Photographing Strangers

mant01

mant01

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John
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I really want to get more portraits in my portfolio and have been thinking about asking people on the street. Id thought about going to Newcastle city centre and just seeing what peoples reaction would be to me asking to take their portrait. I recently saw the flickr group 100 strangers as well but since I've never done this before and the fact im always told I look like I should be a doorman because I look intimidating its got me worried that people won't exactly react how id like and think im gonna mug them lol
Does anyone else have experience doing this, advice or can say what it was like and the reaction u got.
Thanks
 
Be honest and direct. Tell the potential subject what you are doing concisely and without waffle.

Don't start with something along the lines of "Erm..excuse me, but... ," "I wonder if... ," or worst of all " Excuse me, do you have a couple of minutes spare?"

All of those will lead to almost immediate knock backs as they will think that you're a chugger or selling something.

Think up a decent reason and run through all potential questions (from them) in advance, and then you wont be dumbfounded or have to think on the trot.

Something along the lines of:

"Hi. I'm doing a photography project which involves taking a hundred strangers portraits on the street. Would you mind if I took yours?"

You'll get asked what's going to happen to the pictures and where they are going to end up; have the response ready in advance.

If you are going to use the photo for a commercial portfolio then tell them honestly, rather than trying to fluff that over. If you get caught out using someone's street portrait to advertise your business later you could potentially end up with egg on your face.


One minor point; rather than stand about in one place waiting for a likely subject to walk past, wander about yourself. If you are lurking then people's anti pollster alarms might get triggered early, whereas if you stroll up positively and confidently you'll have better luck.


Be prepared for a high initial knock back rate when you first start and don't get put off by it.
 
Maybe give them a link to your Flickr page so that they can have a look and D/L their picture. Like Demi has already said honesty is the key.
With regard to looking intimidating, I have two full tattooed sleeves and a face like an unmade bed, but when approached confidently and politely most people seem to respond in a positive way.
 
I have done it,it's not as bad as you think,think ahead about what photos you want to take,have your gear ready,smile a lot,and if people say no just let it go.

I would start of with places where people,might be in a good mood,street fairs,the seaside,etc,till you get more used to it.
Have look in your local paper or website,even this time of year,their must be quite a lot going on in Newcastle.
:thumbs:
 
A lot of "the talk" is already mentioned. As you say yourself you could look like a doorman, I'd try to make certain you don't dress like that when doing. Just relaxed.

Also I would say is be ready to take the photo quickly. If you start fiddling to get your camera in the right settings whilst they are waiting (lucky if they do) I think the moment is gone.

Friendly confidence :)
 
Late night Friday/Saturday around payday time of the month.. if you walk around town with a camera, flash and a mate (very important piece of kit at night) I would be very surprised if you didn't get people approaching you for a photograph. And being very drunkenly insisitent about it. At least, that's what I've experienced.

Use your mate as a VAL with flash and a softbox and you've a very flexible and portable set-up.

It's cheap enough to knock-up some Moo cards, with a link to your chosen means of sharing the images.. either your existing Flickr, a new free Flickr just for the project, something on 500px, etc.
 
Even better, create and print out a set of QR codes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code) to link directly to the set of pics as they grow on Flickr or to a gallery on your own website. Best of all would be business cards with your name and details, website and a QR code so they can instantly on a phone confirm you are a photographer with a working website.

That way people get to check out their portrait when it's done (you'd be surprised how keen people can be to get a pic taken by someone who appears to know how to really use a camera). Also to be part of a street photography project with a hundred others strangers is a fairly unique opportunity - sell this to them.

But I agree with the stuff said above, you need to be clear, confident and prepared. Prepared with your answers and prepared to get knocked back a fair bit.

You need to have answers to these and more questions ready to go and rehearsed:
Who's going to see it?
What are you going to do with the pictures?
Are you going to make money from this?
Are you a professional photographer?
Can I check the picture once you've taken it and decide whether you can keep it?
Why do you want my photo? Why not someone else?
 
Thanks for all the advice. Im gonna wait for a weekend with some decent light and low winds and bite the bullet.
 
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