Share your awkward street stories..

[pavost]

Suffering with social anxiety doesn't lend it's hand to street photography too well.. But I like to get myself to get out there into the hustle and sometimes the interactions are just plain awkward.

Here is my latest encounter:

So I spotted an attractive Asian lady, maybe in her early 20's on the opposite side of the traffic laden road. She was wearing an interesting outfit with high heels.
The lady was approaching a section of the footpath that had an amazing late afternoon beam of light that bounces of surrounding buildings to create a usable back light..

And I was off! Dodging traffic, camera thudding against my torso as I displayed some enticing footwork.
She was approaching the perfect light! I was still too far away. Have you ever seen a dog chase down a bone? I practically bowled some poor old man eating his sandwich to get in front of the seemingly illusive subject, got on one knee, framed the perfect masterpiece and waited for the click of the shutter.
Yep it dawned on me.. I did not cock the shutter. The moment was gone the lady was out the of the light and heading straight for me in a aggressive manner.

"Did you take my picture?"

For some reason I said "yes."

"why?" She asked.

Still in photography mode and being a little out of breath from the cross street gallivanting, searching for a compliment. I replied "I really like your.. dress."
Only.. she wasn't wearing a dress she had jeans on. We both looked at each other awkwardly as the seconds passed. As to admit defeat I nodded my head and pursed my lips, said "thanks" and gave her the thumbs up.

She just shook her head and walked off. I stood there for a good minute, in a daze of embarrassment as the awkwardness washed away my dignity.

To help take my mind off my own social ineptness.. what's your most awkward or funny street story?

 

[gb hill]

I don't really have one. But hey look at your situation as a confidence gainer. She didn't smack you so feel confident next time your out photographing strangers. I know the feeling of pressing the shutter & realizing I forgot to cock it.😉

 

[Bob Michaels]

Photographing a lot in Cuba, dressing casually (i.e. touristic), carrying a camera, and always looking around for interesting people, I tend a be a real magnet for Cuban women looking to lay down for a few bucks. They are not bad people, just providing for their families, so I am usually polite when they approach me and jump to the end saying "no gracias". Most grasp that I know where the conversation will be going, smile, and walk away. But sometimes I get tired of them or anticipate one not giving up quickly and answer very directly while remaining pleasant.

Last year in Havana, I had dropped to a knee and was looking through the finder when I heard a young female voice behind me say "hello my friend". Slightly annoyed, I just replied "no fu**ee, f**kee" and ignored her. When I finished with my photo I turned around to see a somewhat familiar Cuban woman about 25 with a camera in her hand. She explained that she was not a jinetera (prostitute) and we had photographed together last year at the big workers day march on May 1st.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Maybe 40 years ago: Man selling Socialist Worker newspaper. I take his picture.

MSCW: "You have the right to ask me if you can take my picture."

Me: "True. I chose not to exercise that right."

If you're selling Socialist Worker and aren't proud of doing so, what does that make you?

One of fewer than 5 incidents in 45+ years. I may be doing something right...

Cheers,

R.