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Taking a picture of a stranger.

  • 18-06-2012 7:50pm
    #1
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭


    Say you where out and about with your camera.

    You see a person on your travels that would make for an interesting image. Be it a beautiful girl or interesting chap.

    How do you get the photo without scaring the sh1t of of them?

    I have often held back because they may take offence to a cam in the face.

    I have a million pics of my own child at this stage and would like to explore the portrait world a little further.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Leftyflip
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,463 ✭✭✭Leftyflip


    Point, focus, click, disappear, that's how I do it!


  • #3
    peckerhead
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,383 ✭✭✭peckerhead


    Or you could get a Super-Secret Spy Lens! :cool:

    Discussion here. Under 30 euro on eBay.

    Cam in the face, I say, and if they complain tell them to run off home to their mammy.


  • #4
    Paulw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,381 ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    Try this method -



  • #5
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    HAHAAHA that guy is nuts. Talk about an adventure each time he goes shooting.

    i would think he has had a few slaps in his day for being so bold with a camera.


    I was on the way home from Galway a few weeks ago . I was a passenger in a van.

    On the way home I snapped people in their cars driving. I got their attention and every single person smiled or posed in some way. Especially woman. Very positive reactions.

    Nearly all the pics where terrible as all you could see was the glare of the glass.

    Try it.


  • #6
    pixbyjohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,250 ✭✭✭pixbyjohn


    gsxr1 wrote: »
    Say you where out and about with your camera.

    You see a person on your travels that would make for an interesting image. Be it a beautiful girl or interesting chap.

    How do you get the photo without scaring the sh1t of of them?

    I have often held back because they may take offence to a cam in the face.

    I have a million pics of my own child at this stage and would like to explore the portrait world a little further.

    As you walk towards your subject let them see you have a camera ready to take a photo, smile and nod at them. 99% of the time they are happy to let you snap them. Always engage with your subject, ask them a question about themselves. A bit of banter is a great groundbreaker I find. When you get a negative vibe just back off.


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  • #7
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    If you do the facebook thing, check, follow or like the Humans of Dublin project.

    Love their daily postings.

    Not entirely sure who is behind it. Don't think its on here.

    Dazftw I think posted about starting out on this before. Try a search of his posts about 18months/2 years ago perhaps(?)

    There appears to be two schools of thought on this - (a) go candid and capture the natural, or (b) engage your subject and get an engaged pose/ perhaps non natural but equally brilliant. With (b) if you engage enough, you may get the natural candid but in all its close up glory.


  • #8
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    Well, you could stand well out of sight with a zoom lens and take their picture and they'd never be any the wiser. I'd advise against doing that though. There is zero skill in it. And it's sneaky too.

    Otherwise you could walk up and ask them for a photo. I've been doing this recently because I'm practicing taking portraits, and most people are pretty happy to oblige. Since you mentioned portraits in your post, this might be the better way to do it.

    A good way to start would be to photograph street-performers. They're well used to people taking their photos and definitely won't take offence! Should help you get used to taking pics of strangers.



    On a related note, I recently caught a guy snapping my photo from a distance in Temple Bar and walked over and gave him an ear-full.

    It wasn't even that I was annoyed about the photo, it was the fact that when I turned to him he immediately turned away as though he hadn't been taking my photo at all! Not even the courtesy to give a smile or a wave...

    Point is - A little respect goes a long way in this type of photography. If you're pleasant and friendly, people will be inclined to trust you and most won't object to you photographing them.

    If you skulk around corners with a 200mm, expect bad reactions when you're eventually caught (and you will be!).


  • #9
    trooney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭trooney


    There was a bit more recent thread on the subject -

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74151988


  • #10
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    I was reading that thread a couple of weeks ago.

    There's one photo on there that I think is just disgraceful. It's basically the antithesis of what I was saying at the end of my previous post. No respect for the person in the photo. No thought given to their dignity. And no artistic or thematic justification for it.

    I won't name the poster, you'll see the photo yourself, but it's the sort of thing that puts me off candids entirely.


  • #11
    Hugh_C
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,852 ✭✭✭Hugh_C


    I'm not a street photographer but somehow I have the feeling that people who need to take photographs of complete strangers are lacking some component in themselves. It's kinda sneaky and uncool to loiter around taking surreptitious snaps of strangers. It's not documentary, it's not portraiture, it's not art.

    Somebody explain to me why I'm wrong.

    :p


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  • #12
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    Hugh_C wrote: »
    I'm not a street photographer but somehow I have the feeling that people who need to take photographs of complete strangers are lacking some component in themselves. It's kinda sneaky and uncool to loiter around taking surreptitious snaps of strangers. It's not documentary, it's not portraiture, it's not art.

    Somebody explain to me why I'm wrong.

    :p
    I like to spur a reaction from people. It gets my heart thumping. I love to see different faces. Some great faces out there.

    Not sure about the telephone sneaky approach. It's a bit creepy.

    I can't see your point about lacking .


  • #13
    swingking
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,258 ✭✭✭swingking


    djgaillimh wrote: »
    On a related note, I recently caught a guy snapping my photo from a distance in Temple Bar and walked over and gave him an ear-full.

    Bit harsh. The guy was only practicing his street photography. I don't think he did any harm


    Thomas Leuthard gives great advice on street photography. Check out his ebooks (which are free)

    http://book.85mm.ch


  • #14
    inkedpt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 217 ✭✭inkedpt


    There's a group called 100 strangers... good luck!


  • #15
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    swingking wrote: »
    Bit harsh. The guy was only practicing his street photography. I don't think he did any harm

    The point, as I explained to him, is that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing it. True, he's not obliged to acknowledge me, and if I'm in a public place he can take as many photos as he pleases, but it's a question of courtesy.

    Sneaking a photo of somebody using a zoom lens and then pretending you didn't do it is a ****ty way to behave, and if he keeps doing it he'll encounter far less understanding people than me.


  • #16
    petercena
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 37 ✭petercena


    Some times it happens that you are enjoying a place and suddenly you saw a good picture click situation and it is possible that some unknown person was into your frame if you want to take that snap you can request them and explain that he/she is looking good in that frame and if they want you can even send them a copy of that picture. I tried it so many times it always work.. :D


  • #17
    dave66
    Closed Accounts Posts: 708 ✭✭✭dave66


    I reckon you are going through the hardest part, the approaching strangers and asking to take their photo, when you've done a few it becomes very easy. Just bear in mind the worst they can say is "no"

    Of course you can do the "sneaky pic" approach or just take it without their knowledge, personally I prefer to engage with the person (even learn a little bit about them) before taking the shot.

    I did a project 365 last year, and people photography was something I wanted to work on so I had to take the plunge.

    What I found worked for me, was a simple, friendly and direct approach. I go up to people with the camera clearly visible and say something like, do you mind if I ask you a question you probably won't be asked today? The follow up with saying I'm a photographer doing a project and would like to take their photo, most people laugh and say sure. I then tell them where there photo might appear online (my blog). I've yet to have somebody say no.

    Here are couple I managed to get:

    138C9038D41D48219511383091C70F1A-0000336212-0002290923-00500L-582F54FD67CF48029DFC62FE7F65943D.jpg

    FD39240E74DF43A58DE76C8E442E5ED4-0000336212-0002302969-00500L-55F420E1EAD94F6F836D440DF6E2EED9.jpg

    9933782128BC443FA5C127D3DB45001E-0000336212-0002353439-00500L-790E4FAC7BAA4C78BC85C324829FA6F9.jpg

    I say, just bite the bullet and go for it!


  • #18
    pullandbang
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 4,948 ✭✭✭pullandbang


    I did a whole year of it last year, all taken with my 50mm lens and some interaction with all of the subjects. Even got a book out of it....:)


  • #19
    .Longshanks.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,718 ✭✭✭.Longshanks.


    I've taken shots of strangers on everything from a 35mm to 200mm lens (FF equivalent) and see nothing wrong with it. I only go for candids - personal preference as I don't like posed shots.
    I usually stand in a prominent spot on the footpath in full view of everyone. No sneaky approach! People usually spot ya and then ignore ya while walking straight past ya. Sometimes you get a sneaky smile.


  • #20
    okmqaz42
    Registered Users Posts: 612 ✭✭✭okmqaz42


    @gsxr1 I do a fair bit of this because I like people and it is an interesting way to interact. I generally walk straight up to the person and ask if they mind if I take a photo. 9 times out of 10 they say go ahead and laugh, usually they ask why I would want their photo. I always offer to send them a copy if the shots looks ok.


  • #21
    rdsatapa
    Site Banned Posts: 13 ✭rdsatapa


    Lovely pictures of people on bikes in Edinburgh: http://edinburghcyclechic.wordpress.com/ . I have done similar thinks and only once have been asked to delete a picture. Though it might be easier to do if you are female.


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  • #22
    trooney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,268 ✭✭✭trooney


    rdsatapa wrote: »
    I have done similar thinks and only once have been asked to delete a picture. Though it might be easier to do if you are female.

    Blokes are just as good at deleting photos :p


  • #23
    dazftw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭dazftw


    What I did was hold my hand slightly up, not too high and just say:

    "Sorry do you mind if I ask you a quick question?"

    "I'm doing a project and interesting looking strangers would you mind if I take a quick photo and you don't have to pose or anything."

    Yes or a no reply. Its nerve racking but worth it when you get the shot.

    Here are some of the results, very simple portraits.

    http://www.darrencarlinphoto.com/strangers

    I will add I don't mind doing it the sneaky way. As long as its not with a telephoto! They usually come out crap any time I see them on here.

    Network with your people: https://www.builtinireland.ie/



  • #24
    pixbyjohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,250 ✭✭✭pixbyjohn


    Hugh_C wrote: »
    I'm not a street photographer but somehow I have the feeling that people who need to take photographs of complete strangers are lacking some component in themselves. It's kinda sneaky and uncool to loiter around taking surreptitious snaps of strangers. It's not documentary, it's not portraiture, it's not art.

    Somebody explain to me why I'm wrong.

    :p

    Well Hugh, it could be documentary, portraiture or art. Really its different for everyone. Your studio shots are superb but not everyones type of shot. When you look back through old books of photography its really nice to see street photography as it gives a sense of feeling for the time that the photo was taken in. The clothes people wear, their hairstyle etc.
    As in most hobbies there is room for every style and thats what makes it interesting. Broadens ones horizons too.


  • #25
    dazftw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,728 ✭✭✭dazftw


    A bit of inspiration:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5NgG5koPZU


    He talks a bit about what you're saying john.

    Just found this one:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQwLQ1NDz9I

    Network with your people: https://www.builtinireland.ie/



  • #26
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    djgaillimh wrote: »
    On a related note, I recently caught a guy snapping my photo from a distance in Temple Bar and walked over and gave him an ear-full.

    I don't know the specifics of the situation or how the scenario played but you might just have destroyed this individual's confidence who may never take a candid again. Ok, I appreciate that you don't particularly have to care and perhaps you feel this is a service which you've done to both people taking photographs and people being photographed but you should remember that its only your view of the world and the chap out taking a few photographs for the day/afternoon/whatever has his/her view.

    An awful lot of photographers are incredibly introverted. Sineadw has a wonderful theory on the introverted nature of the photographer which I hope at some stage gets a scientific outing. A small number of the introverted, muster up the courage and some even become keyboard warrior enough to post sh*te online in the comfort of knowing that they'll never have to encounter who they're in dialogue with, but the vast majority (as evidenced by the posts on this thread) speak of the horror of initially getting over the whole 'can i take your picture please sir/madam'. Granted once done, they're over it and some wonderful work can ensue (again as evidenced by many on this thread).

    From what you've written, the individual did nothing wrong yet came off the wrong side of an ear bashing from you because you took it upon yourself. He wasn't stalking you (from what you've posted) and maybe even was paying you the greatest compliment that can be bestowed upon an individual - in that he/she felt you were interesting/beautiful/different/cool/worthy enough to want to capture your image. I don't think you had no right to approach it as you did but i do think you were wrong in the approach which you took.


  • #27
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    AnCatDubh wrote: »
    I don't know the specifics of the situation or how the scenario played

    And yet you've taken it upon yourself to invent some specifics and write a short essay about it.

    The guy was apologetic and agreed with me that it was poor form to do it as he did. He offered to delete the photo, I told him not to bother.

    Will you sleep easy tonight?

    An awful lot of photographers are incredibly introverted. Sineadw has a wonderful theory on the introverted nature of the photographer which I hope at some stage gets a scientific outing. A small number of the introverted, muster up the courage and some even become keyboard warrior enough to post sh*te online in the comfort of knowing that they'll never have to encounter who they're in dialogue with, but the vast majority (as evidenced by the posts on this thread) speak of the horror of initially getting over the whole 'can i take your picture please sir/madam'.

    I'd agree with the point about some photographers being introverted, but the general public do not exist as a confidence boosting exercise for shy photographers. They're not animals in a zoo, here for our amusement.

    Taking a picture of somebody - even in a public place - can be considered a gross invasion of their privacy. That person doesn't know you, doesn't know what kind of person you are, doesn't know what you're going to do with that photo, doesn't know where it will be posted or for what purpose.

    If you're going to do it, then you have to do it respectfully and in a manner that sets people's minds at ease. If you're going to skulk and sneak and treat people like some lesser form of life, then you're going to have to deal with an ear-bashing eventually. And moreover, you'll deserve it.

    Better that this guy heard it from somebody who understood where he was coming from and didn't want to punch his lights out.


  • #28
    artyeva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,137 ✭✭✭artyeva


    djgaillimh wrote: »
    I'd agree with the point about some photographers being introverted, but the general public do not exist as a confidence boosting exercise for shy photographers. They're not animals in a zoo, here for our amusement.

    Taking a picture of somebody - even in a public place - can be considered a gross invasion of their privacy. That person doesn't know you, doesn't know what kind of person you are, doesn't know what you're going to do with that photo, doesn't know where it will be posted or for what purpose.

    If you're going to do it, then you have to do it respectfully and in a manner that sets people's minds at ease. If you're going to skulk and sneak and treat people like some lesser form of life, then you're going to have to deal with an ear-bashing eventually. And moreover, you'll deserve it.

    Better that this guy heard it from somebody who understood where he was coming from and didn't want to punch his lights out.

    i sorta kinda in a round about way agree with some of this. i had the chance to see pullandbang in action one day with his 52@50 project and i admire both the way he went about it - approaching the subjects and engaging with them - and the results. same with daftz's stranger stuff. just... i'm not that kind of personality. i envy those who are though, and don't resort to hiding behind a lamp post with a 200m lens.

    on the flip side of that, i'm NOT comfortable having my photograph taken. i sat for sineadw's project last year and apart from my wedding day [7 hours of being photographed] it was the hardest thing i've done in years. i just don't like it. one of the reasons i kinda stopped going to photowalks is i don't like being photographed, in fact i f***ing detest it, but you're around people who snap away anyway regardless of what you say, and you don't feel comfortable enough being emphatic about the NO....... and anyway, yeah all this waffle is my way of saying i don't think enough of us who take photos appreciate that some people don't like having their photo taken :o


  • #29
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    Yeah, I don't like having my photo taken either. Not when I'm just strolling around minding my own business anyway.

    That may have contributed to my annoyance, but y'know, if he had just smiled or waved or something I wouldn't have cared.

    But instead he saw me coming through his viewfinder and did the lightning-fast swivel-away manoeuvre... the mark of a guilty photographer!

    That kind of behaviour does make you wonder what his intentions are.

    And maybe it was just shyness on his part, but I really think if you're putting yourself in this position, knowing that people might not appreciate what you're doing, then you need to overcome it long enough to be courteous at least.


  • #30
    AnCatDubh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,393 ✭✭✭AnCatDubh


    djgaillimh wrote: »
    And yet you've taken it upon yourself to invent some specifics and write a short essay about it.

    Nope, not at all. In fairness:
    I don't know the specifics of the situation or how the scenario played but you might just have destroyed this individual's confidence who may never take a candid again.
    From what you've written, the individual did nothing wrong yet came off the wrong side of an ear bashing from you because you took it upon yourself
    and maybe even was paying you the greatest compliment

    (oh, and you should see when i offer a detailed C&C for essay proportions ;))


    hey, i'm only offering perspective. maybe at some stage it will get consideration / have relevance. maybe not. I understand you see it differently.

    :)

    peace.


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  • #31
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    AnCatDubh wrote: »

    (oh, and you should see when i offer a detailed C&C for essay proportions ;))

    Ha. I'll make sure never to post one so...

    Well then let me modify my original to say that you needed a lot of maybes and ifs in order to make your case. ;)

    Anyway, it was pretty amicable in the end so no harm done. I have great difficulty staying angry for longer than a few seconds.


  • #32
    lisatiffany
    Registered Users Posts: 536 ✭✭✭lisatiffany


    What a great topic. Here is my take on it. Many photographers I know are big guys who don't look necessarily scary but so many of them tell me they are very wary about photographing people in public without asking first, and when it comes to a child in the shot they almost never ever take the shot. I can completely understand that and it makes a lot of sense. I don't look very threatening so I find it very easy to go up to perfect strangers and ask them can I take their picture, why I want to, and if they have an email address I can forward it on to. I love interacting with people so I don't mind asking someone first, in my experience I've never had anyone say no and I've never had anyone get hostile. T

    he first boards photowalk I attended was at night and when we got to templebar someone spotted a guy covered in tats with a very "don't mess with me" look on his face, I chased after him and asked to take his picture. He let me and I went back to the group but the next day something happened that proved a little theory I have. Someone on the street might look hard as nails and unapproachable but at the end of the day they are just human and asking couldn't hurt. I posted his picture and 5 minutes later one of my friends said they knew him, a couple of hours later I was talking to the guy and he was so down to earth. His swastikas were not to signify white power or anything like that, it was in the same way its used in Hinduism. So the moral of the story is don't be afraid to ask, if you don't you could be missing a great photo-op. :)

    6837392138_63fed2973c_c.jpg
    That's himself URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacylisa/6837392138/in/set-72157629228317340/"]Original Image[/URL :)

    The last flickr comment says it all "Seen that chap in the Foggy Dew a couple of times then Penny's which is slightly less Rock and Roll haha. I'd never have the balls to ask him for a picture."


  • #33
    Shad0r
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭Shad0r


    AnCatDubh wrote: »
    If you do the facebook thing, check, follow or like the Humans of Dublin project.

    Love their daily postings.

    Yeah that's a great idea and its executed really well too, although I've always been more of a fan of candid shots rather than posed...


  • #34
    dinneenp
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,152 ✭✭✭dinneenp


    here's a video of a guy talking about 'how to photograph complete strangers.

    Here's one of a guy working on the Baltimore to Cape Clear ferry from last weekend-
    baltimore-cape-clear-ferry.jpg


  • #35
    StopNotWorking
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 645 ✭✭✭StopNotWorking


    Street portraits are only as hard as you make them, you can ask the person nicely and if they refuse then grand. Candid stuff is tricky at the best of times, you will offend people and you will get started on eventually(regardless of how polite you are about it). The best advice I heard about it was by this guy. He said be honest with your photography, if you want close in street shots of people then go get them, but get a wide lens(28-36) and shoot the way you want the pictures to come out. Tele candid portraits in my opinion are just bad. Take Capas advise and get close!

    For inspiration on portrait stuff look up the 100 strangers project, loads of people do it. For candids then the videos before on Bruce gilden are spot on. This guy does the same thing, it's brave and it's offensive at times but to be honest some people are just born to be offended.

    I shot some stuff in temple bar before at night with a flash, I was really worried before hand but you can see who wants their picture taken and who doesn't


  • #36
    artyeva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,137 ✭✭✭artyeva


    StopNotWorking wrote: »
    it's offensive at times but to be honest some people are just born to be offended.

    :pac:


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  • #37
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    Wow. Wet out this evening into Shop street in Galway. Im staying here for work.

    I took my 50mm .

    Was very scarry I have to say. I was very nervous about doing it.

    I first started to try and take a few sneeky pics. I did not have good results. I kind of felt a little creepy . Framing and focus issues as well. Not for me.

    So I went on to shot street performers . Most where great. One ask for 50c before I took the photo. LOL. yeah right.

    Then I went on to eyre square. Got a few really nice pics of some people. Old, young ,male and female . Each subject caught my eye. I asked 7 people and one girl said no. I still need to work on my connection with them. On hide sight I wish I engaged them more. I kind of ran off after I got the shot.

    I dont have my dam camera connection lead to up upload. Will get them up with a link to Flickr tomorrow.
    Was very exciting .:)

    Keep the advise coming. This is great.


  • #38
    artyeva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,137 ✭✭✭artyeva


    gsxr1 wrote: »
    So I went on to shot street performers . Most where great. One ask for 50c before I took the photo. LOL. yeah right

    50c to take a photo of someone as they're trying to make their living but you begrudge them it?


  • #39
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    artyeva wrote: »
    50c to take a photo of someone as they're trying to make their living but you begrudge them it?

    No. I had no change. Was not going to pay a tenner for the pic ..


  • #40
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    gsxr1 wrote: »
    Then I went on to eyre square. Got a few really nice pics of some people. Old, young ,male and female . Each subject caught my eye. I asked 7 people and one girl said no. I still need to work on my connection with them. On hide sight I wish I engaged them more. I kind of ran off after I got the shot.

    I dont have my dam camera connection lead to up upload. Will get them up with a link to Flickr tomorrow.
    Was very exciting .:)

    Keep the advise coming. This is great.

    It is exciting, isn't it? I'm pretty new to it myself (I'm practicing street-portraits for a future project) - you get a weird nervous rush when you ask somebody. I don't know why, though. Seems like something that shouldn't be a big deal...

    I'm from Galway. There's a bloke who hangs around on Quay St who would make for a great portrait. Thin, middle-aged, long beard, black hair going grey. He's pretty friendly too. Keep an eye out for him. He's there most of the day so you won't miss him.


  • #41
    Stephen P
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,891 ✭✭✭Stephen P


    I went out yesterday on my lunch with my camera, mainly to get some photos of the Lunch Time Cycle. I've wanted to get some street shots for a while but was too nervous to attempt it. I tried it yesterday and was fairly happy with the results. I stuck to touristy areas to try and blend in as a tourist. Didn't get any close up shots. There's some shots on my pix.ie account. It's an area of photography that I would like to get good at but need to build up more confidence. I don't think I would ever ask a stranger if I could take their photo.


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  • #42
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    Stephen P wrote: »
    I went out yesterday on my lunch with my camera, mainly to get some photos of the Lunch Time Cycle. I've wanted to get some street shots for a while but was too nervous to attempt it. I tried it yesterday and was fairly happy with the results. I stuck to touristy areas to try and blend in as a tourist. Didn't get any close up shots. There's some shots on my pix.ie account. It's an area of photography that I would like to get good at but need to build up more confidence. I don't think I would ever ask a stranger if I could take their photo.

    from my trip yesterday I found the approach important. A smile, eye contact and hello went a long way. Saying feck it(to myself) I most be bold. It was easy . You are flattering someone .

    Going out again this weekend. My built in flash is over exposing the subject on Manual . flash Exposure comp on -5. Any flash tips.


  • #43
    retes231
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭retes231


    Paulw wrote: »
    Try this method -



    Must try!! HAHA this guy is nuts.


  • #44
    wallpaper12
    Closed Accounts Posts: 173 ✭✭wallpaper12


    gsxr1 wrote: »
    No. I had no change. Was not going to pay a tenner for the pic ..

    Its actually quite rude not to give these people anything when you are taking a photo. They are out there to earn money.
    Next time dont be such a tight arse and bring some change.


  • #45
    artyeva
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,137 ✭✭✭artyeva


    gsxr1 wrote: »
    No. I had no change. Was not going to pay a tenner for the pic ..

    riiiiight. i must've taken you up wrong. in fairness, you can appreciate from the quote below how that comes across...;)
    gsxr1 wrote: »
    One ask for 50c before I took the photo. LOL. yeah right.


  • #46
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    Let's just let the whole money thing go, shall we?

    It was a first outing, can't expect him to have all the angles covered.


  • #47
    gsxr1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,167 ✭✭✭gsxr1


    7415743996_82d0344ffc.jpg


    7415739370_b44a55a8bb.jpg

    7415742662_0fb7ff3e55.jpg

    7415745052_d85d519d1c.jpg


    About the money thing. I wish I did not mention it now. But will know the next time. I will bring a few bob.


  • #48
    humberklog
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 10,580 Mod ✭✭✭✭humberklog


    gsxr1 wrote: »



    About the money thing. I wish I did not mention it now. But will know the next time. I will bring a few bob.


    I'm glad you mentioned it. I think it's important in relation to the pics you took.

    No connection, no understanding. Random pics of strangers without feeling or context.


  • #49
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    humberklog wrote: »
    gsxr1 wrote: »



    About the money thing. I wish I did not mention it now. But will know the next time. I will bring a few bob.


    I'm glad you mentioned it. I think it's important in relation to the pics you took.

    No connection, no understanding. Random pics of strangers without feeling or context.


    I assume you're now going to show us the masterpieces you took on your first ever attempt at street portraits?

    No? Of course not.

    The first few attempts are a learning experience (I know because I'm still doing it). It's about plucking up the courage to do it more than anything else - striking up a rapport with your subjects only happens when you're comfortable with this type of photography.

    What a mean-spirited post.


  • #50
    humberklog
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 10,580 Mod ✭✭✭✭humberklog


    djgaillimh wrote: »
    What a mean-spirited post.


    What a mean spirited attitude to taking photos of buskers (christ on a bike)! (50c FFS! When he should give them a quid, without being asked).

    As for my own photos on the matter...well, they're there to be seen on pix and flickr.


  • #51
    djgaillimh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 211 ✭✭djgaillimh


    First. Attempt.

    Go easy.

    Besides anything else, the point has already been made two or three times - and the guy already conceded it.


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