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Photographing random people, homeless etc
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Hi all…
Was just wondering, as a budding beginner, what are your experiences with asking people to take photographs of them?Sometimes I am tempted to ask people can I take some shots of em, like homeless people etc, but am often afraid of the response. Whether it be anger, or even if it was to ruin the photo…
Generally just wondering about the whole thing…
Thanks guys :)Caitriona
Caitriona,
Welcome to the site. Btw, I moved the post to this forum as its not a photo critique request.
Anyhow, more importantly to your question. I think it depends on what type of photo you’re trying to achieve.
For example if its a street/environmental portrait, then asking would be pretty normal as far as I’m concerned.
On homeless people, well thats a discussion which has been brought up many a time. I think that what everyone agrees with
it that they should be photographed with some dignity or purpose.Much ‘street photography’ is done without asking the people/person in the shot permission. You’re trying to capture
a moment as its happening and asking can often stop the moment etc… So yes it can ruin the photo. As to people getting angry,
I think its pretty rare and the worst they’ll ask is for you to delete the shot. Legally if you’re in a public place you don’t have to delete.
Its up to you and the situation you find yourself in as to whether you do or not.Perhaps starting out you should take a friend along to give you some additional confidence.
Get shooting and lets see the results :D
Much the same as the above.
I find people don’t mind if you ask them for the ok to take their image & I’ve asked plenty.
I’ve only once had someone approach me regarding a candid shot I had taken but that was nothing serious.
If people see the camera they will either shy away or it won’t bother them.
Best of luck with your shooting!a lil pink dinky digital camera.
I think that people will find your camera far less challenging
than a big black DSLR, size in this case being a positive advantage. :)Ah, thanks everyone. And true about my camera being small, pink and dinky… :)
Cheers! :’)
Pixelle wrote:
a lil pink dinky digital camera.
I think that people will find your camera far less challenging
than a big black DSLR, size in this case being a positive advantage. :)I don’t agree with that.
I find people are curious to see what you’re about.Sometimes I do ask permission, especially if it is at an event but, most times, if I see an interesting photo opportunity I just go for it and try not to make eye contact! A couple of times I have had strangers come up to me and ask me to take their photos and email copies to them. A bit cheeky perhaps but I suppose it works both ways!
What is the position though if you take a street photograph which is really good, a magazine or similar want to use it but you do not have a signed model release because it was just a random photo of an interesting looking stranger?
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