asked a stranger if I could take her picture today..

[Renzsu]

I am torn on this subject.

First off, congrats to Renzsu - it isn't always easy to ask someone for their picture.

Yanidel has a point though - sometimes it's about capturing the essence of the "uninterrupted" moment; people going on about their lives.

But sometimes I wonder, "If this person is interesting enough to photograph, why aren't I interested in talking with them and making a human connection? Am I just taking instead of giving? Is that selfish?"

lemalk, thanks man and I see your points. I do take candid pictures as well when I'm on a photowalk.. most of my pictures are, actually. But in this case I was more interested in just capturing her, I had the feeling she wouldn't mind if I would ask so I just did it. She was just standing and waiting there, I didn't think a candid picture would add much and I wouldn't be able to get her to look at the camera (well maybe if I just took the shot, but I thought that would be rather rude). It doesn't always have to be about being candid I think

 

[Renzsu]

I see why you thought it a good idea to ask her, Renzsu.
Very pretty indeed.

"Can I take your picture?" = best pick-up line ever

Haha, I guess that's true, although I wasn't thinking of that when I took the shot.

I also would suggest not to scare people off by a business card. A slip of paper with your name and your email address may work better.

Anything is better than nothing I guess, next time I'll have to make sure I bring at least something with my contact info/flickr stream on it.

Oh that's a great picture Renzsu! The 'Sgt Pepper' jacket is perfect counter to her totally modern look, and, at least at this size, you nailed the focus just fine. And she's even off center!

Thank you!

 

[Chris101]

I usually just say "no" to anyone handing me an unsolicited card, without reading it or asking them any questions.

 

[yanidel]

lemalk, thanks man and I see your points. I do take candid pictures as well when I'm on a photowalk.. most of my pictures are, actually. But in this case I was more interested in just capturing her, I had the feeling she wouldn't mind if I would ask so I just did it. She was just standing and waiting there, I didn't think a candid picture would add much and I wouldn't be able to get her to look at the camera (well maybe if I just took the shot, but I thought that would be rather rude). It doesn't always have to be about being candid I think

This reminded of the shot below I took a few months ago. I saw the girl and discretly positioned myself in front of her. I had to wait like 5 seconds before she rose her eyes but as soon as she did, click. I don't think I could have had this expression had I asked her permission and the ensuing acting. And lucky me, I even got a smile afterwards.

 

[julio1fer]

Has anyone here ever done something like that? Any tips? Maybe you even got them to model for you at a later stage?

Craig Nelson, of Nelsonfoto fame, did a beautiful series on strangers. He shot Fuji instant film and even got every subject to pose in a bar environment.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I should have asked someone I saw last night to take his picture. I never seem to have the guts.
I will change that this year.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Hi Fransisco, thanks! This was taken on the Leidseplein, to be honest not really one of my fav. spots in the city, but it's good for people watching since it's almost always a busy spot

Thanks for the information. When I was in Amsterdam, we stayed within walking distance from Leidseplein... only in the direction towards the channel, not away from it.

I really liked the Jordan district and the Spui. There's a large antique and stuff market in the Jordan (I hope I'm spelling it correctly) on Mondays, and that was a place in which I asked a couple of people (men) if they minded my taking a photograph of them. One objected, but allowed me to photograph his wares.

Amsterdam is a great place for people-watching... Again, thanks for the information!

 

[p.giannakis]

I usually try to take a picture without them realising it but sometimes they spot me with the camera so anyway i ask for their permission.
And sometimes funny things happen...

 

[Renzsu]

No problem Francisco, oh and the area you mean is Jordaan The Jordaan and Spui areas are really nice indeed. I work on weekdays so I hardly ever check out the markets during the day unfortunately.
Public transportation is quite good inside the city, so it's not always necessary to just walk.
Anyways, people visiting Amsterdam should send me a pm, we can have a drink or do a little photowalk

 

[vdonovan]

What a great pic. Superb in composition, tonality and image quality, with a kicker!

I usually try to take a picture without them realising it but sometimes they spot me with the camera so anyway i ask for their permission.
And sometimes funny things happen...

 

[vdonovan]

A lovely street portrait

A lovely street portrait

This is a lovely portrait. Imagine how different it would be if you just snapped her as she walked by! I bet you're wishing now you'd got her email so you contact her and send her a print.

I too get super nervous when someone is waiting for me to take their picture and often make mistakes. One thing I find is that the calmer you are, the more relaxed your subject will be. If you are fumbling and in a hurry, they will be impatient.

Another trick, especially with women, is to turn it into an instant fashion shoot. Give them a few directions like "okay swirl left, swirl right. Give me some eyes", which will usually get them laughing and more relaxed.

You definitely lose something if they have to stand around while you are fiddling with your camera. I try to pre-set the exposure so I just worry about focus, but also bracket like a madman after the first few shots.

Sorry to dig this back up, but I finally got round to scanning the film, so I thought I'd post the shot I was talking about. I kind of missed the focus on her eyes, but it's not too bad for a shot where I was a bit too nervous to take my sweet time to get it right haha. Not sure if it's wide open or at f/2.. next time I'll try f/2.8 to make sure the focus isn't too critical.. oh and give my card.