Asking permission?

[dshugar]

Hi - I was wondering how everyone approaches subjects they're interested in photographing on a more than 'just one photo' basis. That was a little confusing. Anyway, there's this old barbershop where I live and I was thinking of doing a little photo essay about it. Lots of old Italian men in there arguing all the time - you get the idea. Anyway, I can't just go in and start firing. Any suggestions about how to ask whether I can photograph there on a few different days?

 

[bmattock]

Hi - I was wondering how everyone approaches subjects they're interested in photographing on a more than 'just one photo' basis. That was a little confusing. Anyway, there's this old barbershop where I live and I was thinking of doing a little photo essay about it. Lots of old Italian men in there arguing all the time - you get the idea. Anyway, I can't just go in and start firing. Any suggestions about how to ask whether I can photograph there on a few different days?

Get a haircut there. Make friends. It is always easier to ask a friend for a favor. You'll probably get more cooperative subjects, too.

 

[Sparrow]

I shot some dance classes last year, and just asked the principal/owner beforehand and got her permission, then asked at the start of each class a general “anybody object to me taking photos” question as a courtesy, nobody objected

 

[jbf]

Walk inside one day with your camera in your bag. Go up to the man in charge or one of the barbers and just tell him your story.

"Hi, I'm working on a student art photography project. I was hoping you might let me take some photographs in your barber shop on x day blah blah blah"

I would offer them prints, but keep in mind. You should deliver. Dont say your going to give prints and never do. Worst mistake you could ever make. You could end up getting some kind of business deal with them if they like your photographs once you bring them prints.

I've had this happen to me. 🙂

 

[nikon_sam]

So far all good advice...
I'll add this thought...show up often (with a camera) hang out there in your free time, get to know the barbers and the clients (regulars)
After a while they will see you as a normal fixture and start to zone you out...
Trust me this is a good thing...you want them to NOT notice you with a camera and to act natural (before you were ever there)
This may take a while but if you're serious about this project it will be worth it...

 

[35mmdelux]

get a hair cut there for starters, afterall you did state you wanted a photo essay, get to know them a little, show your portfolio. Be honest. good luck.

 

[dshugar]

Thanks all. I have had my haircut there already a couple of times....

 

[sirius]

Well, maybe you should get a shave then 😉

 

[dshugar]

Yeah, well IF and when I do get a shave, I'm definitely going for one of those straight razor ones!

 

[Glenn2]

If you've got an ultra-wide lens it's fun to shooting self portraits while getting your hair cut. I asked the lady trimming my tresses if she minded me doing photography while she worked, she didn't and I got this shot using a 15mm CV. She was delighted when I later dropped off a print....

Glenn