This is How You Ask a Stranger for a Street Portrait 

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That couple not wanting a photo together were definitely being sneaky 😅

I find asking people for their photo is easier than candids at times. Some ppl yell it's not real street photography 😂 either way I'm having fun with both.

I really like the idea of starting street photography with a "dog" project. I'm now inspired that I want to do a "dogs of my neighborhood" project and actually get it printed. I'm certain that many of my neighbors would be interested in participating.

I started learning street photography about three months ago. The first day I went out, a lovely guy approached me and asked me to take his portrait. I was thrilled and sent them to him. I have also been stopped by a group of lads that saw the camera and wanted to pose for a laugh. I sent them the pics too. I have asked a couple of people's permission and they have been happy to do it. The only negative experience was a random guy threatening to smash the camera if I got him in shot, but I just assured him I wasn't taking his picture. I think a good first step is to take photos of street performers and buskers. Just don't take photos of kids, homeless people or people that obviously don't want to be approached.

This is one of the best videos about the subject I've seen on here. Going up to a stranger and asking for their photo is hard to do. It's a lot easier if they have something you can chat about, such a hat. The dog lesson is a good solution to learning the way to do it. Sometimes I can do it, sometimes I can't, even though being a local journalist, I'm talking to strangers all the time, but with a purpose of getting info for a story.

you have balls of steel to do this. I can never(I'm a bit shy) try or asking people to take a photo of them. I can only do it candid. You're video is very helpful for amateurs like me who's trying something new.

Really good stuff man. People skills must be 99% of this style, having these interactions isn't easy.

Wow. This is the first time a sponsor has ever intrigued me. I think this is a beautiful concept. I am also held back by fear

Shit dude, I quit photography for a good long while because I was way to self conscious and stuck in my head. I always felt a certain type or pressure when I was out photographing in the streets, that people would find me odd. I always dreamed about doing a 1000 people portrait series, with their story's going along with the pictures, and I just recently woke up with the feeling that I have to take action on that, now. The dog project is a great place to start, thank you so much for the down to earth video, it really sparked some confidence.

I like the one with the two dudes on the benches with the little dog. I would argue once you've asked to take a portrait it's not really street photography. But doesn't make it any lesser. Taking without permission and running away if they get angry is half the fun! Also makes for great action shots xD My father's been a professional cinematographer since the 60's and he always tells me he cannot understand young photographers' love of film over digital as digital has clearly surpassed film in every conceivable way. He loves old cameras though, he had quite a large collection but it was just for display.

2:15 YEAAAH NO THOUGHTS ONLY BORK

We photographers always tend to overthink before approaching a stranger or anticipating whether the conversation is gonna become weird. This overthinking acts as a mental restraint inhibitating our creative rhythms. But only if we show enough courage to initiate a conversation, we find the change in mood and how lovely their reactions were. Its hard to tell from a distance if the stranger would be up for a quick photoshoot and given the fact, that we tend to carry a poker face while we are on our own on the streets makes it even harder for a photographer to make the move from his side and ask us. But these obstacles are there during the initial phases of street/portrait photography. Once you have asked, lets say, 500 people for a photo, the inhibations start to fade off.

As a nervous introvert person, I find your video very reassuring, up-lifting and healing. I don't know much about street photography, but could I be wrong in thinking that making connections with people and using photography to tell their stories is kind of what street photography is all about. Wonderful content, mate. I also love your accent and the way you talk. It's very comfortable and pleasant on the ear.

Love the last photo of the guy with the cigarette, Glad everyone was so kind. I would be absolutely buzzing if you snapped a pic of me looking like that. Would love to see you do more of this style in the future!

This made me think about the "why". And I see that being two different questions: "why do you want to photograph ME" and "why do YOU want to photograph me". The first is because they've got a great look and would make a great photo. For the second, I see there being two answers: I'm learning to do portrait photography and doing is the best way of learning and that even though I can be quite shy, I like meeting new people. I'm forcing myself to step outside of my comfort zone. All these answers are true, but the trick is figuring out what they are asking and what answer would put them at ease regardless of it they say yes or no

Awesome video! I never thought of possibly cheering up people through a simple photo. Going out with that mindset might change my game completely! Thanks again!

I've done both, street photography and street portraiture... candid and announced. Thats how I call them to distinguish one from the other. The fun is always the same, who cares about the title, right? Cheers.

This was so sweet, man! Not like, "Dude! Sweet!" More like, "D'awwww!" 😍

wow, you are the first youtuber who actually dives into something that really changes photography: talking to people haha

For me, Your channel is absolutely the best street photography tutorial I've seen here in YT, it's a complete package

Absolutely loved this video! As photographers, we get to show people a side of themselves they don’t usually see. I love getting to see the spark in there eye after you show them the photo. It’s so rewarding for everyone involved. Great tips, wonderful video!

Yes, approaching a stranger can be nerve racking. Most of the portraits I have done were taken after I was approached by someone else. So my fear is that someone will think it is weird that I want to take their photo because it's just for me and not being posted on IG or a website. Really, great video! Thank you.

This is one of the most brave videos. I loved it. I hope you revisit this sometimes and think about all the ways you change your approach over time. Great stuff.

Great video! I love that you've developed an "easy" (not easy to get there, but comes off that way now that you're good at it) way to connect to people. Whether you're making casual conversation with another human or asking to take their photo, I think "ice breaking" is the hard part. We're all a bit fearful of strangers and being approached is intense. Once you get past that, people are often hungry for interaction and connection. I was riding the metro one day. After some minutes the girl sitting next to me asked about the camera in my hand. This evolved into a long and fantastic conversation, a real human connection. If I hadn't had a "dog" or "camera" or thing to make the ice breaking easier, if she hadn't asked some simple, very small question, we simply would have sat there for the next half hour ride in silence. I agree that labels and strict definitions don't matter. Go do street and don't worry about it! For myself, if I don't ask for permission, I tend to call that "Street Photography". If I do ask for permission, I call that "Street Portraits". I did street photo here in Los Angeles for 2 years. In very crowded areas like Hollywood Blvd or Venice Beach, it's easy and there's no shortage of people doing interesting things. I spent almost a year just photographing people interacting with Donald Trump's star on Hollywood Blvd. The expressions of love vs hate were in the ballpark of 50/50. Lots of middle finger posing with the star. Also, lots of V for victory posing with the star. One woman took a sharpie, crossed his name out, and then wrote some text about what a monster he was. Half hour later a police car pulled up with her in the back and the officers made her clean off her writing. Another day a woman came to the star, saw that it was dirty from all the cola and other things people often pour on it, went to a nearby drug store, bought a package of baby wipes, came back, got on her hands and knees and cleaned the star. I loved street photography. After 2 years of it I took a photojournalism class at a local college. Boom! Once I started doing PJ, I couldn't do Street anymore. Street had been great, but for me, PJ was just so much richer. If your Street Portrait goes deeper and turns into a conversation, it could develop into a powerful "portrait" of a person. But with Street Photo, you tend not to know the story, it tends to be simply an interesting human moment. With PJ it's always about the story. Some PJ photos are great photos in their own right, and sometimes aesthetically they may not be great, but they are always part of telling some deeper human story. I still appreciate Street, but I may never do it again. Photojournalism and Documentary are just so much deeper and richer for me. They are also "easier". Or, "harder"! :) With Street you're constantly dealing with strangers and if your skin is as thin as mine, one negative experience can cancel quite a few positive ones. With PJ, whether or not the subject knows you or why you're there, you always seem to have a certain raison d'etre. It's less stress in that way. On the other hand, with Street you can simply capture an interesting moment and keep walking. With PJ you never get to snap and walk! You've always got to stop the person and get the story. The "5 W's" (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) Seeing something interesting and then having to get the story is time consuming and for an introvert like me, a bit of a hassle. But a photo with a great caption is always stronger than a photo with no caption. Thank you again, George! Wonderful video!

These types of videos are so much more helpful than the 10 best blah blah.

Asking is a great ice breaker and an opportunity to get up close candid shots after you have taken a posed shot. Especially when you are engaging with them on a personal level

A truly motivating and inspiring video! Thank you!

I’m so glad you made this video! It’s not easy to approach people for photos but it’s not that hard. I took photos last week at my local farmer’s market, I printed some photos, and plan to return today and give out a few prints of some of some of the vendors that let me take a photo.

Awesome video! Love the photos.

Very nice video, inspirational with some great photos. I also default to thinking asking for a photo will bother them rather than brighten their day. The dog idea is great too. I may try this.

11:06 What a great shot! Pretty sure that's Ashley Byam (Finlay Baker from EastEnders!) 👏🏼

I'm impressed!! A very good video/idea showing how to start your adventure with street photography. I had the opportunity to take photos in London... a beautiful city and great people. Regards.

This is a great one George. Really cool that you put yourself out there because I find the idea of asking people for their photos just terrifying... but maybe I'll give it a go now...

One of the best videos on street photography I've seen in a while. Definitely inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and ask for some portraits next time I'm out shooting!

A lot to learn from you, thanks!

If I’m walking the street taking photos it’s street. Other people don’t get to determine what my work is. There’s various styles of street and portraits is one of them. It doesn’t always have to have a journalistic look to be street photography.

Thanks man. Big thank. You gave me lots of motivation and courage ❤

I loved the subtle segue into the Saal segment, made me smile, nicely done. I think if you're in a reasonably busy space, maybe look like a tourist or student on assignment, go in with a positive attitude, smile and are young enough to identify with your subjects, you're more likely to receive a positive response. As a wrinkly old man in a small town I find dogs a great intro to taking someone's photo and that older subjects more readily relate to a casual comment about their outfit and so on from someone of similar age. Of course younger photographers can charm the oldies but it doesn't work so well the other way round, unless there's a solid connection apparent like "hey I see you're shooting film".. and suchlike, then you're in with a chance. Thanks for another really interesting video.

This is dope... Can't lie I wish I had the confidence to do more of this

I just needed this

Yes, in this video you speak of real courage to approach people and ask them for a photo. I can understand that very well, as I personally still have major reservations about it at the moment. It remains to be seen if my behavior will ever change. Maybe your way of teaching how best to approach this will help and I'll dare one day. So far it is still written in the stars ;-). Again, I like your sense of humor in everything you discuss!

This is the push I needed. I can't thank you enough for making this video!

Don’t ask, just be confident, smile, don’t carry huge equipment and get close and be quick. Once you’ve done that, make eye contact and smile

I'm a rather large man, 6'3" and very much overweight. I feel so self conscious that I don't have the confidence to ask others if I can take their picture. I see so many people I'd love to photograph but never do it.

Would love you to do a part 2!

No way you got a sponsership with Saal Digital! I printed my school project there and I’m so happy with their quality! Very very cool to see. Also love the photos and the intro to the video. Again 100/10 video. Absolute masterpiece :D

I started asking the odd person for their image in Manchester as well, so nerve wracking !

Great video George! Loved hearing your thoughts and your honesty about the whole thing, it’s pretty different from just seeing “people taking pictures of people” 🙌 and loved the interaction with the smoking guy, you were clearly moved by his words 🎞️

That book in the beginning of your video by Dawoud Bey is very informative about photographing communities. I love it!

Been wanting to do this challenge for RU-vid as well, I'm gonna do it now! Let's go! 😅

what a lovely video george, hope you make more videos like this. hug from brazil 😊

Yeah, London is cool for Street work. I grew up there, so I kinda feel really comfortable with the vibe. Never had a bad reaction there, not since the Brixton riots in '81.

Amazing video, I'm going to give it a go , thanks George !

A great video George. When I got back into photography a number of years ago I did a 100 Strangers Project on Flickr and as you did I found my interactions were more positive than negative. It struck me that many people enjoyed the interactions with someone they didn’t know but who had taken an interest in them. This has inspired me to start a new project as I now live close to Vancouver on Canada’s west coast, were there are lots of opportunities to focus on a particular subject for street photography. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work. Cheers

Great video.. I have started doing this recently, to get my “skin thickened”; and I find that in most occasions you get what you put out in terms of vibe and energy. Clean up, dress nice, beam with a smile and positivity, and you’ll get acceptance. That said, male to male interactions are by far easier than man to woman ones, for obvious reasons, which is a shame.

I literally love your videos, man! They are awesome. You are awesome! It's really nice to be subscribed to your channel. You are the one who a real human is supposed to be I think. Thank you so much for your videos and your openness! Actually you save my faith in humankind :)

Even though I probably will not be going around taking photos of strangers any time soon, it was still encouraging.

I'm retired and do sports, wildlife and landscape pics. I like the idea of street photography and I feel asking first is the way to go. As shown in the video most people are happy to pose and chat. I like the idea of candid but you can always ask the subject to look away from the camera and pretend you're not there. I think the wide angle to capture the environment is something I may have overlooked in my efforts to get a portrait

Great job, the approach and even you self reflection „why was I thinking so negative?“ was a great learning experience for me. But one question got stuck in my head: have you asked female subjects as well and if yes, did they respond in the same way?

Well done, man! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 So inspiring and interesting for me as a candid street photographer! Such a beautiful and human aproach...

Saw what you did there, smooth product placement.

inspring video. thanks, mate

Glad this worked out for you. I am not into contrived photography of any sort. If it's staged, I'm not going to want to take a photo of it. I don't care about, nor want, permission to enjoy my hobby.

great video and interesting points you learned. I usually aim for candid photos with people in their element, oblivious to the camera, but I like the idea of making portraits of people you find interesting. I also shoot a 28mm ;) Also, whats the discord and other channels I heard mentioned in another video? I'd like to connect. Awesome content. Subscribed! Cheers!

cara, eu amei o vídeo!

Great video. I struggle asking people in London for street pictures for fear of rejection too, im going to put a small book together and take it with me, good idea!

Fantastic, thank you!

Great video, first time on your channel actually! I'm not sure I could approach people. Lol. But maybe I'll give it a go on my upcoming vacation.

Great video George. I have just started taking street portraits in the last few months & am loving it. A number of times I've been stopped by someone & they have asked me to their photo. (saves me from asking) and the other thing I enjoy is interaction with people. Even been asked if I'm going to do a book because they would buy it.

Such a great video. Very encouraging and terrific interactions and suggestions!

This was awesome

As always great one George, love what you doing.

Great video again looking at approaching people. A way I have used to approach people is to say `I am a photographer and I am doing a project of interesting characters of the area which I hope to put into a book. I saw you in your hat and thought it would be great to include you in the project.' For me this approach about including someone in something makes them feel worthy of me stopping them. For me this is better than just saying `I'm taking peoples pictures on the street today' as it gives a reason before you get questioned as to why?. The offer of sending them a copy is also a good strategy to help get a yes. Keep up the good work in helping people overcome the fear.

Great video George! So inspiring and joyful 👌👍🔝📸

Thank you, I really needed this video!

Thanks for this uplifting and chill video. You got a new subscriber. I have been thinking about this for long time, and more lately while trying to get back to street photography and seeing some street photography sessions on this site. Hope I don't get anybody mad for saying this. I see that some photographers, as I did myself in past as well, consider that the barrier to cross is to just be bold enough to aggressively take indiscriminate photos at peoples faces while not getting attacked back and hope for a nice capture. For me lately this approach differs from my understanding of what "candid photography" is, this aggressiveness I mean, even if the photographer is unnoticed, seems like not a good approach if I plan on improving my street photography. Just talking from my personal point of view, probably most other street photographer will disagree and will consider this their ultimate goal. But for me, even if you go incognito and try to blend in, I think you should have a little artistic idea before pressing the button of what you are trying to capture that attracted you from that person or situation and then if you can candidly, take the shot. If not possible, instead of rushing to randomly shoot at that person's face and hope for the best, it is more honest and takes way more courage to actually go and talk to them and request for a candid sporadic photo. I don't have that courage yet, but you've inspired me to try. The dog projects seems like a wonderful idea to help get you more comfortable talking to strangers. I am not a dog person myself, love them, but not used to them as never own one, but my sister is. She is always talking to strangers when they meet on dog walks. So this may help to improve in that area as well. Again awesome idea and great video.

Super genial. Trabajo Bro ✨🖤📸

Greetings from Alabama USA I enjoy your videos.

I really like this approach. I am a portrait photographer but I do street photography for fun and to fill free time. I defiantly prefer the idea of just asking the strangers for permission. I feel like if I can learn to take portraits of strangers in one or two shots, I grow as a portrait photographer working with a model or families or someone I know. Thank you for sharing!!

This was really encouraging!

I'm planning to go and do this one day here in St. Petersburg for a long time. The problem is that I'm trying to figure out something looking good and nice before asking someone to take a picture of them and while I'm thinking the moment is lost. I feel like I have to do it because if I come to a person, interact with them and receive a permission to take a photo I can get totally stuck with empty mind having no idea how to make it looking nice. It's just a matter of practise probably. There is also another problem here in Russia. People aren't pretty much open, they are often looking suspiciously at you when you're trying to take a photo. Anyway I try overcome this obstacles and try to interact with interesting people in the street and develop my skills in this field.

what a great video, you have a new subscriber. thanks

Good video. Just goes to show that most people are decent and friendly.

This is really interesting thank you for sharing your process and learning through this, its so interesting about how there's a fear about strangers and approaching people, even in just a few months ive found the few folks ive approached to be positive and accepting of having their photo taken, this is all very helpful, thank you

Very nice video! But I don't know if I could ever do this. Might try this for my relatives and friends.

Very good bro :D

Much better than to take sneaky photos on the street like a lot of people do, I am not so brave but I let people plain see I photograph them, I like the puzzle look they have when they look at me. For the very shy you have still the possibility to shoot the back of somebody with a 300mm lens of course... :-)

Cudos to u mate...great experience and tips...I learn alot from this...see u in the next one mate

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you! I've often wanted to ask people if I can take their portrait, but haven't worked up enough courage yet. But this video was good for the confidence. I might start with the dogs as well. That seems like a good idea to start with. But I do have a question. Do you have a good system for remembering who wanted you to send a copy of the pictures on instragram and who that person was in order to send them the right photo?

Nice Video! if only i had a chance to have a picture taken. keep it up!

There is street photography, and street portraits. While roaming the streets for candids, it is perfectly fine to take some portraits, as long as they are done as such, and not staged events which claim to be candids. You are leaving an element out in the explanation, as it should be that " I am a street photographer, and I like such and such, and would like to take your photograph, if it is OK with you. It will be put up on the Internet." Otherwise, just snap a shot and do it as street photography. In regard to people and their dogs, and sometimes cats, they usually love it! At least this is the norm. I finally just placed a permeant folder on my site for Dogs, cats and their friends. Each year will be new folder of street portraits of animals and friends. A 50mm allows more than enough, in most cases, to take in background and will not distort facial features. A 28mm is cool to use, but beware if the people are too close to the side or the camera is tipped upward or downward. But yes, I agree it has benefits. Just have to be more cautious. As regard to range, if I spot a beautiful women, I figure when you can smell the perfume, I am close enough! OK, I just made that up. 😍 Enjoy the street photography -- life is good! Loren

No joke, I’m pretty sure you got Willem Dafoe in the background @ 8:06…

The explanation of what you were trying to achieve was what you should have said to the subjects. What was it about them that interested you? As that's what they are wondering also.

I NEED that book!! Whebn will your website be up??

That was a nice exercise. Wish I had the confidence to do that lol I don't even like to be close to people because I think they're gonna confront me but it's part of the game I guess 😅

If you wanted to use the photos in a book would you need to trace the people for them to sign a model release?

Sir! You did what I’ve been dreaming of for almost a year. I’ve been smoking weed and drinking almost everyday. That is what keeps the fear in me. I need help. You are such an inspiration

Nice one! Which film did you use there?

What's the title of the book you show in the video? Would love to read that!