The courage to ask!!

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ianjmatt

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Ian
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I have been shooting a lot of film lately and had about ten shots left on a roll of Ilford black and white that I wanted to use up today. As I was going for a coffee this morning to do some work in Starbucks I thought some shots of the barista making my coffee would be good. The angle from the counter end was nice, with the other staff in the background working etc.

It is the sort of situation where I have bottled it so many times and haven't taken the shots, but this time I asked her if she would mind. She said she didn't, so I was able to lean right in and get what I think will be fairly decent shots.

I finally has the courage to ask and it really wasn't that bad. haha.
 
I know your pain. I've lost no end of opportunities because I haven't had the courage to ask.

Andy
 
ianjmatt said:
I have been shooting a lot of film lately and had about ten shots left on a roll of Ilford black and white that I wanted to use up today. As I was going for a coffee this morning to do some work in Starbucks I thought some shots of the barista making my coffee would be good. The angle from the counter end was nice, with the other staff in the background working etc.

It is the sort of situation where I have bottled it so many times and haven't taken the shots, but this time I asked her if she would mind. She said she didn't, so I was able to lean right in and get what I think will be fairly decent shots.

I finally has the courage to ask and it really wasn't that bad. haha.
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Yes, yes, so you got some lovely shots.

Did you also get her number?
 
I guess im the same, i just dont feel comfortable having my camera in public, i need to though so i can get some street photography on the go :lol:
 
Dexy101 said:
I guess im the same, i just dont feel comfortable having my camera in public, i need to though so i can get some street photography on the go :lol:
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Me to. I've just finished reading the free street photography books at book.85mm.ch and feel really inspired. Only thing missing now is the nerve to give it all a try.
 
I'm the same, i have no problem getting in peoples faces at a wedding or during a location photo shoot but for love nor money i can't take a photo of someone walking down a street, or ask someone if they would mind lol
 
ianjmatt said:
I have been shooting a lot of film lately and had about ten shots left on a roll of Ilford black and white that I wanted to use up today. As I was going for a coffee this morning to do some work in Starbucks I thought some shots of the barista making my coffee would be good. The angle from the counter end was nice, with the other staff in the background working etc.

It is the sort of situation where I have bottled it so many times and haven't taken the shots, but this time I asked her if she would mind. She said she didn't, so I was able to lean right in and get what I think will be fairly decent shots.

I finally has the courage to ask and it really wasn't that bad. haha.
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Do you need to ask? If I see a shot I like I would tend to just take it before the moment is lost.
 
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You always kick yourself for not trying after! It's one of those things you just have to go for I suppose.

A month ago I drove past a little cottage with a gravel driveway, on it was an old man tinkering with his 50's era motorbike. I slowed down as I drove by thinking to myself 'That'd make an amazing shot if I kindly asked him if I could take a few photos', but I drove by thinking it was a stupid idea. 2 minutes down the road and I forced myself into turning the car around and going to get the shot, but when I got back, the bike was in the garage and the old man was in his house :(
I was gutted...

Next time I won't hesitate!
 
AllFallD0wn said:
*This thread is useless without pictures*
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As soon as I have developed the film I'll post them. :D

Do you need to ask? If I see a shot I like I would tend to just take it before the moment is lost.
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I think in that situation - in a private business photographing a fairly young employee I did. In more public settings - fairs, festivals, markets etc - I wouldn't worry so much.

Besides, I wanted to take 10 god shots on film, so wanted to be able to shoot each one carefully. And she was great - she didn't look at the camera or pay me any attention, just got on with making the coffee.
 
CarlosGilbertos said:
You always kick yourself for not trying after! It's one of those things you just have to go for I suppose.

A month ago I drove past a little cottage with a gravel driveway, on it was an old man tinkering with his 50's era motorbike. I slowed down as I drove by thinking to myself 'That'd make an amazing shot if I kindly asked him if I could take a few photos', but I drove by thinking it was a stupid idea. 2 minutes down the road and I forced myself into turning the car around and going to get the shot, but when I got back, the bike was in the garage and the old man was in his house :(
I was gutted...

Next time I won't hesitate!
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Definitely NEVER hesitate is the golden rule of photography!
 
Years ago I wouldn't even think twice about shooting candids - especially in public places - but nowadays I find the whole attitude in public has changed and more often than not I bottle out unless using a longer zoom :(

Jim
 
Me i do it all the time,i usally work in close with a wide angle lens,sometime it can get a bit rought on the street,but most times people look at you as your a bit mad :)
 
Shooting candids on the street doesn't bother me too much. In fact I have started shooting street stuff with just a Fixed-lens rangefinder and found it much more liberating.

I find asking someone if I can stand there and take a whole series of shots while they carry out their occupation much scarier!
 
Cant do it myself, only tried once and was pounced on by two CPO`s one of whom was a total clown, knocked my confidence and made to feel demonised.

Doubt i will ever venture to try again.
 
Cuddy said:
Cant do it myself, only tried once and was pounced on by two CPO`s one of whom was a total clown, knocked my confidence and made to feel demonised.

Doubt i will ever venture to try again.
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Been their,it's such a shame,last time it happen to me,I made a complaint,and receive an apology,don't let them put you off,it's your right :)
 
simonblue said:
Been their,it's such a shame,last time it happen to me,I made a complaint,and receive an apology,don't let them put you off,it's your right :)
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Made the complaint to their station backed up with CD of photos taken copies of photographers rights letter from top police chief telling them to lay of togs and loads of links and bumph. They never even bothered to reply, i will never aid the police in this country again in any way shape or form.
 
Cuddy said:
Made the complaint to their station backed up with CD of photos taken copies of photographers rights letter from top police chief telling them to lay of togs and loads of links and bumph. They never even bothered to reply, i will never aid the police in this country again in any way shape or form.
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Not even if it could help a friend or family against a criminal act?!
 
Murph said:
Not even if it could help a friend or family against a criminal act?!
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I think a lot of the time the Police don't help themselves, as it seems too often they point the accusing finger at someone carrying on a perfectly legal pastime without thinking that they actually rely on those same law abiding people to help them at times.
 
Cuddy said:
Made the complaint to their station backed up with CD of photos taken copies of photographers rights letter from top police chief telling them to lay of togs and loads of links and bumph. They never even bothered to reply, i will never aid the police in this country again in any way shape or form.
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I told them if they did not respond,I would take my complaint to the IPPC,that seem to work.

Just to make one thing clear,a police officer on duty is not above the law,and can not make the law up as he or she feel like it.

Hopfully theses thing are happening less,maybe the message has got thought,to some polices officers who keep doing this :)
 
boliston said:
I think a lot of the time the Police don't help themselves, as it seems too often they point the accusing finger at someone carrying on a perfectly legal pastime without thinking that they actually rely on those same law abiding people to help them at times.
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To be fair Boliston, that wasn't my point fella.

Would Cuddy never help the police ever again, even if people were being wronged? I would really like to think not.

Just don't like to see an over-reactive statement such as was said.

It's like every job out there, plenty of good and plenty of bad. A couple of possibly inexperienced (or unprofessional, ill-trained) PCSO's should not be cause for saying you would never help the police ever again.
 
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