Who else is too chicken to...

rover

rover

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...do street photography?

Here is the deal. I was driving through the Univ. of Connecticut campus this morning. Things are starting to pick-up, if I searched it out I am sure I would find out that dorms open this weekend. Well, I came across the Marching Band camp this morning. The Band was grouped by type of instrument, each group in circles working on their tunes. The drum corp was particularly interesting as the bass drums were on stands, back lit by the morning sun. The light passing through the semi translucent drum skins was eye catching.

I couldn't bring myself to take my camera out and shoot off any images for fear of being a stalker. I am kinda bummed. I may head out there tomorrow morning to overcome my fear.
 
I have some hesitancy to shoot other people's young children and nubile female adolescents for the same reasons you have, but bands are a different matter. These people are "PERFORMERS!" What they do is show off their skills in public. I'm sure that as long as you don't try and degrade them or embarass them collectively, they would welcome an opportune to perform in front of a lens.

-Paul
 
I'm not the boldest, gutsiest guy... but I've been there.

The best thing to do when you're feeling like observed or haunted, is simply to think of yourself as the pioneer whose work will be wanted, needed, sought after and envied by many, namely those whose cameras have an LCD in the back and who, forced by their limitations, have to delete photos without reviewing them longer than two or three seconds (at best!).

Now, seriously, that kinda jitterness comes from not knowing what is it you want to do. An advice I got from a photo.net experienced street shooter (not Jeff Spirer; I can't remember his name) was to think of the photos you want to make. Pick a geometrical motif, an event, expression or something; see the photo in front of you and then you'll know what to shoot. That also gives you the air of someone who knows how to use the camera, and nobody will really care much about you.

I've gone to markets, streets and fairs with my camera in hand. Crowds are the best environment not only for their potential but also because they offer protection: nobody notices you. Once I have a list of images I would like to capture, I simply go and photograph them. At times, it helps being nice and asking for permission. More often than not, you get it.

Not that I'm not a chicken, mind you... 😛
 
I think my problem was that it wasn't a crowd situation. There was the band broken up into groups doing their thing, and then there would be me. If I do get the chance tomorrow I will take a walk around campus with my camera, and shoot if I find something interesting, but not just stop with the specific purpose of shooting the band.
 
I repeat, Bands Love Photography! Except perhaps for those instrumentalists who are out there in hair curlers. Besides, college campuses are full of photography students trying to become the next Elliott Erwit.

You might even want to talk to the band director and explain that you are working on a photo-essay. He may be able to arrange an introduction to the band members and some additional accessibility.

-Paul
 
Great site Doug, very sage advice. I'm gonna try the 4 roll technique myself!

Todd
 
Doug, that was a breath of fresh air! Or maybe very wise air, since Bronlow says things I've found out on my own, like acting like you mean to be there...

The more you try to go unnoticed, the more you'll attract attention upon yourself, so, Rover, go around with your camera, approach the bands openly showing your intentions and you'll see that, if they don't want to be photographed, they'll let you know. If they don't mind, they'll give you the green light. 😉

It has worked for me with the street performers in Chicago. Check this one out!
 
Re: Who else is too chicken to...

rover said:
...do street photography?

Here is the deal. I was driving through the Univ. of Connecticut campus this morning. Things are starting to pick-up, if I searched it out I am sure I would find out that dorms open this weekend. Well, I came across the Marching Band camp this morning. The Band was grouped by type of instrument, each group in circles working on their tunes. The drum corp was particularly interesting as the bass drums were on stands, back lit by the morning sun. The light passing through the semi translucent drum skins was eye catching.

I couldn't bring myself to take my camera out and shoot off any images for fear of being a stalker. I am kinda bummed. I may head out there tomorrow morning to overcome my fear.
Click to expand...

Aaaah, my favorite type of shooting. I love spinning on the short lens and getting close. The intimacy really comes through in the photo's. I've found that honesty and sincerity, will get you up close about every time. There is the occasional time when someone is offended, and then you just smile and move on. Most people are flattered that you would want to take a picture of them. There are a few different approaches that one can use if they are uncomfortable or new at it. But it is a rewarding way of shooting. (28mm lens)

Russ
 
That's it Russ, it is the getting close thing that is getting me. I shoot all the time up close with friends and family, but the stranger thing is getting me.

I am getting ready to go. Surely if the band is still in bed, hung over from last night's parties so I have a little more time to prepare.
 
I appreciate the links given in this thread. I'm not a natural street photographer either. I'm shy and I'm tall -- when I'm in a crowd and pull my camera up to eye level it gets noticed unless there's an event people are focused on.

Good tips for overcoming these feelings.

Gene
 
Yes I did. You guys wouldn't be proud of me, but I was there, and I did take some pictures. Not as many as I wanted to or should have.

Today was freshman move in day. The band wasn't there, but the campus was hopping. I took less than 12 shots, I was walking around for almost 2 hours. (good exersize day)

People were very friendly, and I missed a few shots for non shy reasons. I couldn't catch up to a student walking across campus with a big rolled up rug over his shoulder before he climbed a set of stairs to his dorm, which would have been an ideal shot.

I am giving real consideration to getting a 50 Summicron. It is compact, and I already have 39mm filters. I tried to use my J8, not a tool to use in quick shooting situations, everytime you touch either the aperture or focus ring, the other changes too, frustrating. I think that the slightly longer reach would have calmed my uncomfortableness being as close as the family members on a day like today.

Hey, 10 or 12 shots in 2 hours, that is more than Richard would have taken. Of course, he has a 90% hit ratio...

The campus newspaper reporter was walking around with a Nikon DSLR, big mama zoom, flash, I followed her around a little. I probably should have started a conversation with her and then I could have ridden her coat tails. She of course was only 5' tall, so it looked like she was all camera when she brought it to her eye.
 
you did great!

can't expect big comfort changes over night. it takes time and practice.
this may sound silly, especially coming from a relatively big guy, but a big smile really helps, look like you like everyone and that yes, i am taking your picture but that what i'm here for look on your face helps build everyone's confidence.

joe
 
rover said:
Yes I did. You guys wouldn't be proud of me, but I was there, and I did take some pictures. Not as many as I wanted to or should have.

Hey, 10 or 12 shots in 2 hours, that is more than Richard would have taken. Of course, he has a 90% hit ratio...

The campus newspaper reporter was walking around with a Nikon DSLR, big mama zoom, flash, I followed her around a little. I probably should have started a conversation with her and then I could have ridden her coat tails. She of course was only 5' tall, so it looked like she was all camera when she brought it to her eye.
Click to expand...

Rover

You did well. The campus shooter, is a "big game" hunter, long lens and shoots from two counties away. The mood and atmosphere never come through in the photo's that way. Spin the 50mm or wider on your rig, and your pictures will have the feeling and passion that you are seeking. You're on the right path, stay with it. And by all means, show us some of your results.

Thanks
Russ
 
Street photography shyness

Street photography shyness

I'm also somewhat reluctant to do street photography - have similar problems with obviously pointing the lens at strangers.
However, these days I have a perfect opportunity for a "cure" of a kind. For a week or so, there will be a street festival held in my home town, complete with street performers, clowns, people walking around in historical costumes, stalls with demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts, etc.
The city streets are packed, and *nobody* pays any attention (or objects) to photographers. In fact, the people (particularly those in historical costumes) actually expect to be photographed. A heaven for aspiring street photographer! Also, a perfect occasion for some practice.
If everything goes well, I hope to have a whole presentation done in a few days.
So, my advice - use opportunities like these, with public performances, etc., where people expect to see others with cameras, and are less likely to object to being photographed. This way you can build up some confidence 🙂
 
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