The Scary Side of Street Photography
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- čas přidán 10. 05. 2023
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This might be the most common fear we share in street photography, but is it as scary as we think? There are ways we can mentally prepare ourselves for the possibility. And, in reality, is it really that bad anyway?
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#streetphotography - Krátké a kreslené filmy
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Flattering your subject, as you suggested, is always a good idea.
I am a candid street photographer. I seldom ask for permission. I snap and walk away. I don’t chimp. I strive for stealth.
Having a photo book with you, as you suggested, is a good strategy. Rather than explain what you do or reference to your website is less effective. Having a little printer, like the one Fuji offer is a good idea. Rather than sending the image to your subject give them a hard copy.
I would LOVE to be able to play the fool. I don’t pretend to be a fool. I embrace being a fool. I am what I am.
Mask On Nurse Marty ((Ret)
I agree I often go for stealth, but at times an area is too empty to hide in a crowd for how I shoot - so flattering and playing the fool become useful tools! That's a good idea with the printer, I think best done when you've asked permission already, otherwise can be a bit stalker'ish 😂
Thanks for this video. It’s very reassuring. I am an America street photographer who lives and works in Vietnam. Vietnamese people are usually very friendly. There is a language barrier, but I’ve mostly overcome that and if I’m caught taking candid shots a few compliments can usually preemptively diffuse any issue. Interestingly enough, I was confronted for the first time two days ago. And the person who confronted me was a Viet Kieu (term for Vietnamese who don’t live here: i.e. “overseas Vietnamese”) nun and her companions. She spoke in perfect condescending English. And afterwards, I felt like crap and lost all confidence. I sort of just wanted to disappear. And I left. Then I became angry. All of the things I wished I would have told her kept racing through my head. She had accused me of breaking the law. The law here is very clear. No photos of police or army. She is neither. If you are in a market, vendors might give you the side eye if you don’t buy anything. So I always make sure to mix my shopping with my photography in a market. No problem. The woman wasn’t even a big part of the composition. And there she was demanding I delete photos and lecturing me while someone I assume was from her church group looked over my shoulder. It was very uncomfortable. But I did delete the photos. I wished them a good day, and sulked off. I am visiting family in the US this summer and am a little concerned that her attitude will be the norm.
Thanks for sharing! Great to hear your experience too!
That’s why I shoot film can’t delete 😂
Next time tell her your Karen filter is on so she won't be in it.
I had someone chase me down the street because my local area is a small town. Saw them a few weeks later and still had something to say. I figured that I’ll be a street photographer when traveling, and urban landscape photography locally. Some local cultures are just not conducive to taking photos of people you don’t know.
That's interesting - sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Which country are you in?
@@GeorgeHolden Yes, it wasn’t necessarily a bad interaction. But I could see that morally I can’t do something that irritates people or makes their day worse. The shot was two people in a library window looking down. As soon as I hit the shutter, one of the people looked up. No chance to ask and it was a fantastic shot in that moment. But no artistic justification will overcome a core disagreement on my motivation behind taking the photo.
Great video and impeccable timing as I am currently struggling with this topic.
@DeeB1345
As a person who is also from a country where streetphotography really isn't a thing i can relate 😌
@@DeeB1345 completely relate to the situation, it's something I've had recent experience with - you can't argue that your image is more valuable than someone else's privacy
I hope everyone has seen the movie "Blow-Up"? If not, it's all about it.
First useful video on the argument I've seen. Usually it's just "smile", "offer to delete it" and that's it
Thanks for watching 🙏
Street photography and street portraiture are different disciplines. One is consensual, the other isn't. The resistance to candid photography depends on environment and context. Public events have less push back than a week day in a working town. Situations where alcohol is involved can turn nasty very quickly. It depends how much you want the shot, and how committed you are to your business. Even Bruce Gilden had a minder when he shot in the UK!
Fair point! Yeah I'd avoid the drunk crowds in Manchester 😂
Bruce Gilden needed a minder. He was very aggressive. I don't like his technique or the work he produced using it. Frankly, if he'd jumped out at me like that, he'd be bent double holding his privates. I'm with Joel Meyerowitz when it comes to Gilden.
"“He’s a f**king bully. I despise the work, I despise the attitude, he’s an aggressive bully and all the pictures look alike because he only has one idea - ‘I’m gonna embarrass you, I’m going to humiliate you.’ "
He's the only street photographer I don't have works of.
Great suggestions and discussion George. BTW, Garry Winogrand's fumbling method looked waaaaay creepy, to me.
I always wonder why people are afraid of cameras but not phones, they are intimidated by the lens I guess, or they think we look creepy with a dedicated camera in our hands and looking through the viewfinder.
Yeah I think phones are more common so people don't notice as much, but yeah logically I think a larger camera is less scary - at least we're announcing that we're taking photos
In my city, I have the opposite problem. People get close and ask for a photoshoot because of those Tiktok "street photographers". It totally puts me off and I just pretend that I'm listening to some music and can't hear them. It sucks though because people here are now too sensitive to people with cameras that it's getting hard to take photos of natural scenes and moments.
That sounds amazing to me, that means you can shoot candid with no worries! Which city is this?
@@GeorgeHolden I'm in the Philippines. It's not really amazing as you can't shoot candids at all! They'll expect you to shoot like you're doing a portrait shoot. 😅
@@enshongmiranda oh interesting! I shot there years ago and yes I think especially as a tourist locals I met would pose straight away or ask to take selfies with me 😅
One of the best street photography explanation videos I’ve seen. Instant subscribe. 👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks so much! Your comment was previously held for review for some reason
being a "beginner" and living in Japan plus being an introvert myself street photography is a difficult style to practice… but it has its own beauty I guess..?
Your work really inspire so much
Thanks again for another great video 🙏
It is one of the more difficult styles of photography, I think most people would agree with that. Much better to shoot products that don't talk back! 😅 And thanks for watching 🙏
Do you ever go to Machida on Friday?
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Unfortunately I’m living super far from that area so no I don’t.😢
@musiccoffee8519 Shibuya is also good for street...lots of tourists!
While its hard getting out there and doing it, Japan is so beautiful and has many opportunities for street photography. Also the people there are very polite and seem pretty non confrontational in my experience.
Really helpful suggestions, as usual. Thanks! 🙋🏻♂️📸
Thanks!
If someone comes up to me agressivly i just say "Get fucked", If someone is friendly I will be friendly. My intentions are good. You don't owe anybody an explenation.
I disagree, if you would take someone's photo and then when they object you say that, you maybe aren't a nice person
Great video! Very helpful tips. I’m a beginner in photography. Always trying to really see subjects and compositions, but not so fast in the making.
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Thanks Peter!
Great and useful video mate!
Thanks I appreciate it!
You convey this problem of street photography in a very humorous and entertaining way, but also seriously and absolutely understandably with lots of informative tips. However, I personally still shy away from asking people to be photographed. That's why I often try to photograph them, usually in an unrecognizable pose - unless they're people from my personal circle. Thanks for this video! Greetings from germany.
Thank you so much for your feedback and perspective, that's totally fair enough!
"I'm a private investigator taking photos of suspicious looking individuals."
🎥📷📹📸 Great information on your thought process, thank you
Thanks Steve!
A well considered and polite approach 👏 thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
📸 Amazing video as always 🙌
Cheers man!
I love good street photography. . . and this video exemplifies why I have little interest in doing it myself. Photography for me is an exercise in creativity and mindfulness, both of which are compromised if I’m thinking about the psychology (and possible violent reaction) of my subjects. I can take all of the landscape, architecture, and wildlife photos I care to, and none of my subjects will gripe.
Your videos are the best!
Thanks I appreciate it!
Very encouraging video 🤩 I think that many street photography beginners are struggling with that issue. On the other hand I was smiling to myself when I thought about Bruce Gilden and how he approach the people onthe street 😅
Thanks! Yes Gilden is definitely an extreme example 😂
I walk around take the picture of what I want and walk away!
I've been walking the streets (ooh er!) with a camera for well over a decade now, and my take on things is that large towns and cities are way easier to shoot than smaller towns.
Less people around means folk are way way more likely to notice you and, in my experience, way more likely to challenge. For example, I rarely shoot Street in my home town of St Helens, or even nearby Warrington, because the former is far too dangerous and the latter too empty. Crowds of folk rushing to and fro is the best environment to work in, as most folk are in too much of a hurry to bother noticing you, let alone make a fuss..
Yeah totally agree, smaller quieter towns you stand out much more - whereas big cities you blend in and people expect a character or two to take their photo! Yeah the North West in most cities feels a bit too empty to get much variety!
It happened to me recently, I took a candid of a girl wearing a brightly coloured coat waiting at a train station. (which is not strictly allowed) I wasn't sure if she saw so when the train arrived, I purposely boarded through a different door, as I tried to put some distance between us. She sat at one end of the carriage and I sat at the complete opposite end. Then as the train got going, out the corner of my eye, I notice this brightly coloured object coming along the Isle!… I instinctlively knew what it meant! She seemed agitated and demanded to know if I had taken her picture, and why. I replied that yes, as a street photographer that is basically what I did. I explained that street photographers were attracted to interesting scenes, and people like her, people wearing brightly coloured coats. I quickly whipped out one of my Zines that I carry everywhere, and showed her some of my work, which seemed to calm her down a bit. I think some women just assume that you are some pervert or something. She flicked through the Zine with some interest, and said that the images were really nice, and went on to explain that her frustration was that she wasn't comfortable in being the centre of attention and maybe recognised in the image. I pointed to her extremely brightly coloured coat with a puzzled look on my face, and we both chuckled. She said that so long as she wasn't recognisable in the photo, she was happy for me to use it. (for some reason she assumed I was shooting film, and didn't ask to see it) I told her that she could keep the Zine, which had my details in it, and she went back and sat down… 😇
That sounds very well handled, good on you carrying a zine for her to see too! Goes to show that being open to chat about it can make the situation much easier
I've been confronted twice, and both times by people I didn't even know were there, and they weren't actually in the shot. They just saw a camera pointed in their general direction and took umbrage. I was actually taking pictures of the architecture at the time, and not interested in people at all. The first guy was probably in his 20's and if I was to guess, he was probably smoking ganj or some such thing he didn't want photographed. I eventually convinced him that I was just taking pictures of the buildings and he left. This was in the "neighborhood of the arts" in the city in question, and the confrontation took place in the parking lot of an art gallery. Last place I'd have expected to be confronted about, ya know... making art, but there you go.
The second time was on 42nd Street in Manhattan, which is also the last place I'd expect to someone to be bothered by someone taking pictures. I suspect there was some mental illness involved in that case. I just kept moving and the gentleman declined to pursue it further. Still... not fun.
I'm mostly a landscape and wildlife photographer in any case, but those experiences were definitely off-putting in terms of getting into street photography.
Sorry to hear about the bad experiences, I do think those who are paranoid anyway see a camera and think the worst - even when they're not in the shot!
In some developing countries people like it when you take pictures of them, also if you are in a touristic place people are used to cameras being used. In any case if you want total stealth, there are ways of using smartphones that give you almost absolute anonymity
I don´t like to make people unconfortable but I photograph cities and they have people, so...
On tactic it to say : I am taking photography lessons and I am doing the homework. It works!
Another tactic is to be fast, serious and unapprochable as possible.
And of course, a huge DSRL with a big zoom will generate more problems than a GR.
Interesting, I like the homework idea - in theory we are all students till our last photo. Also I have actually started to find that the small camera advantage could be almost opposite, maybe we've been a bit taken by the X100s and GRs to think smaller is more discreet. Sometimes I think it looks like we're trying to hide what we're doing, I've been leaning towards raising my EVF to my eye with a larger camera and just owning what I'm doing.
I've never thought that concealing the camera and being stealthy was a bit creepy. I usually hide the camera because I don't want thieves to see it!
I’m 6’9 so there is no hiding when I’m out doing streetphotography! 😄
Can you get birds eye view shots without a drone? 😅
Thanks for the great video. I enjoy seeing bits of Manchester and learning your methods. I think you are too polite. I want the well harsh version. Just kidding. 📷
Thanks! Hahaha harsh photography may be my next season, let's see 😅
📷 great thoughts
Thanks 📸
I’ve started doing street photography recently, and it’s so weird how self conscious feel! Especially because when I’m on a trip, even if I’m alone I don’t feel like a creep taking photos around the city😂
It'll get better I hope!
You can start by taking photos when people are looking away or you can't see their face. Sometimes, I'll see a cool wall with great lighting, for example, and with my camera out sometimes people will simply walk into your camera's view!
I used to be a detached/street based youth worker and all these same tips apply, intentions, confidence, not being alone... so so similar..
That’s interesting, I have no experience in that area at all
Also love shooting on hip height so people dont think ur taking a photo of them. Also recently had a bad confrontation with a person I didnt even photographed. He was mad and took a photo of us. I just shook it off and went on shooting.
Yeah hip height is great especially if you're looking the other way! And that's so odd, I had the same the other day - someone thought they heard my shutter but it was my camera auto powering off 😅
In some cases I've found myself successfully doing a sort of improvised sign-language from maybe 30 feet away, asking for permission, and they give a thumbs-up! :)
But yeah things get intense. Yesterday, in the famous Brick Lane in east London, the street suddenly filled up with maybe 20+ horse and carriages. It was travelling people. A fantastic photo opportunity. But, while I took photos, one of their kids thumped me on the back of my head (after repeatedly enjoying blocking my shots for giggles) and (separately) a local drunk told me he'd smash my camera if I took another photo.
I felt very targeted, as the place was full of people taking photos. Having a proper dedicated camera (X-T5 and the hefty-ish 16-55 lens) seemed to lose me brownie points with these botherers.
I actually gave both of them a piece of my mind, so it wasn't the ultimate in 'defusing technique' and not what I'm normally recommend. But both were getting a bit illegal, were obnoxious and seemed weak enough to educate. It did get rid of them.
What's most annoying is I'm not really the kind of photographer who just takes shots of strangers walking in front of nice background etc. Each shot usually has more of a purpose or theme, so I think I try hard not to be obnoxious or intrusive. I just think I probably spend too long snapping away in one direction or at one scene - which, ironically, is usually just me trying to simplify the shot and reduce the number of people straying into frame.
Sorry to hear about your negative experience, I recently was also confronted by someone who I had to make peace with as quickly as possible before things escalated - never fun!
@@GeorgeHolden Challenging yeah. I love diversity, so put up with it. Today I just did a quick 2.5 hours in London's southbank and had real trouble stopping this Christian for preaching at me. You'd think walking away would be the answer but 1) He'd let me take a few photos, so I felt I had to let him chat a bit and 2) Even when I started walking off, it required a few 'parting handshakes' for him to get the message that it was over! Lovely positive chap though :)
My trick is to frame the cityscape object.
I had one person threaten to punch me, and another threaten to sue me. What they both have in common? I wasn't even shooting in their direction 🤣
It's always like that!
If you ask for a photo it won’t be candid. Most people are too surprised you have a real camera they’re expecting a phone now .
You are correct
I hate having my photo taken but also suffer from anxiety so would never confront someone over it. I hate the way I look and if someone took a picture because I look "interesting" (ugly) it would feel kind of exploitative I guess. I wouldn't feel as strongly these days, since covid I've never stopped wearing masks (they make me feel more confident in public) but it would still feel weird. Shortly after everything started opening up after the worst of covid someone asked if they could take my photo to use for a university project. I agreed (I was wearing a mask and a hat so you couldn't really tell it was me) and she was lovely to have asked (and didn't pressure me at all) but after I left I felt strange about it and wish I'd had enough confidence to say "no"
That's completely fair enough, thank you for sharing your experience
I always show people my Instagram account and that I’m a street photographer
03:00 Indeed - lack of confidence is the main reason, that there are so many poor „street photos” that simply show the backs of passersby. What kind of photo is that? Many photographers are able only to „shoot in the back” someone.
07:15 „be obvious about taking photos” - when I was taking photos with my big Canon 1D hanging on my neck (and sometimes with rather big 90 mm lens attached, made even longer by its hood) - and being well-dressed - the people parted sideways respectfully probably thinking „he must be from some well-known title” (or sth). 😄
I actually considered a big DSLR for that reason, so obvious people are interested in you taking photos in a good way 😂
@@GeorgeHolden Canon 1D Mk II, incredibly expensive at its launch date, now is available on eBay for just 200-300 USD (OTOH it offers only 8 Mpx, not much area to crop). It has good and fast AF, well cooperating with STM lenses.
Great video..and it is very difficult to do street photography here in UAE
Thanks! And yes, I have heard the UAE is difficult - photography in public is allowed, isn't it? But, photographs of people without permission is illegal? I may be wrong!
@@GeorgeHolden Yes photography in public is allowed but as you said you need permission to take others photos. Otherwise it’s punishable if they complain to the authorities
@@tedsclickz2535 thanks for letting us know!
In my case, 2 of the most dramatic moments weren't the persons being photographed at all but random passers-by. First one in Paris, I was taking an image of a building/street and suddenly a black guy runs to my face and starts yelling in French, almost with physical contact. I couldn't understand anything and he obviously wanted me to delete the image as he thought I photographed him, so I was taking the camera away from him and showing images on screen to show that he isn't there.
Other situation was Brooklyn, New York, I did a supernice candid shot of a guy walking down the street, looking cool and all, but then again another guy runs to me and starts yelling in my face "you like taking pictures of m*f* n*s, you watch! you gonna be followed!". I just ignored but yeah, not the most pleasant experience. Other than that it was mostly fine haha.
It is a case of you can never predict, luckily both situations turned out okay for you!
It is a case of you can never predict, luckily both situations turned out okay for you!
Any tips on shooting in a country where you don't speak the language?
Learn a few polite phrases, be polite, carry some of your images to hand and try to look like a tourist!!
I've had to tell people to call the City and have them uninstall every camera in the city because when your out in public your in about over 200 cameras within the city, I've even told them not to go in any store because again They are in camera. As they pause to think about it, I tell them I'm just a street photographer and I love the way you were looking up to the building, I show them the picture and delete it right there and I've had them tell me NO Don't delete it LoL Next thing I know they are trying to post for me to take another shot :)
Yes I always say IG stories are everywhere, I'm probably going to delete this photo anyway 😂
I had two people confront me in Las Vegas and it got physical so I had to pepper spray em
Sorry to hear that, I'll make a note of that if I visit Vegas 😬 on the strip or elsewhere?
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But being with someone else can also be very distracting, especially if the other person has other priorities.
This is true, need a good shooting partner
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I usually I end up passing a business card if confronted, and being nice :)
Good call!
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Its an art that needs practice 🙂😎📷👊
Agreed and yes 📸
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If you get a Fuji Instax mini Evo you can offer to give someone an instant print for free in the example of you taking pics of dogs on the street. ... BTW it looks like your steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car. You might want to get that checked out...
Oh yeah I drive in reverse everywhere I go too
@@GeorgeHolden I'll have to give that a try. Great videos, you seem to have found your winning formula.
@@dan.allen.digital I appreciate the feedback, far from found my formula I can assure you 😅 hope to just improve with each try
Today people seem to feel entitled and forget about respect and other people's feelings. Do just in front of someone to startle them for a photo, do it like you said, be nice, respectful etc and most times you won't have an issue. Some people are just not comfortable of themselves and if they have troubles taking photos of themselves why would they be ok with someone else taking a photo of them.
Completely agree
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Someone said to me hey did you just take my picture not me well you’re carrying a camera then the police can take your camera
People do say things sometimes!
I just tell the truth : "Oh, I don’t take photographs, I just take people’s soul. Have a nice day!" 😉
Hahaha, "they call me the dementor"
Did I see that right? You are really, really still shooting with FILM?!?!??? Just crazy, I spare you the st... word. BECAUSE: There are situations where you should shoot 4-5 pics in a row because of moving people and objects. I shoot digitally, of course, and with a tele zoom. Which goes completely unnoticed mostly.
I shoot everything, don't care what anyone elses chooses to shoot
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These 1st world photographers 😂 hahaha what about: Being A MAN and accept consecuences?
What is "being a man" in this context? 😂
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