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Photographing People on the Street

IraBlock
Prime Creator

I shoot a lot of people in natural situations when I travel. I know it's proper to ask for permission, however many times this ruins the moment. Instead of asking, I find that using your body language and reading your subjects body language is a quick way to get the 'go ahead' or not. This is also very helpful if there is a language barrier.

What techniques are you using??

5 REPLIES 5

CarolineJensen
Prime Creator

That is great advice. People are so much better before they have time to think, haha! 

Sometimes they think and they become angry at you!!😁

LensBrew
Prime Creator

I would shoot before asking. If interrupted, they get out of their focus zone and the feeling is lost. But I would do it without getting into their face or disrupt what they're doing. If they are too busy, I take the shot and move on. If not, I take the shot then show it to them. Many would be delighted to see themselves. I think Monica Sigmon had a discussion on her podcast, that images are more to acknowledge the existence of the person since they don't actually "see" themselves. And that's what I believe will get the reaction that I want to see after the view what you got.

That makes total sense, I too will show the photo to the subject and that helps a lot