reason and ability, i.e. crowded streets) before taking their photograph. When a photographer does not ask permission or secretly takes someone's photo while pretending to be looking at or doing something else, he or she could cause major psychological damage to the subject. To me, this whole debate boils down to respect for another's beliefs, and that is why I think it is an ethical issue.

Placing your person in public subjects you to the gaze of others.
A photo and a gaze are different things. There is nothing tangible or permanent about a gaze; you can't pull out a gaze and show it to someone else or frame it to hang on your wall. It is unfair to assume that because a person is in public he or she is willing to have his or her photo taken.

Clearly there are many different opinions on this, and I thought someone should bring up this side of the issue.
posted by easy_being_green at 10:53 AM on February 28, 2008

If the belief is out there that a photo could steal one's soul ...

If you live in any major urban centre you are having your photo taken when you walk into any shop, use an ATM, etc. In many cases nowadays you are also being video taped when you are in public squares and streets. So I would hope that people who think their image being captured steals their souls would not be anywhere near the sorts of places people generally take street snapshots like the OP is asking about. (Also, have you ever met someone who thinks a camera steals their soul walking around the streets of ?) This seems like a big red herring.
posted by chunking express at 11:21 AM on February 28, 2008 [1 favorite]

That said, being confident and asking people to take their photos is certainly a valuable skill to have, but you certainly get a different sort of photograph with such a method. You'll never capture a serendipitous moment by asking people before hand if you can snap their photo.
posted by chunking express at 11:22 AM on February 28, 2008

Apparently, outside of the US, folks don't care if you take their picture. So, people's feelings about having their picture taken is a local cultural thing.
posted by CrazyJoel at 6:24 PM on February 27 [+] [!]

I don't know where you got that impression. In my years in Africa I encountered plenty of people who felt VERY strongly about having their pictures taken. As far as I could tell the objection was two-fold (where I was): (1) they hated to be caught smiling in a picture, possibly because of bad teeth and/or (2) the belief about stealing the soul through the photo.

I agree with easy_being_green. Taking my photo without asking is an invasion of my privacy. I know it's not true under American law, but it is how I feel. I detest the idea of some stranger having my picture, even if s/he doesn't do anything with it. And I've met others who feel even more strongly about it than I do. To some of us, it is creepy, it is invasive. If you don't care, then that's that. If you do care, you probably can't do this kind of street photography very effectively.
posted by Amizu at 12:01 PM on February 28, 2008

I'm traveling and skimmed the responses, so apologies for any redundancies...

I got bored of making images of inanimate objects and decided to focus more on creating images with people in them. Like you, I was extremely uncomfortable with the prospect of making people uncomfortable. So instead of just photographing random strangers, I began attending as many public events as possible -- the more laid-back, the better -- because I found most people in these scenarios were not only comfortable with being in photographs, but overwhelmingly demanding about being in photographs! Parades... press events... public festivals... etc. Use these opportunities to your advantage to become more comfortable photographing people in general. The reticence will give way to confidence soon enough. (Here's a recent blog post of mine that discusses similar background stuff. Self-link, of course.)

As others have mentioned, photographing people who are conscious of you doesn't always translate into the most realistic images. And as others have mentioned, photographing people without their knowledge may be uncomfortable to them. One technique I've found incredibly rewarding is to make contact after I've created the image -- namely by showing the subject the image from the back of my camera and thanking them for helping me create a beautiful photograph. More often than not, this makes a connection I couldn't have made otherwise, and the conversations often move towards inquiries about my availability to make family/portrait/wedding images for themselves or friends. I know your question isn't about business, per se, but the back of your camera is one of the best marketing tools you have. It helps you communicate with your subjects and earn their trust. Moreover, offer to create a free print to either send or email -- it's totally nominal for you, and it'll go to great lengths to help you communicate your appreciation and respect.
posted by Hankins at 9:33 AM on February 29, 2008 [1 favorite]

1) either get one of those lens that's like a periscope - ie you're actually looking at a subject at right angles to the direction in which you're pointing the camera - real sneaky! or 2) get yourself a fat good quality telephoto and stand miles away.
posted by doutzen at 2:29 AM on March 5, 2008

I'm going to IM this to you just in case you don't see this reply right away. I've tried searching the page to see if anyone has posted this already and I don't see it. I apologize up front if I missed it. I was just reading my favorite blogs and came across a post I had missed last month. This is an article about your rights as a photographer, whether you're a professional or not.

Hopefully this will help you. :)
posted by magnoliasouth at 11:23 AM on April 14, 2008