You're on to something here. Photographers do invade a person's privacy, so it's imperative to ask permission. The challenge then becomes capturing spontaneity when the subject becomes self-aware. Building trust as you say works!
Photographing people, strangers has always been my weak side as an amateur photographer, as I have found that they very often don't want it or feel suspicious about it. At least in the corner of the world where I live. In other parts of the globe, people have usually been more happy about it.
You have the courage, as you say, and some great skills that can make it happen in a good way.
Thanks for your comment Jorgen. I would say that I lack courage, however, sometimes I feel like it’s stronger than myself; it simply pulls me and I have to ask:)
i use the term ‘shyly .. & sometimes ‘slyly.. & the shootin ‘circumstance rules always
I’m mainly street shooting only now .. just a curious eye.. mainly iPhone lately.. though a steal on a 5D MK 2 - mint - at 450$ canadian will feel familiar again haha .. we ‘punished those to the max & they delivered .. anyways.. people kinda ‘expect i’m a shooter .. guy with a camera .. & there’s an art to ‘looking people off’ .. i can shoot with either eye - fake shooting while watching ‘the shot develop.. with my ‘spy eye .. but that’s street shootin & ensuring No discernible ID possible.. You’ve got the ‘drive .. for the righteous shot .. bueno.. & do it awfully well !
Thank you for sharing your approach—it’s fascinating how you blend spontaneity with such a strategic eye. That 5D MK2 sounds like a fantastic find, and it’s amazing how versatile you are, whether using an iPhone or a DSLR. Street shooting really does have its own set of skills, from blending in to capturing the moment without intrusion. I appreciate the kind words—staying driven for the 'righteous shot' keeps the passion alive. Keep pushing those creative boundaries!
.. shooting ‘live handheld in the mosh - Red Hot Chili Peppers crosses over into street shootin stills & ya gotta be open to ‘the shot finds you ! 🦎🏴☠️🎬
I used to tell younger photographers and students if you politely seek permission the worst that can happen is you’ll be told no and you move on. I can only recall one rude, angry man with a young boy who wanted no photographs taken. I apologized for bothering them. He softened and explained he was fighting for custody of his son and was concerned a photo could somehow be used against him. I didn’t get a photo but we parted amicably. I wonder how his struggles for his son ended.
Your approach and mine are the same. I always start with a sincere reason why I would like to photograph them. If I'm working a candid scene though, which I do 75% of the time, I'm incorporating the subjects in with the composition so, I don't make contact. Nice post!
I like your approach, Davor. It encourages true connection.
Have you ever taken a photo in the moment then deleted it because the person didn't agree? And what about children? When we lived in Cambodia, people always wanted to photograph my blond son, but he was dead against it and we weren't keen either.
Thanks, Lisa, for your comment. No, I’ve never had to delete any photos because all of my subjects have reacted favorably. However, I also haven’t exposed myself too much. If I had, I would probably have had to delete some of them. I rarely photograph children and never publish those photos. I only keep such images for myself if they hold artistic value.
Excellent piece. I think many of us have been trained, at least subconsciously, to think everyone wants something from us. Therefore, sincerity is a welcome, and dare I say, much desired trait. We are all human after all and longing for sincere connection. I very much appreciate this story.
I agree with you. When approaching someone, especially with a camera, we are often perceived as suspicious, and that thought often lingers in my mind or subconscious, making it uncomfortable for me to engage in open interaction. However, in cases where I muster the courage to do so, I’ve realized that an honest approach is undoubtedly the best.
I have always loved photographs of working people. Those top two, especially, the man with the pipe, and the man with the mask are incredible! What a pleasure to hear your personal story of capturing these pictures.
I don’t practice photography as an art form, but I could imagine doing so. I definitely notice pictures that I would love to capture all the time. Just yesterday I remember thinking, “There’s an amazing shot. If I wanted to capture that, I would probably make those two people uncomfortable. But then, if I asked them, the moment would be gone “
Thanks for the comment, Don. The situation you described is familiar to me as well. It’s almost painful to watch the perfect frame slip into oblivion. :) Perhaps the best approach in such moments is to take the photo boldly and later apologize, explain, or even delete it if necessary.
You're on to something here. Photographers do invade a person's privacy, so it's imperative to ask permission. The challenge then becomes capturing spontaneity when the subject becomes self-aware. Building trust as you say works!
Love the pics!
Thanks Ron. You nailed it! That is the challenge.
Beautiful photos! Great story!
Photographing people, strangers has always been my weak side as an amateur photographer, as I have found that they very often don't want it or feel suspicious about it. At least in the corner of the world where I live. In other parts of the globe, people have usually been more happy about it.
You have the courage, as you say, and some great skills that can make it happen in a good way.
Thanks for your comment Jorgen. I would say that I lack courage, however, sometimes I feel like it’s stronger than myself; it simply pulls me and I have to ask:)
Incredible. Both the photography and your words. You can photograph me any time you like ❤️
By the time we meet I will be much better photographer making me confident that you will be satisfied with the photos:)
I’m veryyyyy critical of photos of myself. But yes,I believe you!
;)
i use the term ‘shyly .. & sometimes ‘slyly.. & the shootin ‘circumstance rules always
I’m mainly street shooting only now .. just a curious eye.. mainly iPhone lately.. though a steal on a 5D MK 2 - mint - at 450$ canadian will feel familiar again haha .. we ‘punished those to the max & they delivered .. anyways.. people kinda ‘expect i’m a shooter .. guy with a camera .. & there’s an art to ‘looking people off’ .. i can shoot with either eye - fake shooting while watching ‘the shot develop.. with my ‘spy eye .. but that’s street shootin & ensuring No discernible ID possible.. You’ve got the ‘drive .. for the righteous shot .. bueno.. & do it awfully well !
Thank you for sharing your approach—it’s fascinating how you blend spontaneity with such a strategic eye. That 5D MK2 sounds like a fantastic find, and it’s amazing how versatile you are, whether using an iPhone or a DSLR. Street shooting really does have its own set of skills, from blending in to capturing the moment without intrusion. I appreciate the kind words—staying driven for the 'righteous shot' keeps the passion alive. Keep pushing those creative boundaries!
.. shooting ‘live handheld in the mosh - Red Hot Chili Peppers crosses over into street shootin stills & ya gotta be open to ‘the shot finds you ! 🦎🏴☠️🎬
I used to tell younger photographers and students if you politely seek permission the worst that can happen is you’ll be told no and you move on. I can only recall one rude, angry man with a young boy who wanted no photographs taken. I apologized for bothering them. He softened and explained he was fighting for custody of his son and was concerned a photo could somehow be used against him. I didn’t get a photo but we parted amicably. I wonder how his struggles for his son ended.
Thanks for the comment, Mike! I agree with your viewpoint🥂
Your approach and mine are the same. I always start with a sincere reason why I would like to photograph them. If I'm working a candid scene though, which I do 75% of the time, I'm incorporating the subjects in with the composition so, I don't make contact. Nice post!
Thanks for commenting and sharing your approach!
I like your approach, Davor. It encourages true connection.
Have you ever taken a photo in the moment then deleted it because the person didn't agree? And what about children? When we lived in Cambodia, people always wanted to photograph my blond son, but he was dead against it and we weren't keen either.
Thanks, Lisa, for your comment. No, I’ve never had to delete any photos because all of my subjects have reacted favorably. However, I also haven’t exposed myself too much. If I had, I would probably have had to delete some of them. I rarely photograph children and never publish those photos. I only keep such images for myself if they hold artistic value.
Excellent piece. I think many of us have been trained, at least subconsciously, to think everyone wants something from us. Therefore, sincerity is a welcome, and dare I say, much desired trait. We are all human after all and longing for sincere connection. I very much appreciate this story.
I agree with you. When approaching someone, especially with a camera, we are often perceived as suspicious, and that thought often lingers in my mind or subconscious, making it uncomfortable for me to engage in open interaction. However, in cases where I muster the courage to do so, I’ve realized that an honest approach is undoubtedly the best.
I have always loved photographs of working people. Those top two, especially, the man with the pipe, and the man with the mask are incredible! What a pleasure to hear your personal story of capturing these pictures.
I don’t practice photography as an art form, but I could imagine doing so. I definitely notice pictures that I would love to capture all the time. Just yesterday I remember thinking, “There’s an amazing shot. If I wanted to capture that, I would probably make those two people uncomfortable. But then, if I asked them, the moment would be gone “
Thanks for the comment, Don. The situation you described is familiar to me as well. It’s almost painful to watch the perfect frame slip into oblivion. :) Perhaps the best approach in such moments is to take the photo boldly and later apologize, explain, or even delete it if necessary.
I love your shots. You kept something special in each.