Breaking Bounds: How to Photograph Strangers

For many of us, photographing people is either in or out of our comfort zone.  Many of you who read this might consider yourselves portrait photographers and working with familiar clients might come easier for you than most, but ultimately, these classes will force you out of your comfort zone and ask you to photograph people; no, not just people, but strangers!  You will soon find yourself being told that you are not to use friends or family members for your shooting assignments and you should take this on as a personal challenge.  It is too easy to get caught up in what you are comfortable with and as a photographer you need this experience to keep you on top of your game as a professional.  There are a few simple steps to improving this daunting task and just like anything, with practice comes perfection.

I think you will surprise yourself at how often you will get told "yes" rather than "no" when you ask for permission to photograph someone or something.  I have been told no probably twice.  We tend to believe that no one likes having their picture taken, but in reality, most people don't mind.  So that is the first step: exude confidence in your approach and force yourself to go out and meet people with your camera.  

Next, keep in mind the assignment or concept and practice it as a story for the intent of your shoot.  Having an answer prepared for the inevitable "why?" when you ask to photograph someone will not only make you look and sound confident but professional as well.  Provide a little background information such as "I am a Photography student with the AI and I am working on an assignment that I think you would be perfect for."  It is polite and acceptable to collect their contact information and send them their portrait but it is not necessary to do it for every occasion--you will thank yourself later for not offering every person their complimentary photos.

By this point you have probably noticed that people notice you when you have a camera hanging from your neck.  The good thing is that this gives you a sort of conversation piece for when you approach people you would like to photograph.  It also gives you an excuse to randomly walk up to people and introduce yourself when you find or see someone you would like to photograph when you might naturally be inclined to avoid talking to strangers.  I know having a camera around my neck turns me into a different person--I am all of the sudden extroverted and confident! 

You don't have to introduce yourself first every time though.  When you happen upon an interesting scene it is fine to snap away and get that decisive moment and afterwards you may approach the person if you feel they are curious about your presence.  It may also be necessary to tell people to ignore you and pretend that you are not there so that they continue to act as normal as possible.  Have you ever been trying to photograph someone and they intentionally try to dodge you to get out of your way?  

Stick around, have a chat if and when necessary, and it is encouraged to not be a "taker."  Do not take photos of an interesting scene, have a chat, and abruptly walk away afterwards.  You have entered into a sort of social contract with the person and you kind of owe them the courtesy of your time, otherwise your attitude might come off as rude or arrogant.  Also, try to give back when you can.  You don't have to always offer the gift of complimentary photos as a bargaining tool or to keep the peace.  If you are photographing a vendor, crafts-person, tradesman, a street musician, or something of the like, buy something from them or toss a little money in their hat/cup/case.  It might not always be the best investment with your spare change but it definitely might be an investment towards a priceless story to accompany your experience.  

Lastly, it can also be suggested that when a language-barrier is present, for instance, photographing someone in a foreign country, sometimes a well-timed smile is the only mode of communication necessary for friendly interaction.  Remember that as you embark on this new-found confidence you are cultivating your own reputation as a professional so make sure you are leaving a positive impression on those you encounter.  Do not forget to thank them whether they grant or deny you permission.

Did you find this post helpful?  Do you have a special trick for approaching strangers?  Do you have an interesting story about how engaging people led to increased success in your shoot?  Tell me about it in the comments below!

 

Works Cited

"A young vendor proudly displays her fresh grown produce at the Cedar Farmers Market." Photograph. Encyclopedia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 18 Aug 2014. 

<http://quest.eb.com/#/search/167_4018277/1/167_4018277/cite>

"Snail vendor in an Iquitos, Peru market." Photograph. Encyclopedia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 18 Aug 2014. <http://quest.eb.com/#/search/139_1971908/1/139_1971908/cite>

"Street Vendor, India." Photograph. Encyclopedia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 18 Aug 2014. 

<http://quest.eb.com/#/search/139_1972532/1/139_1972532/cite>

"WASHINGTON, SEATTLE. FRESH FISH MARKET AT PIKE PLACE." Photograph. Encyclopedia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 18 Aug 2014. 

<http://quest.eb.com/#/search/300_1826838/1/300_1826838/cite>

Westergren, Dan. "How to Photograph Strangers." nationalgeographic. National Geographic Society, 15 March 2013. Web. 18 Aug. 2014. <http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2013/03/15/how-to-photograph-strangers/ >