Coping with reluctance
By Swapnil Acharya
20 Aug 2009
Okay, photographing people around this part of the world isn't really difficult. They won't have problems if you click their photo even without their consent. It's rare chance that somebody would object - or should I put it this way that so far, I have not had such an experience where a person has had problems with me taking their picture without their permission.
I hear (though nobody's ever confirmed it for me) that photographers in the West explicitly ask permission from the subject before doing a portrait. However, we around here, generally don't ask before clicking because like I already said, people love being photographed. I've been working on a photo project with a veteran photographer for a couple of months now, and I find it very surprising the way he shoots people. He doesn't at all feel uneasy, or has that feeling of what the other person might say. He goes really close to the subject, talks a few things about how they're doing and all that and snap...snap...snap. I wouldn't ever dare to do something like that. In fact, I still don't have the courage or confidence of doing unsolicited portraits. I guess that's what makes him a successful veteran, and this is just me, uploading random photos in JPG. Maybe, it's the confidence and courage that has come with age and experience. Maybe that is a skill I'm yet to develop.
Anyway, shooting a spontaneous portrait isn't at all easy for me; especially of those people I don't know. I feel reluctant to take my camera out of my bag and start shooting in the middle of a busy street pointing at random faces. I feel even more hesitant to take pictures when I feel there are other people watching me take pictures. I'm trying to get over with it, but I am still very nervous and feel uneasy about it. Therefore, there have been those numerous chances where I have missed a great shot I later regret about not having shot.
It certainly feels easier when there's a friend around. I do it with much confidence. A friend acts like a support to me (event s/he isn't a photographer and is just accompanying me), and assures me that nobody is going to tell me anything if I take their photos. And even if they should have a problem, I'd have a friend to defend me. I don't know, but it just feels to me that way.
I'm trying very hard to develop this habit where I can confidently shoot anything or anyone I find interesting. Most of the time, it's my reluctance that keeps me from doing it - and perhaps that is the reason why I still haven't been able to call myself a serious photographer.
Suggestions or tips anyone?
5 responses
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Christopher Wilocki said (20 Aug 2009):
I am SO glad I am not the only one! I have been dealing with this feeling for the last couple months since I decided to concentrate on shooting people. It is definitely something that takes "forcing". I have looked at it like, " if I do not force myself to be uncomfortable, it will never happen"
Im with ya! -
Sonia Adam Murray gave props (20 Aug 2009):
Good story, I think that you have to do it for the art and forget the consequence, which can be very difficult and sometimes impossible. Even so, keep in mind what your reason is for taking the photo, perhaps that will make you a little more assertive. Please don’t get the wrong impression I have similar problems too. Good luck.
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cian o leary gave props (20 Aug 2009):
i can relate completely
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Melissa Rieman said (20 Aug 2009):
I think a lot of photographers deal with this everyday. Myself included. I've been primarily a Landscape Photographer, with occasional variations mixed in for good measure. I've recently fallen in love with "Street Photography" and am having a great deal of reluctance in taking photographs of the people that actually see me with a camera. The ones that are oblivious to me or the fact that their picture is being taken, turn out to be my best shots, because, I'm more relaxed and less rushed. I'm trying to learn to live outside of my comfort zone when learning this new (to me, anyway) art form.
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Swapnil Acharya gave props (23 Aug 2009):
thank you all!
