Why are photographers sometimes people who might consider themselves as shy?

[Chris101]

Shy: Yes.

On the street, I have learned not to ask for a picture. All too often my (potential) subject says "no". In that case I feel inhibited from shooting, and thus lose the shot. Now I shoot first, and if busted, make a non-verbal acknowledgment of what I have done. This leave the communication ball in the court of my subject. If they ask (or non-verbally imply) "why did I take their picture?" I usually reply something like "Now you will be famous" with a happy face. And move on.

Since I don't know at the time of shooting how I will represent my subjects, I don't really want to engage them, and give them expectations. On the other hand, if I am after a particular statement for a picture, I spend extensive prep time with my subject, often a friend or paid model. In those cases, I am business like and take care to be very exacting and professional.

 

[chris000]

Uh... landscape photographers are shy, maybe.

Well maybe some are ... the rest of us just like landscape

 

[Lilserenity]

I'm definitely not shy, in fact I'm a bit of an extrovert or so peeps tell me, otherwise I'm just me. I'm a bit of a goof but then no point taking things too seriously; that's not to say I don't think seriously, I very much do -- but anyways. I'd say I am camera shy though, I don't like my picture being taken, I don't know what to do. Which always puzzles me because I'm good at telling other people what to do!

I would say photography I took up because I'm curious about the world, I want to find out more about it, new experiences, but also find the things that sum up my experience of life at that point in time, a visual dialogue of sorts -- I didn't take to it for lack of other ways of experessing myself.

 

[jgw]

What's coming across is that 'shy' people- let's expand this a little now. How about quieter people, maybe slightly less outgoing, pensive, more reserved, maybe even introverted, seem to have found/decided upon photography as a way to help them socialise more; maybe to come out of themselves, and feel more comfortable around others. I expected there'd be some people who would 'find' photography for these reasons, and there's nothing wrong with that. It can certainly be useful, but it's not entirely what I was getting at.

What interests me is that people who are of a quieter disposition seem to go on to find that they're often quite good at their photography, no matter how they came to be doing it. Perhaps this is because they can direct all these neglected and underused energies and suppressed inspirations and aspirations into something that intrigues them. Also, it often seems to be 'people' photography where they channel these interests for whatever reason, and therefore enjoy doing street photography or documentary picture-stories etc. I find this interesting, and wonder what it is about ourselves that enables this type of personality to frequently shine at what many would perceive as an extrovert occupation; which I don't believe it is, namely, photographing strangers. Now, I'm not saying all introverted people can be good photographers and all extroverts are useless. That's silly and obviously untrue. I'm just wondering why this unexpected dichotomy exists. For those of you who have noticed this themselves (and I know not all of you might have) why do you think this might be? I'll give some possibilities: perhaps it's something seemingly as trivial and tenuous as the barrier of the camera being sufficient to take you into uncharted territory; perhaps it's people who say little and rarely get involved who are always observing and absorbing information which finds an outlet within photography; or perhaps some of the 'quiet sensitive types' are often the artistic ones who find it easy.

Why am I thinking this way? Well, It's just an observation and you'll have to take my word for it. Some photographers I know who certainly wouldn't be described as extrovert are working satisfactorily and successfully in their own way. When I was in photography college I did notice that the quieter, and sometimes even the not quite fitting in people would often produce very interesting work. Now 'interesting work' doesn't always result in the most successful work for bringing in a healthy income, but that's not always the most satisfying work and also irrelevant if your doing photography just for yourself.

I don't consider myself shy.

However, walking down the street and seeing someone really interesting and thinking "Oh I better get a shot of that person" and that same person then notices the camera and me, they give you that look "Oh if that guy just tries and takes my picture..."
Then I find it hard to take the picture, then whack myself over the head afterwards.

This isn't really shyness. Probably just a lack of confidence just at that time, or just how you feel at that moment. I think we all have times like that and you just have to accept it. I sometimes still do this and I make my living as a documentary photographer. The best moments are always the ones where you've already taken the picture before you ask yourself whether you should take it or not. Interestingly, I've found that if you let your conscience dictate rather than being aware of confrontation you might have more success.

I don't think I'm a shy person. I'm a quiet person though and I don't talk much, not because I'm shy or anything like that, but because well I don't talk much and sometimes people mistake this as being shy...
...But I think there are people who are new to photography who can be considered as "shy photographers". I see this all the time, mostly my friends. They have cameras in their hands, but most of the time they're too shy to take pictures and just stand there.

bob

I'm quiet too, and I don't consider myself shy either, though others have described me as such in the past! There are moments when I'll say very little too; though it does depend on who I am with. Perhaps you're always taking in what's going on while saying little. This can help with your photography in a subliminal way.

Your friends are probably still working out whether photography is for them. It's interesting that they're wanting to photograph people though. It's certainly true today that more people are doing photography than ever before because of the digitalisation of everything. I suppose this is good. But I'm sorry to have to admit that I do find a lot of what I would consider to be boring images strewn across very expensive looking web-sites. But there is also some really very good stuff too. So I suppose that hasn't changed. Just that there's more photography available to everybody now. And so it goes round and round...

I was a shy boy, unable to socialize and have difficulties to deal with a crow of people.

Then I started photography and it gives me such a pleasure to deal with people or an unmeasurable confidence to tackle with the society that I am involved. Obviously that boy still exists in me and I don't want him to be lost either.

On the other hand, I notice that a lot of loud people have a keen interest in being the models or subject of the photographs. Maybe by taking photographs, I have to deal with people who are more social than me and it helps to balance out.

Just my 2 cents of course.

You obviously wanted to make this contact with the society from which you now get all this pleasure and it seems a newly found contentment? Do you think getting this profound benefit is anything to do with it being an observational and visual connection you are pursuing and making with life? You should never let yourself lose that boy in you. I'll never do that.

I suppose if a person is a quieter type, sometime mixing with more extrovert types can be helpful. Extroverts are usually great and much easier to photograph because they can be so animated, and are frequently lacking in self-awareness which I'm sure is a great way to be. I've noticed that they give more photo-opportunities because you'll feel more relaxed because they don't care so much, which is great. I think getting involved with photography enables shyer people to forget themselves too, which is a invaluable release for 'shy' people, who are so used to feeling self-conscious and awkward. This is perhaps another reason why they might produce some good work. After all, becoming lost in your work and in a 'zone' is often the heightened territory where you'll find your special shots.


We're all different and all do our photography for our own reasons, and all are valid. What I've said is just an observation I've made along the way and I thought it might be interesting to investigate. The fact that we all approach our photography from an undeniable basis of who we are makes it all the more varied, contrasting and interesting.

 

[SamStewart]

I'm a horribly awkward person. I blame it on hormones though hahaha
but i think that as i started trying to take more portraits of strangers I'm gotten more confident behind a camera

 

[telemetre]

People generally think I'm rather shy. Photography had no effect on my shyness though, I'm just as shy with my camera. I do not photograph people other than family and close friends.

I have no idea whether there's a connection between shyness and photography, but I've always assumed it was the other way around.

 

[FallisPhoto]

Well maybe some are ... the rest of us just like landscape

Well, what I meant was that landscape photography can be done without having to interact with people, so it is one of the few types of photography that would appeal to those who are "socially challenged." You won't find a lot of shy people shooting nudes, for example. I would imagine that asking strangers to take their clothes off so you can take photos of them would be a quantum leap beyond their comfort level. Same with street photographers, who take candid photos of people on the street, then go up to them, tell them they've just been photographed, and ask them to sign a release. A shy person would probably find that, to say the least, to be somewhat daunting. I think shy people would find the types of photography that do not require interaction with other people to be the most appealing: wildlife, macro, landscapes, and etcetera.

 

[FallisPhoto]

The most mystifying question I get about my "vintage" looking stuff is: "wow... does that thing still take pictures?"

"no... I just like really heavy necklaces"

It's amazing just how often I get the same question

Yeah, I get that occasionally; also, 3 or 4 times, "do they still make batteries for those?" (old folding cameras).

 

[Keith]

Yeah, I get that occasionally; also, 3 or 4 times, "do they still make batteries for those?" (old folding cameras).

They still make folding cameras to suit batteries ... the Bessa lll comes to mind!

 

[jgw]

I'm a horribly awkward person. I blame it on hormones though hahaha
but i think that as i started trying to take more portraits of strangers I'm gotten more confident behind a camera

Well, you're just the right age to have hormone trouble . Eventually you should get the balance right and be able to cope like we all have to!

Enjoy taking the portraits of strangers. It's an interesting thing to do which you'll get better at.

People generally think I'm rather shy. Photography had no effect on my shyness though, I'm just as shy with my camera. I do not photograph people other than family and close friends.

I have no idea whether there's a connection between shyness and photography, but I've always assumed it was the other way around.

Do you have any interest in photographing anything other than your family and close friends? Why do you think you have an interest in photography?

Well, what I meant was that landscape photography can be done without having to interact with people, so it is one of the few types of photography that would appeal to those who are "socially challenged." You won't find a lot of shy people shooting nudes, for example. I would imagine that asking strangers to take their clothes off so you can take photos of them would be a quantum leap beyond their comfort level. Same with street photographers, who take candid photos of people on the street, then go up to them, tell them they've just been photographed, and ask them to sign a release. A shy person would probably find that, to say the least, to be somewhat daunting. I think shy people would find the types of photography that do not require interaction with other people to be the most appealing: wildlife, macro, landscapes, and etcetera.

My eldest brother always used to tell me I should photograph nudes haha. I've actually photographed people without clothes in the past, but I didn't have to tell them to take them off! The human body is very interesting and can be very beautiful; but not always! Perhaps you shoot glamour stuff?

Why do you think you need model release forms signed when photographing in the street. It isn't necessary in public places as far as I know, even if the work is published.

What you say about the subject matter that shy people might want to photograph is what most would think. I'm not sure it's predominantly true. A lot seem to want to photograph people i.e. street (a term I don't really like).

I'm going to be away for several days now, so I'll have a look at this thread to see what's been added (if anything!) when I return.

 

[FallisPhoto]

My eldest brother always used to tell me I should photograph nudes haha. I've actually photographed people without clothes in the past, but I didn't have to tell them to take them off! The human body is very interesting and can be very beautiful; but not always! Perhaps you shoot glamour stuff?

I shoot a little bit of glamour, but mostly fine art.

Why do you think you need model release forms signed when photographing in the street. It isn't necessary in public places as far as I know, even if the work is published. ?

A release is necessary if the photo is to be used for anything that can be construed as advertizing. Since I try to get as much use as possible out of each photo that I take, I ask for a release; with a release I can sell the right to use the photo for advertizing, and this might make me some more bucks. Also, the higher paying markets pretty much all require releases.

What you say about the subject matter that shy people might want to photograph is what most would think. I'm not sure it's predominantly true. A lot seem to want to photograph people i.e. street (a term I don't really like).

I'm going to be away for several days now, so I'll have a look at this thread to see what's been added (if anything!) when I return.

My point is that some types of photography don't require the photographer to interact with other people. If you're shy, and want to do photography, I think you'd be more drawn to one of those types than you would be to one of the types that require intense personal interaction and a high level of social skills.

 

[FallisPhoto]

They still make folding cameras to suit batteries ... the Bessa lll comes to mind!

Well, I was talking about things like Zeiss Super Ikontas, Agfa Isolettes, Welta Weltis and Kodak Retinas. They don't use batteries.

 

[Richard G]

People are hard to characterize really. I've just been looking at the new book of Jane Bown's wonderful portraits. ("Exposures") Apparently she did not finish her course as she could not agree to participate in group discussion - pretty shy. Her quiet nature belied her force and persistence, however. 'Photographer without ego' the introduction said. Not likely. She waited for the right moment and grabbed the right shot. She could badger and cajole if necessary. Shyness is both a condition and a way of being. Learning the advantages of shyness makes for a reluctance to shed its outward signs. Perhaps the sensitivity that makes for egotistical introspection is ideal for discerning the character of others and capturing it, like an actor. I no longer know what shyness is.......

 

[chris000]

Well, what I meant was that landscape photography can be done without having to interact with people, so it is one of the few types of photography that would appeal to those who are "socially challenged." You won't find a lot of shy people shooting nudes, for example. I would imagine that asking strangers to take their clothes off so you can take photos of them would be a quantum leap beyond their comfort level. Same with street photographers, who take candid photos of people on the street, then go up to them, tell them they've just been photographed, and ask them to sign a release. A shy person would probably find that, to say the least, to be somewhat daunting. I think shy people would find the types of photography that do not require interaction with other people to be the most appealing: wildlife, macro, landscapes, and etcetera.

There is obviously truth in that, working with people always adds an extra dimension. The thing I most admire about good wedding photographers is not their technical skill (although that is usually excellent and second nature) but their ability to deal with all those people in a pressurised situation. Although I don't think I would be considered particularly shy in normal circumstances, I would find that difficult to do - it is simply a skill that many of us don't have. I think the same might be said of working with models, nude or otherwise.

 

[FallisPhoto]

There is obviously truth in that, working with people always adds an extra dimension. The thing I most admire about good wedding photographers is not their technical skill (although that is usually excellent and second nature) but their ability to deal with all those people in a pressurised situation. Although I don't think I would be considered particularly shy in normal circumstances, I would find that difficult to do - it is simply a skill that many of us don't have. I think the same might be said of working with models, nude or otherwise.

I have shot two weddings, so I can do it, but I will never do another one. It isn't because I am shy (I am very much not); it is because of the high level of annoyance/aggravation/stress/irritation that I have come to believe is a given. Everyone involved has expectations that are almost inevitably both unrealistic and contrary to everyone else's. By the time it's all over I just want to go out and shred someone.

It's pretty much the same reason why I don't shoot nudes if they bring their husbands or boyfriends; nine out of ten times, the husband or boyfriend will be pushing for explicit pornographic poses, something I don't do and that the model invariably finds upsetting. I'm not kidding --I had to call the police once. Since then, I do encourage my models to bring a friend, but it has to be a friend of the same sex. No more starting a shoot as a photographer and ending it as a referee.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

What an interesting subject...


I agree with the original poster: there's a relation between the passive act of being a photographer and what people consider a shy behaviour.


Why is photography a passive act?


No matter how active we feel or act as photographers, it's clear that in general we are paying attention to what happens to others, so the dinamic facts around a photographer and a shot are usually not affecting us directly. We do lots of things, yes, and are phisically and emotionally very active as shooters, but just to record what happens to others, or outside ourselves...


I admit that since I was a child my parents and relatives were worried because I could spend almost all my time without contact with anyone, and I have been considered all my life a shy person by strangers. Some other times I've been told I'm crazy or unpredictable, even though in general my life's been normal if I think of childhood, school, parties, family, love, marriage, children, divorce... But it's always surprised me how easily people use the word shy on me.


No one knowing me a bit thinks I am shy anymore, but most people did once. They tell me very often I'm a person who is not easy to “catalog” correctly from the beginning. So lately I've been thinking maybe if so many people think I'm shy, well, that must be what I am, no matter how I feel... I ended believing I'm shy because many people think so very often, even though I've lived an intense life that includes lots of things I couldn't talk about here...


I don't like to see myself in video. No problem with photographs. On video I've found I behave too carefully: I don't like discovering that I take things too seriously, and my words and conversation are, to explain it some way, like the character Woody Allen created with himself: a nervous man. But I don't feel like that at all, never, I just feel things must be carefully considered and commented, but when I see and hear myself recorded, I would certainly consider myself shy from outside too! People who get to know me, say I am more like myself after two beers... Totally sober -they say- I look serious, worried and old fashioned in a natural way, although I've tested myself and I learned in my teens I could play any role if I wanted. But lately, what for?


What is clear to me is that when I see and feel other people's emotions, with or without a camera in my hands, for me those emotions are as important as mine, and I feel the same pleasure living through myself or living through another person's emotions...


So yes, at least in my case it's true, I'm a photographer and I am shy.

 

[jgw]

Well, a lot of interesting posts here. I've just read this earlier one again so I'll start here.

Guess it all depends on what you're shooting. I shoot a lot of people, so I need to be social and outgoing, otherwise people might not relax in front of the camera or be so welcoming in allowing you to shoot in a given situation. This is not to say that you need to be aggressive (though that may be necessary sometimes), but it's all in creating a rapport with your subjects -- shyness may hinder your ability to do that.

A plate of food, however, doesn't care if you're shy....

I once knew someone who didn't like eating in public!

It's true with most things you do that if people pick up on the fact you're shy or uncomfortable, this can transmit to those around you. Not conducive to observational photography! Somehow, with shy people, having their camera with them, often doesn't let this happen.

Question for 'shy' people: what is it about having your camera with you that makes you feel, more confidant(?), more sociable(?), more able(?), leading to more contentment with yourself and respect from others and less shy(?).

My point is that some types of photography don't require the photographer to interact with other people. If you're shy, and want to do photography, I think you'd be more drawn to one of those types than you would be to one of the types that require intense personal interaction and a high level of social skills.

That really is the whole point. With a camera, some shy people seem to feel a need and want to intereact with people. That's the quandary that I'm trying to unravel and wonder what and why this is. Realising that they can, this becomes an incentive taking them into areas of activity and satisfaction with their photography, which is obviously beneficial to them, and therefore self-perpetuating

People are hard to characterize really. I've just been looking at the new book of Jane Bown's wonderful portraits. ("Exposures") Apparently she did not finish her course as she could not agree to participate in group discussion - pretty shy. Her quite nature belied her force and persistence, however. 'Photographer without ego' the introduction said. Not likely. She waited for the right moment and grabbed the right shot. She could badger and cajole if necessary. Shyness is both a condition and a way of being. Learning the advantages of shyness makes for a reluctance to shed its outward signs. Perhaps the sensitivity that makes for egotistical introspection is ideal for discerning the character of others and capturing it, like an actor. I no longer know what shyness is.......

Jane Bown's portraits are wonderful, and naturally so. It depends what you mean by 'Photographer with an ego...not likely'. But being able to direct people and to know what you want from a shoot -indeed, have to get from a shoot if you are working to a deadline- is nothing to do with having an ego, it's just being professional. I don't think she has an ego.

Are you then going on to say that because she appeared to be 'shy', this helped her, in some way, to get her type of portrait; and also to direct her sitters? This is an interesting area. Maybe people feel sympathetic to apparent shyness, and this might be taken advantage of by the 'shy' photographer? I wonder: might the photographer do this consciously or not; and do the photographed submit to being directed more easily; i.e. are they more submissive and direct-able because of this; because they think it might make things easier for this 'shy' person?

...sensitivity that makes for egotistical introspection...? I can see that having an introspective nature might encourage you to gather information. This might initiate an interest in observing others instead of/as well as, yourself. Also making comparisons with yourself and others would, I'm sure, ultimately beneif you with people photography. Compare and contrasts are always valuable explorations, as every good school knows. But again I cannot see the connection with ego, i.e. self-importance etc. Perhaps you are referring to the psychoanalysis interpretation: id, ego superego?

Though I've never met Jane Bown, about 15 years ago I did once receive a nice post-card from her enclosing a payment cheque from The Guardian to me which had erroneously gone to her! It was the portrait of Samual Beckett and on the reverse she had written something like, '...it's nice when when they keep coming in isn't it?' !

What an interesting subject...


I agree with the original poster: there's a relation between the passive act of being a photographer and what people consider a shy behaviour.


Why is photography a passive act?


No matter how active we feel or act as photographers, it's clear that in general we are paying attention to what happens to others, so the dinamic facts around a photographer and a shot are usually not affecting us directly. We do lots of things, yes, and are phisically and emotionally very active as shooters, but just to record what happens to others, or outside ourselves...


I admit that since I was a child my parents and relatives were worried because I could spend almost all my time without contact with anyone, and I have been considered all my life a shy person by strangers. Some other times I've been told I'm crazy or unpredictable, even though in general my life's been normal if I think of childhood, school, parties, family, love, marriage, children, divorce... But it's always surprised me how easily people use the word shy on me.


No one knowing me a bit thinks I am shy anymore, but most people did once. They tell me very often I'm a person who is not easy to “catalog” correctly from the beginning. So lately I've been thinking maybe if so many people think I'm shy, well, that must be what I am, no matter how I feel... I ended believing I'm shy because many people think so very often, even though I've lived an intense life that includes lots of things I couldn't talk about here...


I don't like to see myself in video. No problem with photographs. On video I've found I behave too carefully: I don't like discovering that I take things too seriously, and my words and conversation are, to explain it some way, like the character Woody Allen created with himself: a nervous man. But I don't feel like that at all, never, I just feel things must be carefully considered and commented, but when I see and hear myself recorded, I would certainly consider myself shy from outside too! People who get to know me, say I am more like myself after two beers... Totally sober -they say- I look serious, worried and old fashioned in a natural way, although I've tested myself and I learned in my teens I could play any role if I wanted. But lately, what for?


What is clear to me is that when I see and feel other people's emotions, with or without a camera in my hands, for me those emotions are as important as mine, and I feel the same pleasure living through myself or living through another person's emotions...


So yes, at least in my case it's true, I'm a photographer and I am shy.

Thank you. I think it's an interesting subject too.

If you're observing with your camera and not directing what you want to photograph you are a passive observer but you are also responding to what's going on, and therefore what you see is affecting you directly because you are responding to it.

You say that you are a 'shy photographer'. Do you see photography as purely passive then, and this is what's useful to you? Despite the fact that you are quietly involved with responding to what you observe with your camera, do you not really acknowledge this at the time of shooting; at the time of 'being' a photographer? I guess what I am asking is, do you lose your self-awareness, and this is good for your shyness? (as well as good for your photography). But seeing yourself in video reminds you of self-awareness and also self-consciousness, therefore you don't like it?

Do you think that it is the people who have known you for a long time who would consider you shy, while people you have met more recently might not consider you so? You do seem to be a sensitive person which I would consider an asset to you in responding to the world generally. To be able to channell these feelings and emotions to your photography could only be a good thing.

 

[FallisPhoto]

That really is the whole point. With a camera, some shy people seem to feel a need and want to intereact with people. That's the quandary that I'm trying to unravel and wonder what and why this is. Realising that they can, this becomes an incentive taking them into areas of activity and satisfaction with their photography, which is obviously beneficial to them, and therefore self-perpetuating.

Depends on your definition of "shy," I guess. Someone who is truely shy is unable to interact with strangers, and does not want to. Distrust and reserve is a part of his/her nature. If it is a herculean task, inspiring feelings of impending doom and panic, for someone to even talk to a stranger of the opposite sex, then I think the subject of "will you take your clothes off and let me shoot you nude?", is more likely to cause them to run screaming out of the room than it is likely to improve anything. First they have to overcome their shyness and then they can be fine art nude photographers. It doesn't happen the other way around.

A final point would be that if they have overcome their shyness and can ask that question without catatonically curling up and sucking their thumbs, then, of course, they can not really be described as "shy" photographers, can they?

 

[Ted2001]

I wouldn't necessarily say I was shy, but I like to observe and record sometimes rather than participate directly. At times when I have a camera I'm more involved in a scene, than if I were a part of the conversation. Also reduces the likelihood I'll say something political and irritate people...

 

[Richard G]

jgw, I merely meant that many shy people don't lack an ego. Some are very sure of their own opinions and don't lack self-regard. They might avoid confrontation but they are not really so self-effacing necessarily. One of the shyest people I know has a strange arrogance about her ultimately.