How gutsy are you?

Good Morning All,


I have a general question for everyone. Were you camera shy behind the camera when you first started out?

Personal Scenario:

Every dayI pass a very nice waterfall with the water cascading down some large boulders. A local landscape company has it set it up off the shoulder of a state highway I take to & from work. I would love to getphotos of it and practice my shutter speed to get the right affect. Only problem is, I don't have the nerve to pull off onto the shoulder&put my emergency flashers on to take the photos!

Another scenerio: Every day I also pass a family's farm that has about7 horses out every day when I head home that I would like to photograph. I have pulled off to the side of the road once and took a few out my car window. They would turn out MUCH better if I got out and walked up to the fence. If someone stood at my fence & took photos of my dogs, I think I'd get a tad perturbed! I thought of going up to the door and saying, Hi, I'm new at photography and I'd love to take photos of your horses but I think that comes off as even more odd!


Also, a few guys at work call me "the creeper" jokingly because they think my neighbors are going to start thinking I'm taking photos of them thru their windows when I'm in my backyard photographing birds in their trees! [:O]

Does it take some time to feel less uncomfortable being out and about with your camera?

Denise

Haha Denise! Beautifull post!

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Every dayI pass a very nice waterfall with the water cascading down some large boulders. A local landscape company has it set it up off the shoulder of a state highway I take to & from work. I would love to getphotos of it and practice my shutter speed to get the right affect. Only problem is, I don't have the nerve to pull off onto the shoulder&put my emergency flashers on to take the photos!

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Just do it! Or if you're really uncomfortable ask one of the landscapers. But since you don't have an economical interest and it isn't bothering any privacy I don't think it's a problem. It's not that you take advantage of somebodies work by photographing for private goals. I don't see any problems here.


Scenario 2 made me laugh hihi [:P]

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I have pulled off to the side of the road once and took a few out my car window.

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You really think that is less odd than:

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I thought of going up to the door and saying, Hi, I'm new at photography and I'd love to take photos of your horses

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haha to be honest, when someone pulls over in front of my house and "secretly" police stakeout style begins taking photos from a car window, I wouldn't really like it. Asking might seem a big step, but I think it's a way better start and perhaps they will give you even more opportunities. Most people are nicer then you think and not at all offended when you think their work is so beautifull that you had to ask to takes photos. At least I would be honored and perhaps a bit flattered as well [A]

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Also, a few guys at work call me "the creeper" jokingly because they think my neighbors are going to start thinking I'm taking photos of them thru their windows when I'm in my backyard photographing birds in their trees! [img]/emoticons/emotion-3.gif[/img]

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Haha that's hilarious! Once you show your neighbours what you do and explain, they probably will ask how your pictures came out and maybe even call you up when theres something cool going on in their backyards [:D]

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Does it take some time to feel less uncomfortable being out and about with your camera?

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To be honest, in my case it does and I still feel uncomfortable at times. Yesterday I rented the enormous 100-400 and I was really thinking about what people might think of me with such a cannon [:P]


To answer your question, I think it all depends on your personality. I'm not a real outgoing type, so I probably need more time to get comfortable with certain elements than others do. I wouldn't pose for a camera when other people would watch, that's for sure! But I'll get over it eventually [;)] Oh ps: when I see the selfportraits of say...Sean Setters...I wouldn't have the guts to do that for myself [A]


Jan

Hi Denise,


I think it gets easier with time, certainly. My 'learning' curve has been rather quick this time, such that I now have no problem walking around even in urban areas holding a big, gripped camera and a long white lens... [;)] I say quick this time, because many years ago, I shot for my high school newspaper/yearbooks (using a Pentax film SLR - that was around the time when the latest and greatest innovation - autofocus - was way out of my budget).


One thing to have handy in your bag is a printout of the card from THIS SITE, just in case.


In the cases you mention, the real concern is not you or the camera, it's your car - but as long as it's safely and legally parked, you should be fine there.


Just go out and have fun shooting!


--John

Denise,


As for the waterfall - think safety. Or maybe go on the weekend when traffic is light. Or pull over, put your flashers on, phone a tow truck, wait till he/she gets there (better traffic control) then jump out an snap the shots! Ha ha.





As for the horses, I would just hop out, set up and start shooting. If the look like they have a problem with it, talk to them.


Yes, it can take some time to feel less uncomfortable. But it only temporary.


Cheers

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Originally Posted by Damian S.

As for the waterfall - think safety. Or maybe go on the weekend when traffic is light. Or pull over, put your flashers on, phone a tow truck, wait till he/she gets there (better traffic control) then jump out an snap the shots! Ha ha.

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Oh!!! Lol I though Denise was talking about external "emergency" flashes for her camera [:P] Now it makes sense... I couldn't figure out why she called them emergency flashes hihi...[A]

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

[img]/emoticons/emotion-5.gif[/img] Oh ps: when I see the selfportraits of say...Sean Setters...I wouldn't have the guts to do that for myself [img]/emoticons/emotion-13.gif[/img]

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Many times I take self-portraits out of necessity--like if I want to try out a particular technique, when I don't have a willing subject. Considering I do most of the self-portraits in the middle of the street in front of my home, I'm sure all the neighbors believe I'm quite vain.


The only way to get over your fears is to face them head-on. Start small by striking up conversations with complete strangers. Once you're comfortable with that, then you'll be able to knock on someone's door and say, "Hi, may name is ______, and I've noticed you have some absolutely beautiful horses. I'm new at photography, and as I pass your home everyday, I think to myself what a wonderful picture those horses would make. Would you mind if I took some pictures of them from your fence? I'd be more than happy to give you a CD of the pictures I get!"


As long as you're direct, and purposeful, and confident, most people will be glad you stopped and asked rather than trying to take pictures like a CIA operative (or careless trespasser).

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

To be honest, in my case it does and I still feel uncomfortable at times. Yesterday I rented the enormous 100-400 and I was really thinking about what people might think of me with such a cannon [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Exactly!Last week I went down by the lake on our first nice spring day to take photos after work. There was about 6-7 other people already there with their cameras doing the same thing. Only problem is, I walked up with my 100-400mm and they were all there with there point and shoots ...one on a tripod! I walked up and said, "Wow, looks like everyone had the same idea!" One lady turned to me and said, " Ya know, your camera is alittle intimidating!" So, I guess that response has only added to my uncomfortableness!

Denise

Oh yeah, I'm camera shy.


In the summer I have tons of Robins on my lawn, and lie out on the grass at ground level to photograph them. It does feel very awkward when neighbors drive by and see someone lying on their lawn with some tube mounted to what looks like a box. So yeah, I understand what you mean very much!


brendan

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Originally Posted by Damian S.

As for the horses, I would just hop out, set up and start shooting. If the look like they have a problem with it, talk to them.

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You forgot to add the part about having the horses sign model releases... [:P]

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

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Originally Posted by Damian S.

As for the horses, I would just hop out, set up and start shooting. If the look like they have a problem with it, talk to them.

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You forgot to add the part about having the horses sign model releases... [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Only if you sell them [;)]

Funny no one has talked about this before :)


I guess I always assumed it was a non-factor for everyone but me, but I sure am camera shy (on either end of the camera, actually).


I feel a little funny pulling over, but I'll do it if I'm taking a shot of something public (not a person or someone's house), and only if I can do so safely.


In Taiwan, I overcame my shyness a bit and took a few candid shots of locals, but in Taiwan everyone knows on sight that I'm a goofy tourist anyway.


Other than that, I tend to be quite intimidated taking pictures in public, especially of people.

I know exactly what you mean. There are tons of picsI could get if I had more nerve. I always feel like a goob. IfI pull my gear out around people they act/talk like I must be a pro and itmakes feel likea goofy wanabe.


One Sunday probably about 6am I stopped to get some pics of a local church, it's over 100 years old,quiet ancient for Mississippi. Got some good one but on my way out of the parking lot the preacher was pulling in asking me all kinds of questions and inviting me to attend church. I haven't done anything like it since.


I'm not usually timid but I'm very suspicious of other people and I just assume they would be the same way about me.

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

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Originally Posted by Damian S.

As for the horses, I would just hop out, set up and start shooting. If the look like they have a problem with it, talk to them.

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You forgot to add the part about having the horses sign model releases... [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Ha ha ha. You know when there's a disconnect with the brain the keyboard???? Good catch guys! Love those misplaced pronouns.


Denise,


I'm uncomfortable sometimes too, I think we all are but Mr Setters is absolutely right: gotta put fear aside and go for it and I think the owners would appreciate very much being asked. Its respect, right?

Anyone camera shy while shooting lets say a Wedding?? or an event where people look at you and you are in the open??? i sometimes feel this. or bringing my camera along wherever i go, my family makes fun of me lol

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Originally Posted by mpphoto12

i sometimes feel this. or bringing my camera along wherever i go, my family makes fun of me lol

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lol...My family laughs at me too!

Wow, I am so glad I posted this! I am not alone in loving what I do but feeling like a total dork sometimes doing it! [:P]
Thanks for all of your responses! [:P]
After reading this I ALMOST knocked on the horse owners door tonight ...oh well, it's the thought that counts, maybe tomorrow! [;)]

Yes, it is about respect and Sean you are right ...I'm going to just face this insecurity head on and find the confidence to just do it!


Thanks all,


Denise

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Originally Posted by Jarhead5811

One Sunday probably about 6am I stopped to get some pics of a local church, it's over 100 years old,quiet ancient for Mississippi. Got some good one but on my way out of the parking lot the preacher was pulling in asking me all kinds of questions and inviting me to attend church. I haven't done anything like it since.

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I actually set up for a self-portrait in a church parking lot (the church was perched on a hilltop and I wanted a creamy bokeh for the background). I was using my 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, 50D, and a tripod set on self timer. About 10 minutes after setting up, a truck pulls into the parking lot.


"What are you doing?" asked the "big boned" girl.


"I'm just taking a self-portrait...would you like me to leave?" [At this point I thought this person was associated with the church and didn't appreciate me trespassing]


"Oh...well, I was just out there mowing my lawn and I thought you were taking pictures of me. Were you?"


To be honest, I didn't even notice her because, as I would find out later in the conversation, her home was between a 1/4 and 1/2 mile away. She must have had really good eyesight if she could tell I was taking a picture from that distance. By the end of the conversation, she believed I was sincere in my attempt to take a self-portrait and decided not to call her "sheriff friends" on me. :-)

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

"Oh...well, I was just out there mowing my lawn and I thought you were taking pictures of me. Were you?"


To be honest, I didn't even notice her because, as I would find out later in the conversation, her home was between a 1/4 and 1/2 mile away. She must have had really good eyesight if she could tell I was taking a picture from that distance. By the end of the conversation, she believed I was sincere in my attempt to take a self-portrait and decided not to call her "sheriff friends" on me. :-)

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I may be the neighborhood creeper but sounds like your getting the rep of being the town creeper![:D] Too funny!!

Don't worry Sean, if you end up in the slammer some day, everyone here will take up a collection to bail you out of the slammer!!

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I may be the neighborhood creeper but sounds like your getting the rep of being the town creeper![img]/emoticons/emotion-2.gif[/img] Too funny!!

Don't worry Sean, if you end up in the slammer some day, everyone here will take up a collection to bail you out of the slammer!!

Denise

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That's certainly nice to know... :-)

I should just plead the 5th right now and refuse to answer this question...


I'm the person who stops, jumps into the bed of the truck and ignores the small hail, because I see a really great storm picture setting up in front of me.


I was so excited to get tornado pictures one time that I jumped into the back of my truck with the camera and tripod and then realized it was still in gear and slowing idling down the highway.


...and if you don't get stopped twice a week by some well meaning security guard, your really not pushing the limits! [:|]

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Originally Posted by Dallasphotog

I was so excited to get tornado pictures one time that I jumped into the back of my truck with the camera and tripod and then realized it was still in gear and slowing idling down the highway.

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WOW! Ok, you definitely win the gutsiest of us all award!!
I hope you, your gear and your truck were ok after this ordeal!

Remind me NEVER to drive in front of you when in Dallas! [:P]

Denise

Dallas,


That is funny! I have found myself on an elevated causeway across the Mobile Bay, staring down brown Pelican after brown Pelican, Golden hour light gleaming from their feathers, thinking I should stop right on the shoulder and just take that picture. They glide for hundreds of feet, just following the concrete containment rails, right at the edge of the road, ripe for the photographing. Then I imagine trying to explain to my wife why I got arrested or a ticket for parking on a four lane divided highway to shoot a bird, and I just keep going. One day.......

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Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1

Then I imagine trying to explain to my wife why I got arrested or a ticket for parking on a four lane divided highway to shoot a bird, and I just keep going. One day.......

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I'm sure she would totally understand! [:P]

Even though I want to pull off onto the shoulder and put my vehicle's emergency flashers on to take a shot at the waterfall, the shoulder is for emergency stops only. I don't think a passing sheriff would consider my getting that picture as much of an emergency as I do!

I agree that the 100-400 might seem intimidating, but have a look at this one, talking about rocket-launchers:


http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Pictures/Picture.aspx?Picture=2009-03-31_17-06-04

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Originally Posted by Pieter

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Pictures/Picture.aspx?Picture=2009-03-31_17-06-04

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I think that guy's on a terrorist watch-list now....

[quote=Sean Setters]

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Originally Posted by Pieter

[url="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Pictures/Picture.aspx?Picture=2009-03-31_17-06-04]http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Pictures/Picture.aspx?Picture=2009-03-31_17-06-04[/url][/quote]


I think that guy's on a terrorist watch-list now....
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At least he's on the snappy dresser section.


As a woman, She has more freedom, I think. I was taking pictures of my own kids in the park, and a lady approached me thinking I was taking pictures of her son. I'm like, "Uh, no, who's your son?" Her child was convinced I was "aiming it right at him.", but with a telephoto, it's really difficult to tell. I should have said, "No. Would you like me to?"


I take pictures of other people's kids during field trips, but then I'm a known parent, and I give the pictures to the teacher to use in the yearbook, though sadly, they rarely have enough space to do much but cut out the heads and paste them in a big mess.


It's nice to shoot with permission, but if I can get a shot of somebody interesting without them knowing, I'll usually take it. Not many people are good at getting their picture taken when they know they're being shot. What I should do is step that up and, if I think it's any good, ask them if they'd like a copy, but I should carry some 'photographer' business cards in that case, to look like I'm not just some creepy dude. "Look, I'm more than just a creepy dude, I'm a creepy dude with a card that implies I do this regularly!"


As for the horses, I think it'd be funny if you said, "Hi, I'm a photographer, and your horses are beautiful. If you wouldn't mind signing a release, I'd like to shoot them." If they said, okay, just take the pictures. If they say no, say, "How about if I give you half the meat and the head to mount?"

I am pretty much not scared of looking like a fool. But in your situation I probably would be. What I am scared of is striking up conversations. I could probably pull off the highway and get the waterfall picture, but the horses scenario would have me running the other way. I am in several japanese tourists's foto albums as "that crazy american who was lying on the ground in the dirt aiming his camera at something" Seriously, more than one has walked up to me and showed me the picture they took of whatever contorted position I got into....I guess I should be used to it, my family does that as well.

I read a few different things now. I forget my own safety as well. I was shooting at a autocross which turned out into some sort of derby and a car crashed into the ditch like 2m in front of me. I didn't even notice untill my friend pulled me away just a sec before impact. When looking trough your viewfinder you might notice a lot less of your surroundings which may be a safety-issue. Therefor I wouldn't stop my car at an emergency stop along the side of the highway.


But when people are watching I get pretty shy and it takes me some time to addapt. I had shot quite a few sportevents, but mostly it takes me like 15-30mins to get comfortable shooting.


By the way Sean, I read that you dare to talk to random persons, but if I recall correctly I remember you telling (like last week) you could't find people other than Amber and yourself to pose for you...[A]


Oh and for everybody that have had issues with people thinking you took pictures of them or their kids. Sadly there are a lot of crazy and dirty photographers out there.


If you look at pages where amateur girl models sign themselves up for a free photoshoot (by a "professional" photographer) in trade of a portfolio-picture....let me tell it this way: some guys are really dirty and some girls are very much used... I've seen shots of a photographer who shot his models in normal clothes except for the top, they were in bra or bikini. Really the pictures sucked! And there was no reason whatsoever to undress his models in the shots that he made...truly.....


Funny thing is that an old girlfriend of mine also put herself up this sort of site and like every month she puts new photoshoot pictures on her online profilepage. And to be honest, I really enjoy it since it gives me a good laugh [:P] Really some poses and composures are the most stupd you've ever seen! Last year me and a few friends tried to copy one of her "newest" shots and believe me I had to do the posing and it was really hard! Anatomically impossible [:P] And sorry...no I won't post that image [;)]It's really bad, but it was a lot of fun.


By the way only my best friends know that I even take photos. But they hadn't seen a shot from me untill my birthday this year when my girlfriend showed them my yearcomilationalbum. It made me feel very small, although comments were very positive. Yup I guess I'm a shy guy when it concerns photography...I also hate it when my girlfriend tells her entire family that I bought a new camera or that I made some needo pictures, but I get a little bit more used to it every time.


Learning curve is slow and sometimes very uncomfortable I guess [;)]Sorry for the long story


Jan

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

By the way Sean, I read that you dare to talk to random persons, but if I recall correctly I remember you telling (like last week) you could't find people other than Amber and yourself to pose for you...[img]/emoticons/emotion-13.gif[/img]

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That is true...and this past weekend, I asked two different people (to which I had never spoken before) to pose for me. One said yes, so I set up my equipment. However, once I got everything set up, they said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I have to leave now" (she was visiting a neighbor of mine). So I knocked on another neighbor's house and asked if anyone there would like their picture taken. The college guy that answered the door said, "No man, I don't think so.."


So, I took a self-portrait.... :-)

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

So, I took a self-portrait.... :-)

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Too bad we don't all live in one area, we could serve as each other's models. then we would learn from each other's techniques.

Denise, one thing to be careful off.... For your horse photos, make sure that you EITHER have the permission of the owner OR you're NOT on their property (fences are USUALLY INSIDE the property line NOT on the line!). If you go on their property they can (not saying they will) have you charged with trespass. In the US, TYPICALLY, you can photograph anything that's 1) visible from a public right of way (i.e. the street, sidewalk, public park, etc) and 2) AS LONG as it's not of an area where someone could rightfully expect privacy (DON'T take pictures THRU a window! ESPECIALLY into/of a bedroom, bathroom, etc!). These are just general guidelines, but will keep you from getting into TOO much trouble!





I've found that horse owners ESPECIALLY are very good at giving you permission to shoot (with a camera! [;)]) their animals... They'll often give you much greater access than you would think!





The waterfall one, you might ask the landscaping company if you can come on their property to get photos. THEN you're not stopped on the shoulder of the road and just waiting for a police officer or deputy to ask you just what the heck you're doing!

In this day of super zoom point and shoots I've had people assume my XSi with Tamron 17-50 2.8 attached could zoom "way in" and are quite dissapointed when I explain it can't. That makes me even a little more self conscious about carrying a 70-200 2.8 L. It does look huge to outsiders.

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Originally Posted by Jarhead5811

In this day of super zoom point and shoots I've had people assume my XSi with Tamron 17-50 2.8 attached could zoom "way in" and are quite dissapointed when I explain it can't. That makes me even a little more self conscious about carrying a 70-200 2.8 L. It does look huge to outsiders

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First soccer game I shot with my 70-200 f/4 L, my friend asked if it zoomed to infinity... really...? haha.

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Originally Posted by Rodger

First soccer game I shot with my 70-200 f/4 L, my friend asked if it zoomed to infinity... really...? haha.

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Haha and just imagine that the 2.8 version is way bigger as well. I (and a lot of people with me) always thought my (sold) 70-200 f4 was big until I tested the 100-400 2 days ago [A] My mother in law called it a drainpipe for the roof [:P]

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Originally Posted by Rodger

First soccer game I shot with my 70-200 f/4 L, my friend asked if it zoomed to infinity... really...? haha.

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Haha and just imagine that the 2.8 version is way bigger as well. I (and a lot of people with me) always thought my (sold) 70-200 f4 was big until I tested the 100-400 2 days ago [A] My mother in law called it a drainpipe for the roof [:P]

A security person asked about my 100-400. I showed them a picture at 400mm with a full frame camera, and they were not impressed with how much 'zoom' it had. I guess I could have 'digital zoomed', but I just let it drop.

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

I also hate it when my girlfriend tells her entire family that I bought a new camera or that I made some needo pictures, but I get a little bit more used to it every time.
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I feel the same way. It hasn't necessarily stopped me from making purchases yet though, so I guess the feeling is not strong enough.


I'm typically quite shy about shoving a lens in someone's face as well (thinking of my family). There is probably 3% of the people I would love to photograph that wouldn't mind me doing so.


Thank you for posting this, because you are obviously not the only one who can feel this way. It will also give me some advise for this fall. I will have an opportunity to shoot my cousin playing collegiate football. It's division three, so people can openly walk the track around the field and there are no real barriers preventing me from walking right up to the field. I'm not sure if there are rules preventing me, but from what I can tell by watching other spectators, there aren't. So, now it's just up to me getting the courage to step up to the sideline with the other photographers. No doubt I'll revisit this thread in time.

I was shooting last fall in a residential area because of all the beautiful trees. It just blew me away how pretty it was, but all of a sudden I heard someone leaning out their door and talking of the phone. I realized that theydescribedme exactly and I assumed they were calling the cops on me. I didn't really think much of it though so I walked on and about 10 minutes later the cops found me down the street shooting another tree. He got out and talked to me taking my info, but he did not see me doing anythingillegalsince I was shooting only the trees. That made me very camera shy for awhile afterwards.


In hindsight I should have gone up and talked to the person and then waited for the cops there so that everyone would have seen things were above board.


Usually I am not too camera shy though and I have shot random people in public.

just like anything else, if you want to be good at it, you got to practice.


I say when your feeling like "hey that'd be a good shot i think" thats something you should trust and follow through on.