furcafe said:
When shooting, I generally walk around w/a camera (almost always chrome) in plain sight & attract no more attention when that camera happens to be a big 1 like a Contarex, Norita, or Kodak Medalist.
I agree. I was afraid to take 'street shots' and now I do it without even thinking - it is like breathing to me. When I was afraid, people noticed me. When I tried to hide, they saw me.
Over a long period of time, I found that it is like dealing with animals - if they sense fear, they react. If they sense nervousness, they react. If you are part of the ebb and flow, and know that you are, you fit in and they don't usually notice.
I've stood on top of a bus stop bench and shot photos of people walking by, with someone sitting next to me on the bench. I don't know if they noticed me or not - you'd think they'd have had to. But they didn't react - which was what I wanted.
I still am sometimes approached, questioned, or accosted. But not nearly as much as before I went ninja. All attitude and understanding.
And even when I am approached, I sometimes find that a nonsense answer is quite acceptable. "I'm a photographer" is often accepted when I am asked 'why' I am taking a photo. If they thought about, they'd realize that was no answer. But they don't. I just continue to behave as if I have every right to be doing what I am doing (which I do), and to continue to work even as I am questioned. Behaving like you're 'at work' is very much a part of it, I think. People don't like to interfere with someone who is doing their job.
However, as regards shutter noise. Less is better. When doing photography in a large city, there are times when you are not where there is noise - in a cathedral, in a restaurant, in a foyer, and etc. Yes, body language and professionalism can cover a lot - but I'd prefer a smaller camera to a larger one, a quieter shutter to a louder one. And a fast camera to a better lens.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
