I was in Chinatown in Boston on Sunday after not doing any street photography for a long time. It took a couple hours to shake of that anxiety, but at one point I got caught in the act by a gentleman looking in a restaurant window. He turned around right as a took a second shot and my stomach dropped. I kinda laughed, gave an apologetic wave, and was surprised that he laughed too and pointed to the cooked duck in the window. The fact that he didn’t seem to care, but also directed me to my next shot, really helped me shake it off.
Wow another Bostonian photographer. But yeah, Chinatown, Charles river, Quincy market, Seaport, and so on. Boston is a paradise for street photography. I wish I could spend more time downtown Boston (and I would) but the T commuting sucks big time. I guess another approach to "sneak attack" is actually talking to people. You'll realize how open and welcoming they are, and if they are not, just move on. I was in North Quincy the other day and a T inspector spot me. We exchanged words a bit and I asked him for a photo. Then he told me more stories about his job and things he sees everyday. It was definitely more than just a photo.
My tip is - don't hide your camera. When you are open about the fact that you're carrying it, people won't be surprised when you suddenly take it out of your bag or pocket. It's stressful at first but it pays off by making everyone around you more comfortable
This is a great tip; people are a lot more welcoming to someone who isn't trying to hide what they're doing. People are more likely to question what you're up to if you are trying to hide it.
100%. I don't take pictures with people as subjects but shooting in urban areas was always so difficult for me when I used my phone. Having a camera and owning what you're doing adds so much legitimacy in people's eyes. If you're just trying to stealthily take a picture of someone on a phone or small camera, people are gonna think you're a creep.
I have photographed 10s of thousands of people in public spaces in the years I've been shooting in both professional and personal situations. In all that time, I've had maybe one person confront me and ask me not to photograph them. I find usually that nobody seems to mind at all, and in fact quite a few really enjoy being photographed, even by a stranger. As others have said, don't be sneaky or shy about it. Looking confident and like you know what you're doing (even if you have to fake it at first) goes a long way. If in the rare case someone does ask you to stop, just point your camera elsewhere. Even though no one has any legal authority to bar you from photographing them in public, there's no reason to be a jerk about it...there are plenty of other willing subjects to aim your camera at. I hope someone finds this encouraging.
I must be unlucky (or look like a strange person with a camera) because on my first attempt in about 6 years of shooting street, I had a man wave his hand in my face and try to force me to open my camera, ruining the film, before threatening to call the police lol. Maybe I got my one conflict out of the way early however?
I had a bad experience in Perth, Scotland recently. A man was coming right up to me and my partner shouting that we had better not took a photo of him and it did put me off of trying street photography quite a lot but I won’t let it put me off altogether.
My best tip is to hold your camera like if you were shooting a VIDEO. That is: once you take your photo don't take apart your camera instantly, you just keep holding it. Another tip: Look like you are adjusting some settings on your camera not actually taking a photo.
My main struggle is worrying about somebody getting upset with me taking a photo of them. This usually leads to me not taking the photo and having anxiety about asking them if I can take a photo of them. Even though I know most people wouldn’t care, that fear holds me back a lot of the time. It’s really frustrating because some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were of people that I just saw when I had my camera and I try to remember that when I feel that pit in my stomach while taking photos.
I’m introverted and shy and I live in Vienna. Now Vienna is considered to be the most unfriendly city and that title is well earned and deserved.😳 I really feel the weight loss on my shoulders when I am abroad.
I'll say balance between capturing natural moments and intruding privacy. Maybe start off at some parks where the vibes are more relaxing. Start talking to people or go with some experienced photographer.
This is the constant, personal dilemma/struggle for anyone who has a genuine and heartfelt respect for others, and I'd argue it's "a good problem to have." I struggle with it too and I've accepted I always will, especially living in a country where I often stick out. When my camera is in hand, I stand out even more. Being totally blunt and forthright with why you take the photo is all you can do. The peak response is bringing up your preferred social media profile or your personal site that shows your name, and tell them "Look, I don't know who you are or what your name is, but this is who I am" is going above and beyond in transparency. At that point, if they're still uncomfortable and express it as such, you owe it to them to let them watch you delete the photo(s). I have never experienced it reaching that point, but I've made peace with the fact it will likely happen someday. Be prepared for this extreme reaction ahead of time, and you'll be less disappointed. (If you shoot on film, I don't know what to tell you for that last part.. it could lead to a more serious altercation, in a worst-case scenario.)
FYI I actually watched the Square Space ad instead of skipping it because that was a very legit transition into something that’s actually relevant to the video. Great work, man!
One of the best ways I've found if jumping into the deep end doesn't work is to find the very edge of what you're comfortable with and only taking one step out. You make progress, get comfortable, then you take one more step. Only staying one step out is a lot easier to content with
My solution to build confidence was to start taking photos in parks. I did not feel at all weird with dozens of people with cameras around (especially on nice sunny weekends). I would progressively move towards the outskirts of the park and eventually to the urban areas around it and beyond. I would also pick urban areas which are popular with photographers, like ones with famous landmarks etc.
Not being argumentative, just making an observation. Sometimes it can be harder in an area that is less crowded because you are more visible. And, people in a less populated area may not be as accustomed to seeing photographers on the street. In an urban area these days people may be more oblivious to your presence and your camera. Great video and very helpful!!
The best tip. Don't photograph people for no reason. Have that reason ready to go. The moment should have been worth the conversation. Your reason also shouldn't be "it was cool". Common people, we are better than that. Street Photography is art, history and life. We have all the reason to do it. Absolutely what I have been wanting to say myself to others for a long time too. Great work brother.
If anyone asks what you're doing, just tell them you're with the city appraisal department and they're considering demolishing whatever building you are looking at. Then run. Works every time
Gonna sound silly, but what helps me get over it is simply pretending I'm a tourist or a journalist. Dont hide the camera, wear it proudly around your neck like a tourist would. Dont try to be discreet, that looks sus. Be overt, like you are taking pictures for a small publication or an article. People will be aware that you are taking photos, and tourists are harmless. Another thing that helped me overcome being nervous about taking pictures of strangers is pretending to take pictures of the surrounding area, then glance at the person and immediately take their picture like it's just another in a long string of pictures being taken. Again, be overt- not covert. They'll see you taking pictures, and it wont feel like you're singling them out.
The reason I'm scared is that whenever someone sees a person with a big camera, they assume that it must be a professional and me to take photos of them and that is what scares me. Thoughts of "oh what if I can't take good photos? Then what would they think of me" is always present in the back of my head and that is my biggest anxiety.
One thing I've found, is that most people's bars for a "good" photograph are much lower than you'd think, and that isn't a dig at them they just don't care about many of the subtleties like you do (or else THEY'D be a photographer themselves!). As long as you get an angle on someone that centers them properly and the light is hitting their face evenly or flatteringly, 95% of people will think you must be a professional. I take Polaroids of my coworkers and just getting them in the middle of doing their tasks with proper lighting is enough to see them be really happy with their photos which is really a wonderful feeling as a photographer.
I still get nervous even after ten years of doing street, there’s always the potential for conflict. At the same time the reward feeling of getting a good photo makes up for it.
I really love your work! This channel was one of the main reasons I bought my first camera to start taking photos. I’m really enjoying the process of street photography so far
Your voice is so soothing, your content is so soothing, the music is soothing, your editing style is soothing. Everything is soothing. I feel at peace, comforted, and ready to take photos. Thanks lol
#1, There is no privacy in public spaces. #2, Most “Street photographers” today shoot mostly people’s backsides…big yawn! #3, Interact with the people around you, you’ll be amazed at how accepting they are with what you’re doing.
Put on large headphones, turn on mood music and watch around - this way people will see that you can't hear them, and 90% of them won't bother you. Music really will help you tune out the noise and thoughts “is he talking about me?”
I felt in love with photography since I was 4 years old. It became my absolute obsession to take photos of almost everything. I wish I could make street photography, but as an autistic person, even crossing a street or the downtown is a challenge itself. Plus the Anxiety, talking to people or photograph strangers is quiet impossible for me. I hope one day I can overcome this mental bullshit.
My first time doing street photography I had a very upset guy confront me and wanted to fight because I was out taking photos. It took me a long time to get back out, but after I did I realized I just got unlucky. 99.99% of the time people are very cool about it. Be mindful of where you're shooting and be confident in your photography, if you look timid and afraid it gives off the impression that you're doing something you shouldn't be and it makes people more likely to confront you. Another tip that helped me is that I have all my camera gear insured now, if anything happens I don't have to worry about not having the money to replace my equipment that helped set me more at ease.
I'm constantly battling myself when it comes to street photography -- I'm the least confrontational person I know, so why would I put myself in a position where I could come across confrontation? However, you bring up some excellent points here, and this is quality info, as usual. Also, I totally laughed out loud at the bit about the "vintage Leica." I hear it all too often! Yet again another quality video, dude. 🙏
Why would you put yourself in a difficult position...? Perhaps because the greatest things in life are on the opposite side of fear? Nothing worth doing is ever easy. Get out there and DO!
Watched this video, not because I want some quick solution or a how to. But because I was just comforted in knowing that there are people that feel this way which makes this all a little less daunting and gives me that bit of confidence in picking up my camera/phone in public and snapping that beautiful moment.
Thought I was nervous, but this video showed me how far I've come. Just bought my first camera (I began in photography twelve years ago with my dad's camera and been using my phone since) and since the moment I opened the box I've been shooting as long the battery lasts, never keeping it away nor stored and even photographing people. Since I come from shooting with smartphone, I'm used to the uncomfortable looks -especially when photographing people- as the camera makes people sure that you're an artist (or just a tourist in the worst-case scenario) instead of a random stalker that wants to share something on his phone.
Good advice! I worry about my camera being stolen, and Al’s about someone getting angry or scared these days. Even in my own work building, I was walking through with a camera in hand and security personnel approached me having seen what they thought was a gun in my hand…nope, it’s a camera!
thank you for saying these. i've just gotten into street photography and this video resonates so much with a lot of my worries when doing it. it makes me feel like my feelings and nervousness around street photography are valid. the best part is you also share how to overcome these worries. can't wait to do some street photography again soon. thank you so much for making this video!
I think if you have a conventional camera, people are less suspicious because for some reason they think you're either some harmless nerd or maybe even a professional. A high power zoom helps btw. That, a steady hand and a good sense of timing.
It’s weird that you put this out because this is exactly what I did. I was used to shooting birds, bugs, and animals and I employed the wait-for-them approach and thought “Hey, I could do this for people.” Yes, I was very nervous. Did a lot of reading thinking I had to ask permission everywhere I went. It was exhausting. I eventually threw caution to the wind and did it. I started in my own neighborhood then gradually moved into the city. You are 100% correct: once you’re used to having that camera full-time in your hand, it is a lot easier to shoot street. I have never been harassed. Ironically, I now live in a place where I have to apply for photography permits inside the city, but the act of going out and shooting is second nature so that part barely bothers me. Great tips, Faizal!
In situations like this, I do a quick calculation about what I want more: the photo or the lack of awkwardness. I usually want to photo more. So I take it. Or I think about how disappointed I'll be not to take the shot. Anything to force me into making a decision I'll be happy with.
I started doing street photography this week and I was taking picture of people in bars/restaurant from the outside ( you know they were behind the glass). I was really worried that anyone will realize this and want to confront with me so I am learning to get a good angle and be like ghost. Cool thing was that I meet another young guy with camera on his neck and he saw me and we both smile to each other. That really gave me this boost of motivation and not feeling alone or weird anymore. EDIT: I realize its also easier if you use your Viewfinder while taking pictures because its covering your face so you feel more anonymous and I think people might think you are a professional 😅
I tried to take a photo from outside a bar in Italy the other day and my camera flash went off and I got approached by a very large security guard. It was quite scary. Somehow I dropped the Polaroid photo and so I had nothing to show for the flash and he let me go. it's definitely another ball game taking street photos as a young woman at night
serious question, how much do you actually work on your photography when making these videos? do you think of yourself as a photographer to makes videos OR as a youtuber who makes videos about photographer? to me these are two different things.
It's also culture. I noticed being in Europe no one said anything or gave any kind of look. It seems like it's normal. Paris for example, is a city of art so photography is just another tool so I think people just know that. Maybe I've just been lucky.
Although I would rather take photos on the sly, I often chat up people and then they always agree to let me photograph them. One young, disabled, black veteran in a Chicago park had a sad story to share (which sincerely interests me). He let me take a picture of him feeding the pigeons. Another, Louise, a vagrant, I spoke with for 5 minutes learning her sad story and then I offered to buy her a take out meal. I still think about Louise. So personally maybe because I am an empath, I do enjoy street photography because I am enriched by the plight of those who are often down and out.
It took me a long time to realize that people don't care what you're doing unless you're being a nuisance and disrupting their life. Knowing that helps break the insecurities of street photography.
Great advice. I find shooting in the touristy parts of my city to be less stressful because people expect tourists with cameras. It’s in the real neighborhoods of the city where I get the most odd looks, unfortunately.
This is such a helpful video. As someone who made his thesis a photobook about people, these are the tips I’ve been looking for to find my flow. It does take time to adjust in a new environment but the thought of making memories not just for yourself but for the people you met through the pictures is a good experience.
Dude what do you use to shoot these videos and what coloring do you do in editing because i half the time cant even pay attention to what your saying the cinematography is so good
Super inspiring, thank you. I am not someone who really does "street photography" but this video popped up in my feed and inspired me to go on a street photography "trip" around my neighborhood this week, just to try it out! Great content :)
If I don't bring the bag the camera will heat up from the sun and the rubber even melted on me once, plus people seem to not notice me until the last moment when I bring the camera out giving them little time to react.
Awesome video! I have tried approaching people and asking them for their photograph and quickly explaining why, I liked their look, their clothes, their hat, etc… some said no, some said yes. This takes real practice and a bit of brass balls. And I am still horrible at it but it gives me the confidence for candid photographs to reply to someone for why I am taking their pic 👍
The no-bag tip is amazing! I’ve always felt that shoulder (neck) straps are better than bags, and wrist straps are better than shoulder straps. Sometimes it’s still hard to fight off the anxiety, but often times I find that just having the camera hanging off my shoulder rather than in my bag, I pay more attention to things happening around me and continue to think more about frames, even if I’m not taking any photos.
One suggestion: if your video is mostly 4:3, it’s better to set the timeline and upload as a 4:3 video instead of 16:9, much better videoing experience on iPads
I'm usually never really that nervous after a few shots but for whatever reason yesterday, I got so nervous and anxious. No idea why. I guess in some ways I have actually gotten so much more confident than when I started. I actually am getting quite close to people and it dawned on me just how close I am compared to when I first started. I guess we never fully adjust. Great video
I found your channel yesterday and have looked at several of your videos between yesterday and today! First of all I want to say that I love the style and editing of your photos and videos. I find it very inspiring! Second of all, I want to thank you approaching photography in a very humble and humane way. I bought myself my first professional camera (Nikon D3100) at the age 14 (2012). I loved doing photoshoots with my friends and shooting street photography when traveling. Back at that time, it seemed like it all came so natural to me. I didn't overthink it, I just did it. I wasn't too worried about the editing part and I felt really really satisfied with the results. I did amazing projects for the following years but as time passed and I started college on a completely different subject, I stopped using my camera. I still felt passionate about photography, I just didn't make the time for it anymore. About a year and a half ago, my husband gifted me a Nikon Z6 with a beautiful 24-70mm Nikkor lens. I bought all the props (bags, straps, lense protector, air blower, hard drive) to make the most out of it, but honestly I feel stuck. I over think it, I get anxiety, I overthink my poor editing skills, I compare myself to others and for the most part, I've ended up traveling with the camera in my bag for whole trips because it's too heavy, too big or I get anxiety of having something happen to it. On other cases, I use the camara but again get stuck on the editing part so I end up not doing anything with those photos... I've been thinking that this might not be the right camera for me and that I should instead purchase a smaller size camera (Fujifilm X100v...) that would be easier to take on trips or to use on a daily basis as well as give me more confidence when taking it out of the bag. Anyway, after sharing some of my story as a photograph, I wanted to ask if you have any editing related videos? And if you have any feedback regarding my camera situation 😃 Thanks again for sharing all of this wonderful videos!
Love the tip of leaving the camera bag at home. It’s so true - while I’m not necessarily anxious about other people seeing me with my camera, i find I don’t take it out to shoot as much as I would like, when I have it in my bag on me. I’ve been doing this at home with my kids too (I’m usually a family photographer, and am doing a 265 project), but I replaced my phone with my camera and its been so amazing to see the random stuff I’ve captured! Thanks for this tip Faizal!
I’ve recently started doing street photography, at the moment i m still anxious about taking pictures of people, so i tend to avoid but i did take some when i really want to, my best tip is that you look awesome with a camera in ur hand and just blast favourite music and just walk and shoot🥰 it really helped i would of go on for hours if my battery didnt die lol
I love your suggestion of having your album featured on a beautiful web page, along with your QR code to lead them instantly to your page. Those are my two take-always moving forward. Thanks for the great video!
I like to think about it from the other person's perspective. What do you think when you see someone out with a camera? Probably not much, you might spend a moment on them before another thought pops into your head. People aren't looking at you or judging you nearly as much as you think. And that is very freeing to know.
I agree about keeping your camera out in the open. It can improve how fast you react to situations and capture moments. Though in countries where its is not always safe to keep gadgets out in the open, having an inconspicuous camera bag around is handy and safe. :)
Great video, thanks Faizal! Do you ever find yourself avoiding taking a camera to your eye? I’m finding I miss a lot of photos by trying to take low subtle shots. It might be my height making me anxious but wondered if others had this too.
I live in London, which is very hostile to photography. I've found the best place to shoot is at a public event, like a commemoration or Royal wedding, or at a protest march. People expect photographers to be present and active, many of them want to show off their placard or their costume, and virtually everyone is having their picture taken deliberately or accidentally. So the subjects lose their own anxiety. Those events also put you in the same position as most of the work you've been inspired by, which generally wasn't random "artistic" photography but actually photojournalism. While big crowds can be compositionally challenging, the end of an event as people disperse is often a fruitful time. Also, I attended a static protest once, where I could see all the other photogs at work. The press were out in force. They were absolutely brutal, standing right in front of people, no please or thank you, no smile, and rattling off lots of pictures of different people in quick succession. Clearly, that helped clear the ground for people like me. But more generally, they provoked far less negativity from the subjects than I do - human beings respond well to confidence.
I'm a street photographer, and am trying my best to get some shots from the protest that are happening here in my country, however the main problem with this is that I may get arrested for it, and even literally get kidnapped or even worse, get killed by the police. Honestly not sure how to approach things which are this extreme and risky; Thanks for the video though
You should probably look more into war/journalistic photography rather than street photography. They’re different skill sets, both in what you intend to actually shoot and how you do it (mostly so you don’t endanger yourself).
Hi Faizal, I really appreciate you providing this video and your tips for nervous street photographers. I'm a new beginner street photographer and the thought of confrontational people makes me quite nervous. I don't know if you have homeless or street people on drugs or alcohol in your town, city, but there are some areas I know that are not cool to go to. Have you had some experiences /or advice to avoid problems?
I find that I have 2 issues that make it dificult for me to feel comfortable. First, is that I live in a country and city where carrying a camera can result in you getting robbed sometimes grab and run and now and then at gunpoint. The second is that I do not speak the local language well, so asking for permission to shoot or being unable to answer questions or concerns from other people make it very difficult. All that said I do appreciate your video, thanks very much for making it.
great video thank you so much!!! this couldn't of popped up in my recommended at a better time, a combination of things has made it so hard for me to pursue photography lately; anyone else who has social anxiety combined with the anxiety of street photography can probably relate to the feeling of stagnancy in their work. i haven't pulled out my camera since i was in mexico city and then chicago, for some reason it's a lot easier for me to shoot in in environments outside of where i live, especially because i don't live in a touristy city i also get anxious about people thinking like "why is she even taking photos around here" too but everything takes practice and consistency so i'm hopeful in finishing the half finished roll in my nikon fe2 soon!!!
As a woman who was always interested in street photography I finally build up some courage to go out and take photos on the streets. It was good for couple of months until I was physically assaulted by a homeless woman. I wish I can say I had the courage to keep going out but not where I live, which is San Francisco. Now I live vicariously through these RU-vid channels/street photographer channels and do landscape, wildlife, photography instead. 😅
“Do not photograph people for the sake of photographing people” i find myself doing this and times ask myself why im doing it. Often times it happens when I’m trying to do “street photography” on the streets rather than looking for things that interests me instead.
Interesting points, but since street photography is legal in the U.S., you really don’t have to explain yourself or why you took a photograph. Telling them you are just taking pictures and they looked like an interesting part of the scene should do just fine. If they don’t accept that and confront you further simply walk away. Someone who is irritated at having their picture taken may have their own reasons for not wanting to be documented in that moment. They aren’t going to care about your web page if you caught them stepping out on their spouse or playing hookie from work. The best way to diffuse a situation is to not give the person a chance to escalate it.
Hi I loved ur video but is it ok if I ask something about ur name "Faizal". Are you a Muslim? Don't take it badly, it's just that I like following my fellow Muslims who have made an impact in the world ☺🤗
I feel a lot has to do with the confidence of the photographer. If you appear and act insecure, people will notice it. Easy for me to say, I’m 6-3, 250 and have resting IDGAF face, so I f someone gives me the eye for taking their picture, I just stare at them until they turn away.
If challenged, I hand them a business card and tell them to contact me if they want a digital copyrighted copy of the Pic. It has had the beneficial affect of bringing me work for business, event, weddings/receptions, parties, family, real estate, and architectural shoots. The most fun was for a Hot Air balloon business shoot. A thousand cards costs very little and for me, will last a couple of years. Now the thing I don't want is for people to change their demeanor because of the camera ruining the hoped for shot.
3:36 I very recently got a camera and am still figuring out what kind of photos I like to take, and in doing so I've taken it out in public, to the zoo and other populated areas feeling very anxious. One thing since getting my camera that I've become more aware of is: how many other people ALSO have a camera. Most times when I go out for an hour in a reasonably crowded space where I am, I see one person with a professional camera too. There were several at the zoo I went to. It's also been a conversation piece for strangers, one person with a camera asked if I took any good pictures. I had someone on their deck ask about it, and they gave me a good guide on where to go for a good one of the sunset. People are surprisingly chill with it.
I have two tips that work perfectly together. The first is to listen to music i always listen to music when i wander the streets. it helps me focus on my visual impressions, and sometimes i almost feel like a ghost. someone who isn't really there. i'm just observing, not interacting. and when you're in that mood, you behave differently. and then people often see you as part of the city rather than as a human being. secondly, take photos in the morning when people are rushing to work. this intensifies the first effect even more, because people are looking at their watches or smartphones or their brains are still in bed while their bodies are already on their way to work ;) it's often happened to me that i've hardly been noticed as a person or photographer this way. people have walked past me as if i were a street lamp... And depending on the music you choose, it can be a very psychedelic experience :D
Great video! I enjoy street photography but haven’t done much of it for this very reason, but yesterday I went into town with my camera and took some really great photos! No one seemed to care what I was doing. I think the big thing is being confident in what you are doing, don’t be sneaky about it, pick your camera up and take the photo you wanna take.
I don't get nervous about it unless people stop completely dead in their tracks while i'm shooting because they don't want to mess the shot up. It's polite, but also freaks me out when i come up from my viewfinder to see 6 people staring at me (also sucks because I'd honestly prefer if they just walk in front of the lens since I use manual focus lenses most of the time when I'm shooting and they don't realize that they actually make the shot better)
This is primarily about character types. Introvert vs Extrovert... So many of the current 'street experts' not you I may add are extrovert and take images devoid of people..
A discreet backpack that doesn't look like a photography bag can work well, as you often need other things, sunscreen, water, etc. You can get an insert that you can put lens, camera bodies in that can go in a standard daypack or backpack
you just described me perfectly and gave perfect tips. thank you. also, ive seen countless squarespace ads, but this is the first one that actually got me to visit their website and try it out. keep up the good work man
Remember, in most cases you are taking photographs without consent. And in many cases these pictures get put online. Some are even shown in RU-vid videos which thousands of other people see. Without the subjects consent. Would you be happy that a sometimes private, unguarded, emotional moment gets published just because the photographer thought it made a great shot? How ethical is that? What gives someone the right to do that without permission?
I once had an opportunity to take a picture of someone behind glass at night with some really nice warm chandeliers, but I made a gesture to ask if I could photograph them, which they said no to. Nothing probably would have happened if I took the picture, but this was back in the first few days of me starting photography as a hobby.
Honestly what makes me the most nervous are some of the violent/agressive people on the streets of Seattle as well as some of the homeless people having psychotic episodes. Even if you don't have a camera there can potentially be issues. I was once at a Quiznos and I was holding my phone in my hand with my wallet after using the app to get a discount. As I signed the receipt and wrote down the tip this homeless guy lunged at me "Get that fuckin camera off me boy!" He thought I was videoing him with my phone and he was being really belligerent and aggressive with other customers I was just trying to get out of there
I am nervous not because of interaction with angry people. I am worried about bad people jacking and robbing me in San Francisco and streets of Oakland....😢
Hey brother, please visit an optometry and get your glasses adjusted. This is my first time on this channel and this is my first video on this channel. I love the content of the video and I learned a lot. Still have the anxiety but I'll do this one step at a time. But back to your glasses, please get them adjusted. It is very distracting to see the glasses crooked on your face with your right side higher than the left... Thanks for the video, and hope to see more!
I always carry my camera bag. It sits behind me. With my camera being in my hand with a hand strap. I have never worn a neck strap. It telegraphs the fact that you have a camera. And I almost never bring the camera up to my eye, another give away. Busy areas are the best places to shoot as you are in a crowd. Be stealth.
Faizal, I’m surprised you never got into the X-pro series. I know you love the x100v But essentially the xpro3 is a blend of the x100v,Xe4 and a film camera. The price is expensive but I’m sure the used market would have it out there for cheaper. Since its a rangefinder with interchangeable lenses it shouldnt feel too far from x100v Its just missing the built in ND n leaf shutter
I can’t begin to describe how perfect your timing is. I’ve been doing street photography for many years and recently I find myself “stuck” when I go out with my camera. I will take some of your suggestions especially that relating to why I’ve been nervous and it starts with worrying about not taking ‘good’ photographs any more… and so on. Thank you.
If it can help some people here not to do the same mistakes I did : I used to feel really nervous about going for some street photography sessions and so I thought it would be a nice idea to go in the streets at night so way less people are able to see me shooting. So I ended up walking through Paris during many nights. But what I forgot is that if you're shooting a stranger's portrait in the street at night you're much more likely to be seen because you may be the only 2 living souls around. So in the end I've been living some much more embarassing scenes at night. Don't shoot at nighttime if you do it to feel relieved from what people may think of you. Go shoot in the trouble of the everyday flows in the cities, people won't notice you, people don't notice you. They're nobody to you and you're nobody to them, they do not have time to give you. PS: what a cool video again, definitely getting really fan of your work !
Great video as always. For me it very much depends on my daily form and the general vibe of the city I'm in. Some days I'm completely confident and it's so easy to step out of my comfort zone and other days even the slightest step out of my comfort zone gives me anxiety. But what I found was that the pictures aren't always better when I'm confidently stepping out of my zone than when I'm not and that really helped me to accept my daily form and do as much as I'm capable of.
First time I tried street photography I had the police called on me for photographing a car park. Was probably the most exciting part of the security guards career
I don't know if someone else feel the same but, at least in my city, if I don't bring a bag with me is probably that I ended without camera haha. There are just too many pickpockets.
When I first started taking photos in more public spaces I had a Verizon line worker bother me getting upset and trying to scare me away from taking photos of just cool looking brick buildings. I didnt think I just rushed and took pics of this guy B lining it right for me with a super mad face in case he attacked me. I never uploaded the pics and I am the only one who has seen it but I look at it as a reminder of how people are and I like to think about why he was so upset that day like was he fired or maybe his wife left him. So if you are ever confronted by someone trying to scare you away from taking photos you want to take just think about why they are really mad and see it has nothing to do with you its just they pooped there pants or drank really old milk.
I think street photographers need to seem themselves as photo journalists, people who are documenting real moments that are happening everywhere. You're not trying to invade anyone's privacy and if it's an issue for them I would always delete the image.
