the most often asked question i get when mentoring an emerging photographer is, "how can i get closer to people?" ..they tell me how shy they are when it comes to putting a camera up to their eye to photograph a stranger on the street or in a bar or social gathering…
several times in my travels i have suffered from "room lockdown" ….unable to leave my hotel room, watching CNN, ordering room service, and fearful of going out on the street to learn the local "ballet" of street shooting…eventually i just must GO, but it is not always easy….and so it is with many students i have in my workshops…
the "art" of photographing complete strangers close up and personal who started their day not thinking they were going to be a photo subject, is indeed a skill to be learned and perfected….some photographers have a natural flair for this, but most find this an often unbearable challenge….
i once spent an entire week in Chile with a fisherman and his family….i met the fisherman by chance, as i do with most of my photo subjects…. he was on a beach early one morning and was fixing his nets…..i asked if i could take one picture….he agreed…this led to more pictures and me finally asking if it was possible to actually go out in the boat with him and fish…one thing led to another, and hours and hours and hours of fishing in bad light went by and i spent most of my time helping him haul in his nets…two days of this…..then meet the wife and kids for a family "gift picture"…..and then and then…but, what do you think this fisherman would have said if i had asked him upon our first meeting on the beach, "excuse me sir, do you mind if i spend an entire week with you and your family ??"
it is all in the approach… the handshake … the "body language" and voice….and the most important thing of all…eye contact….the "language" of eye contact is universal, international and cross cultural….your intent is most often mirrored in your eyes…..this is when you are "judged" by a complete stranger…..
for those of you who want photograph people in an intimate way, what do you do? how do you overcome your "shyness"? how do you make the photographs you want and yet leave everyone feeling good about the whole experience??
My letter must have been very naivety!
Krassi
Jason try rescue pro that picture might well still be on the card.
Yes, this is post for me… why?… i’m shy guy who always asking myself “how can I get closer”. But I had not this problem when I was started, but since I first time said myself “I want do best photography seriously”. I’m shooting mostly people even if I have any human on my photos.
I often watch my colleagues photographers when they working. Some of them not watching at people at all not asking, not smiling , some of them treats people like old pal “what’s up!” this is their first words.
But for me it all depends on mood. When I’m in good mood I will speak with people, smiling, I do all for good relationship without fetch , and it works! But when I’m in bad mood or melancholic mood, I’m quiet and I keep myself alone even in crowd. I stopped fight with it some time ago.
Sometimes when I’m working on street, or in pub and I’m in good mood, full eagerness and energy, some people call me “fucking paparazzi! Etc. ”. my good mood just flows… and I’m blocked for the rest of day…
And this is most funny!… 99,9% of this people are not my subject! I don’t take them pictures!! I don’t remember one person witch I worked who had really problem with it (maybe my parents only)
they just walk on street, or sitting in corner, but I just bother them. Me and my camera.
One time I was finished film in my camera last frame so I just took picture
‘toi toi, toilet” on empty big square, nothing around… no one around… until after 10 minutes walking run after me a car with some guys yelling on me “why do you taking us pictures?!!”… ???????…. ?????….
This is very dangerous situation, because I’m very nice guy, but …
I just want to say that work with people is very difficult, but if it could be easy it could be boring.
And answer for your question David… “how do you make the photographs you want and yet leave everyone feeling good about the whole experience??”
I just try be myself… only more nice :) … and more contactable… and not shooting only because I have nothing to do with my hands… but I have eyes open and waiting…
And first of all I try making really good photography (in future of course) because I need a good reason to interrupted in human life with my camera.
But I just keep learning… how talk, how smile, when push shutter release … and first of all why I want push shutter release
Martin (Smile is best for all)
And one more observation…
Like I said, I’m shy guy… (am I?)
But sometimes self-confidence not helping. I was working with polish “celebrities”, actress and actors, and people who think about self “actors”. I have really good relation with them (not with all, it impossible) because I didn’t run after them, not try to be their friend, I treats normally like everybody else and with respect.
They was surprised when I said “excuse me, can I take you pictures? Or, how are you today?”
They even was more interested in me than I was interested in the (guy with camera and not arrogant??) . Their try to talk with me, not I with them… maybe I was too much busy, probably I should give them more attention… they are interesting people even in light of flash. This was lesson for next time…
Now I know that photographer should be flexible, good photographer should feel comfortable at work with people. And should looking for people not only good pictures…
This is my purpose now…
Martin
Martin, yes!
“And should looking for people not only good pictures…”
This is good advice.
Cheers!
I think so much has to do with your internal dialogue. In an effort to protect itself, because of fear, the mind likes to make up reasons why someone wouldn’t want to be photographed. Often, that fear simply reinforces stereotypes and narrow beliefs that are unsubstantiated.
What I have learned: don’t try to negotiate with fear, because it will win or will compromise your intention. Fear not..that’s all..which sounds harder than it is. Put your energy elsewhere, into your passion, your compassion, your curiosity, your mission, and stop feeding the fear by entering into debate with it.
It’s not that I don’t suffer from lock-down, because I do, but for me that comes from faltering belief in the worth of my photography, and confusion about the merit of ‘art for art’s sake’, an issue which is additionally clouded by the fact that my work is self funded and is having a real and measurable detrimental financial impact.
The mystery of why we are driven as artists (if you will pardon the grandiose in that) is a beaut, with a force that runs through people of all times and cultures. It is most certainly larger than my person, and I do my best to use it in service to the muse but also, to ‘get closer to people’ for the relevance of human connection.
DAVID McGOWAN… PRESTON…
i always have the camera present from the beginning…maybe not shooting, but it is there…pulling it out of the bag later, after i have made contact, seems “sneaky” to me…
i also always always take the picture that people expect…i have so so many “group shot” and people sitting looking at the camera…i bring those back as prints…i have given away lots of “one hour photo” prints or poloroids…
and yes Preston, many dinners and drinks and general hanging around not taking pictures at all….enjoying the local hospitality, being a good guest and being genuinely INTERESTED in their lives…NOT just interested in taking pictures…
CHRIS…
i am the same….i never never never want to feel as if i have exploited….i care more about a “shared experience” than i do about the picture…if you are not the type of person who sincerely enjoys people for who they are, then probably “people photography” is not the way to go…when i walked away from the fisherman and his family, all i could think about was what amazing people they were and what a close-knit family they were and how truly lucky lucky they were to be living in this little house in this little village in an unheard of town…i felt so great and happy when their picture was used in NG….not for me, but for THEM!!!…
SURO…
i always find one “main character” and stick with that person….i do not try to make friends with the whole neighborhood directly, but by befriending one person or one peer group it seeps out usually to the others…but, if i sense someone does not want to be photographed, then my camera is hanging around my neck…i have no desire to photograph someone who does not want to be photographed….not my game
ROSS…
so you have stepped out!! i hope it feels good…please stop by when you have a chance..
HERVE…
if you are talking about the girl with the white shirt and the heart who is looking at the camera, i knew very well her whole family…as a matter of fact, that picture was taken when i was with both her and her mother…we were taking a non picture taking walk together along the malecon…i think that picture does speak as you say, but she was totally able to “come out” in that way because her mother was there….
ANA….
i have no signed papers after all these years of working with people, except for commercial advertising shoots where it is required by law and the models are being paid etc etc..
i could never make anyone sign a piece of paper after building a rapport…that would kill the whole mood..i just can’t do it.some photographers do this so they can then sell the pictures through an agency for advertising purposes….i guess i have a whole lot of pictures that cannot be used for advertising!!!
for books and magazines you generally do not need a release for shooting people on the street, except in France (the home of street photography!!!)….
BRECHT….
why not just take the picture they want?? i do that all the time….give them exactly what they are expecting…nobody does not like a good picture of themselves…people do not want to be violated, but people like pictures…even cultures where supposedly pictures are not permitted seem to have family pictures on the walls…have you ever ever been to anyone’s house where family pictures where not hanging or present somewhere??? become the family photographer….somewhere in there you might find a picture for yourself or even better the family might just suggest a picture that is even better than what you were thinking!!!
NICK…
you are a great people photographer….i think you work in perhaps a different way from me, but in a very good way….each of us has our own way….you are totally non-threatening, which is the key to all of it…
MICHAEL K….
i do not think it is necessary to be outgoing at all…just blending or non-threatening as i mentioned to Nick above…HCB was certainly not outgoing…
HELLO ALL…
running, but back soonest for more comments to your comments…this will be good
cheers, david
DAVID UKALEQ B.
i know what you mean….in those fast moving really “street” situations i try to move instinctively…you are right, in those situations , if you ask, you will miss the moment…in that case, many times i shoot first and ask later….again, quick eye contact to “feel” if it is ok….you can sense it…if the people are totally oblivious, which is rare, then i just shoot…but almost always i make contact one way or another….it is rare for me to just shoot and walk…
BOB….
got the wine!!! many many thanks…now that you have built rapport with me , you may shoot a picture anytime!!!
chris gave me a good report on your meeting…he really enjoyed himself as you enjoyed him….
actually photojournalism is not “my bag” either..i never see myself as a photojournalist….what you said is exactly what i feel…”open up something wide besides your eyes and your lenses”
HARRY…
if someone is camera shy, i leave them alone….if i really really really am interesting in shooting them, then i might wait to see if they change their mind…if not, i enjoy them on another level…
HELLO ALL…
by the way, if you want to see the fisherman and his family just do an advanced search on Magnum website….CHILE and my name…the pictures are out of sequence in this folder, but i am sure you can find the 6 or 7 that belong to this series…
ok off to Photo Plus for a couple of hours….back soonest to read and respond to more of your comments…
cheers, david
Classic question. I have been asking myself this question and trying to fix this issue. I consider myself a shy person and most of my people are candid. My method is to look for sympathy of isolation or collective expression of strangers on the street, take some snap and move on. But that would not be the best way to give the insight of the persons in the photographs.
Fortunately, lately, I have experienced big party events that allowed me to get closer to the subjects without too much effort. It might not be that much a challenge to get really intimate but it certainly boosted my confident to approach people.
However, the lessons are still to be learnt. I find that trust is the key. It is easier to portray people in the closer look when they see the photographer’s sincerity. Some photographers are natural to show it to them and effortlessly to connect with strangers. That means photographers have to open up themselves as well. Honestly, I still have to work on it.
Classic question. I have been asking myself this question and trying to fix this issue. I consider myself a shy person and most of my people are candid. My method is to look for sympathy of isolation or collective expression of strangers on the street, take some snap and move on. But that would not be the best way to give the insight of the persons in the photographs.
Fortunately, lately, I have experienced big party events that allowed me to get closer to the subjects without too much effort. It might not be that much a challenge to get really intimate but it certainly boosted my confident to approach people.
However, the lessons are still to be learnt. I find that trust is the key. It is easier to portray people in the closer look when they see the photographer’s sincerity. Some photographers are natural to show it to them and effortlessly to connect with strangers. That means photographers have to open up themselves as well. Honestly, I still have to work on it.
Classic question. I have been asking myself this question and trying to fix this issue. I consider myself a shy person and most of my people are candid. My method is to look for sympathy of isolation or collective expression of strangers on the street, take some snap and move on. But that would not be the best way to give the insight of the persons in the photographs.
Fortunately, lately, I have experienced big party events that allowed me to get closer to the subjects without too much effort. It might not be that much a challenge to get really intimate but it certainly boosted my confident to approach people.
However, the lessons are still to be learnt. I find that trust is the key. It is easier to portray people in the closer look when they see the photographer’s sincerity. Some photographers are natural to show it to them and effortlessly to connect with strangers. That means photographers have to open up themselves as well. Honestly, I still have to work on it.
Classic question. I have been asking myself this question and trying to fix this issue. I consider myself a shy person and most of my people are candid. My method is to look for sympathy of isolation or collective expression of strangers on the street, take some snap and move on. But that would not be the best way to give the insight of the persons in the photographs.
Fortunately, lately, I have experienced big party events that allowed me to get closer to the subjects without too much effort. It might not be that much a challenge to get really intimate but it certainly boosted my confident to approach people.
However, the lessons are still to be learnt. I find that trust is the key. It is easier to portray people in the closer look when they see the photographer’s sincerity. Some photographers are natural to show it to them and effortlessly to connect with strangers. That means photographers have to open up themselves as well. Honestly, I still have to work on it.
Classic question. I have been asking myself this question and trying to fix this issue. I consider myself a shy person and most of my people are candid. My method is to look for sympathy of isolation or collective expression of strangers on the street, take some snap and move on. But that would not be the best way to give the insight of the persons in the photographs.
Fortunately, lately, I have experienced big party events that allowed me to get closer to the subjects without too much effort. It might not be that much a challenge to get really intimate but it certainly boosted my confident to approach people.
However, the lessons are still to be learnt. I find that trust is the key. It is easier to portray people in the closer look when they see the photographer’s sincerity. Some photographers are natural to show it to them and effortlessly to connect with strangers. That means photographers have to open up themselves as well. Honestly, I still have to work on it.
To Michael Kircher:
In David’s photo, the woman closer to the camera is one of the workshop assistants in Sicily. She also appeared in one of David’s posts from April. No idea who the other woman is.
David – I’m not implying that one gains rapport then whips out a camera from the bag and start shooting—that’s no different than walking up to someone and randomly shooting—it’s just rude. But I’m certainly not being sneaky about it. When I say “leave it in the bag” I mean leave it there, leave it hanging, leave it on the table, whatever. Just don’t use it in a way that disrupts anyone’s comfort level.
Interesting thread. How do I do establish eye contact and move in for the intimate picture? Well, I take Erica’s advice and dont negotiate with my fear; I just give in to it and hide behind a bush with a 300mm telephoto lens. Works every time.
Does talking with and photographing strangers it ever feel like diving into a cold pool to anyone else? You know its gonna be cold but the longer you think about it, the harder it seems to get. Once you decide to go, you’re in the water so fast and too busy to notice that it was a problem at all. I find the first photo of the day hard to make and after that, I’m swimming. If I don’t swim, I don’t feel satisfied.
I find that smiling and acting relaxed helps so much. I think Giancarlo had it right, relaxed and purposeful relaxes your subject. Nervous, edgy and untalkative makes people nervous of your motives.
Action seems to help too, if someones doing something “extra-ordinary” then they seem to expect you to make pictures. Photographing a person’s ordinary is much harder.
David, you use small, unobtrusive cameras to get “closer”. Did you ever find/consider/think that a giant black brute gives you access as you look more “professional” ? I’m considerably bigger than my biggest camera, is it not ME thats the obtrusive object? This is a bit of a devil’s advocate question…..
Akay, here is an alternative to your 300mm (is’nt it heavy?)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/464906-REG/Bower_VL144_37mm_Right_Angle_Mirror.html
I was amused to see someone advocating this object on flickr. It seems so dishonest!
David :))))…
when marina, dima and i make it down, that small ice will be big bottle ;)))…tell Chris i gave Mrs. Black and Dima a similar report: especially since Dima always loved his cowboy voice (from his Bolivia Election Magnum in Motion piece)…thanks for the permission to shoot you ;)))…ditto the same: though you’ll me more drawn to marina and dima (photographically): believe me ;))
running
hugs
bob
Neil,
Not only dishonest, deception is deception and imagine getting caught!
David/All,
It really is an amazing thing, making images of others on the street. I think photography is at its best, after you’ve stripped everything away…it’s about sharing
Reading all, I think the answers do not reflect only on photography but on the period we live in, where people want to re-instate an honest and sure rapport with others, amidst much superficiality and alienation fed by so many medias and social structures (or constructs?).
I wonder if this is reflected in much photography out there, in these medias. There is so much “television” in mediatic photography nowadays.
Just an imprecise thought.
Herve,
I think we are also dealing with Camera Phones which can make people nervous about cameras in general.
The other day I was riding BART [subway] wearing a Scottish Kilt. (I was on my way to a gig with my drum)
Anyways, I heard this loud/fake shutter sound. Looking up I saw this girl with her camera phone pointed discretely at me.
No acknowledgment that she just took my picture either.
I had to just laugh!
More on the (less vs more) equipment discussion…
I have a friend who has recently begun working as a photojournalist, his lifelong dream. He goes out to shoot totally dressed the part, looking as though he is going into battle…camera on each shoulder, belt loaded with gear, vest, even THE SCARF I think. :)
I had a good chuckle when I had a chance to hang out with the “real” photojournalists at the LA VII Seminar and they talked about wearing bermuda shorts and carrying diaper bags…whatever they could do to NOT look like photojournalists. To reduce intimidation factor as well as to gain access when traveling in countries like Burma.
Something to think about.
Thank you David. Yes it feels good, albeit a bit scary! Hopefully the heart palpitations will slow down a bit soon!
I’ve chosen the path of freelance editorial photojournalism rather than newspaper work. I like being able to spend time on a story and to me, the experiences more than compensate for the money.
Hopefully that path will lead to more inspiring meetings and experiences.
As an aside; have just had Larry Towell’s “The Mennonites” arrive in the mail and all I can say is WOW!!
Would love to call in at some stage, but as I live in New Zealand, can’t see that happenning for a while!!
Thank you for your inspiration.
Yeah I like to carry a bag (as long as it’s not a camera bag) because if I’m not using my camera, I don’t care to advertise an expensive piece of gear when out at night. The only drawback in rough-and-tumble regions of Michigan is that you get shit for carrying a man-purse!
I like what I can do with my D200 and the creative lighting system, but there are many times by the end of the night I just wish I had a high end point and shoot, rather than that tank. I can understand why David keeps it light with the M8.
MARTIN….
you always have good words of wisdom ..and i have had the same experience as you…the only time i have had negative vibes from people , were people who were not in my picture frame at all!!! very curious phenomenon…
DAVID McGOWAN…
i was not implying that YOU were sneaky…you are not that type at all!!! it would just make ME feel “sneaky” if i pulled out the camera to shoot way into the rapport building process…i want people to know i am a photographer who would like to make photographs, but will not take photographs if not invited to do so…
AKAKY…
i am looking out my window for you now!! please come out of the bushes and come up for a cold beer…you are welcomed here…
NEIL….
interesting question you have….i do use just one small camera, one lens and look fairly “unprofessional”…..
this has worked against me in some cases where i am trying to get in somewhere using my “professional credentials” and they do not believe i am really professional or not who i say i am because i have “no equipment”!!!
but, usually “no equipment” works for me…
however, sometimes when i am in a group of professional photographers covering some event (which is rare), the photographers on the scene will sometimes not even talk to me because they think i am an amateur and not worthy of their conversation!!! i do not have the “professional fashion look”… this happens many times…and i enjoy this most of all!!
cheers, david
David,
Reminds me of your stock car racing coverage in ’98? You had your small camera while The ‘professionals’ had super telephotos. I think You said you were a “real freak” in that environment.
Love it!
For me I think the best way to be comfortable photographing people is to have belief in the project I’m doing. Most of what I do is street photography and I mix it up between asking people – often in small groups – and I will hang out for a while. I prefer to start making pictures right away and then I can pause and talk. On the other hand I do a lot of pictures where I shoot quickly on the street without asking. I both cases I do feel that I feel the most confident by knowing in my mind what the project is. That way when I ask people to photograph I can explain well and be sure of myself and likewise if I shoot on the street without asking – well if someone asks me what I am doing I have my answer ready. For the last year I have been between projects and was a bit unhappy and certainly unsure of myself while continuing to make photos. Now I have a now project underway – I have a vision of what I am trying to achieve and that is pushing me to get out there to work and to feel sure of myself when I am out there. Often when I just say to myself – go out and make pictures – then I come back with nothing. I think I’m sort of thinking to myself, well how can I approach someone or take their picture on the street without a reason beyond I just want to. So maybe having some sense of what the larger picture is, knowing the why, is helpful in getting past the lack of confidence and insecurity.
Eugene Richard has a good quote in his book Americans We that helps me when I am not sure of myself. “My confidence is gone. Inexplicably, after all these years, I’m still a shy, doubting, anxious child when I have to go out and confront people I don’t know.” I figure that if he is doubting and anxious when he goes out to shoot then it is ok for me to feel that way too.
All best to everyone out there trying to photograph.
Jonathan
David,
you mean the drunk in the water bar?:) That guy was just plain crazy.
How is the editing of the Korea project coming along? When do you guys plan on getting it out?
i think being authentically yourself and intuition play the main roles when capturing
real life & real people..
let’s face it everyone wears masks & it’s up to the photographer to peel the layers off like an onion. Essential to try & get as close to the center as possible.
Richard Avedon during an interview once revealed a trick that he employed while photographing the Prince and Princess of Rainer .. the famous couple are notorious for their standard publicity persona (face)
while being photographed. So to dance around
this obstacle Mr.Avedon knowing that the couple are dog lovers related a story.
He told the couple after everything was set up that on the way to the studio that the taxi driver had run over a dog // hence his sorrow.
immediately the couples guarded persona mask dropped revealing their true feelings for an instant.. presto..an icon.
**sidenote** no dog was injured Mr.Avedon tactfully employed a white lie for a commendable cause.
i think being authentically yourself and intuition play the main roles when capturing
real life & real people..
let’s face it everyone wears masks & it’s up to the photographer to peel the layers off like an onion. Essential to try & get as close to the center as possible.
Richard Avedon during an interview once revealed a trick that he employed while photographing the Prince and Princess of Rainer .. the famous couple are notorious for their standard publicity persona (face)
while being photographed. So to dance around
this obstacle Mr.Avedon knowing that the couple are dog lovers related a story.
He told the couple after everything was set up that on the way to the studio that the taxi driver had run over a dog // hence his sorrow.
immediately the couples guarded persona mask dropped revealing their true feelings for an instant.. presto..an icon.
**sidenote** no dog was injured Mr.Avedon tactfully employed a white lie for a commendable cause.
Sometimes I find people so fascinating that I make the mistake of looking at them in a very intense way, forgetting that I’m invading their privacy…when I walk I always look around me all the time looking to everybody, searching for that “somebody” that really stands out, that really jump from the crowd…
I usually don’t have a problem approaching people in a way that I can gain their trust little by little…but since I changed my m6 for a big digital SLR, I feel like I’m attacking that person with an M-16 and lately have been very hard for me to get close…close enough…
Before I changed my gear nobody asked me what was the purpose of my pictures…now people ask me….what are you gonna do with those pictures? and that turn me off a little bit because since I’m not a professional I really don’t have an answer for that….
Get close to people…particularly strangers is easy for me when I travel and very hard in my own backyard…I don’t know why…so lately I’ve been trying to create some photo projects rather than go out hunting for images..I feel more comfortable but again, I’m not a professional…
KATIA….
as i look at your work, i think you have absolutely zero problems in dealing with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations…you are comfortable in your own skin, which is the key to making others comfortable…
JOAN…
yes, letting people know “they matter” is a key to this whole discussion…i always make the scene be about “them” not about me…
CATHY….
laughing…yes, THE SCARF….hmmmm, well they could be useful sometimes and sometimes make a political statement, but c’mon guys please please!!!
JONATHAN…
i totally understand Eugene….that is the way i am too…hence, being “room locked”…once i am moving and the scene is “fluid” i can really go to work…but, breaking that invisible barrier is often a heavy weight to lift…
and, of course, it all varies from culture to culture and there is absolutely no absolute one way to do it..
RAFAL…
exactly!!! that guy!! from out of nowhere and not in the picture at all!!!
the book was edited last week in new york…i do not know the release date…i will let you know as soon as i know…
ROBERT….
i remember hearing that story…i wonder what the prince and princess looked like when Avedon told them the truth!!!
SF JASON….
you must have some “stand up comedian” in you…and you are a performer at least with your drum…please send us a link to a picture of with your kilt and drum….AND, i ask you, can you shoot a bit while you are performing?? is there a moment in the performance with just enough of a break to shoot?? that might really be interesting since you are already “in”…try it…
MERRITT….
i started out being the “fly on the wall” with street photography…like HCB….and sometimes i still like to work like this…however, find that i can still be another kind of unobtrusive photographer by getting so so involved with my subject that i am totally forgotten…in this way, i am still a “fly on the wall” after i am so “in” that i am “in”visible..
but, of course, you should work in the way that makes you feel most comfortable…
CHRIS BICKFORD….
i was so proud of your new work…i think you really added something to your portfolio…i am still looking at your prints on the wall…very very nice…will post as soon as i can….
LARA…
i work the same….and i too will put myself in certain situations where a camera just is not noticed as you do on Coney Island…shooting the “edges” of a fiesta or event makes “street photography” much easier..
PRESTON….
in situations where you really have time to explain, you are absolutely correct…giving subjects the context of your work really works….
cheers, david
Jonathan… I like your photography ;)
Hi David and All…
I think mostly photographers who working with people have the same experience,
but… I don’t know you personally David, but I know we are very different people. You are very self-confidence in work person I think… and I… after 27 years being painter, working alone, keep myself alone I have much more problems with people than you, I suppose.
I ‘v started photographing because I always am watcher, observer, and I like people… I love people! But I mostly had not need to talk and participate with them before I started photographing, working with people it is something much more difficult for person like me.
Simultaneously when I’m working without people, I think about them, and when I shot empty place I looking for human emotion. So, not always I must be very connectable in work. I don’t need people for story I tell about them.
My biggest problem at work with people is my own person. Mostly they are more open, mostly they invite me inside. But I’m working with this.
I think I’m prepare for work with people now, I’m learning quickly… we’ll see…
I’m learning but I’m not fight with my nature now, i don’t try be someone else…
We are similar in one… you wrote answer to Neil about your “professional look”, but you wrote every single word about me!!!
Martin (no professional fashion look)
Ps. Sorry for my English last time, I have no time for keep learning it now… i have time for nothing!!
Thanks so much David for answering to my question. It is something I was wondering because, as you know, I love to take pictures of people, specialy portraits, and when I applied for a NG contest, they required me a signed paper when a person was recognizable.
But I never in my life asked anybody to sign a paper. I don’t feel comfortable asking for it even if they are friends. I feel like it breaks all the feeling, all the emotions and all the comunication that photography means to me…. As you said, I always thought that asking for that will kill the whole mood. And one of the things I really enjoy being a photographer is that “exchange” of emotions that goes through the rapport.
And it is good to know that for books and magazines you generally do not need a release for shooting people on the street… (The same for portraits???) That makes me feel more relaxed!
Thanks!
Ana
when working on a particular story for this thread what worked for me was this:
meet with the person(S) and tell them what you are doing.. ask them for thier input…if you meet with the person “in charge” that’s a real plus
i wanted to do a particular story and i thought who do i know who knows…knowing somebody who knows somebody really helps
establish common ground…listen to the person and get to know them, be genuinely interested in them.. what is important to them what they are interested in etc. share stuff about yourself honest stuff …if you are genuinely curious and care about people and their lives this is the best
if you can offer them something that is a plus… copies of pictures, a story in the local papaer, etc.
once into the situation, do what they are doing, if people are dancing, i find that i get better pics by not standing back and photoing them dancing, dance and then photo and dance some more…if people are inside washing dishes, i sling my camera over my back and get into the dishes , you know one person washing the other drying, the other putting away etc. and then break for interesting pics….once i was doing yard work and rather than take pics of people working a grabbed a pitch fork and started pitchforking with others and then break for pics even giving my camera to others so they could take pics of me.
stuff others have used too i’m sure…enjoy the thread.. dah, let me know if you would like a contact in brazil.
MARTIN…
when i see your work, it seems that you are just fine working with people…so if you are shy, it does not show up in your photographs..
in your “empty space” more landscape pictures, you do seem “lonely”…yet i know you are not lonely…
perhaps our photographs are often the opposite of the way we think we are or the way we project ourselves to others…OR they are really the way we are with all of the masks stripped away…surely, our photographs are personality revealing…
JAY NOWAKOWSKI….
yes,yes…i learned long ago how to dance with a beer in my left hand and a camera in my right…
i am ok with contacts for this quick trip to Brazil, but many thanks for offering..
cheers, david
JAY SINCLAIR…
actually, you and i are the very best example of how we both are with people…we met as total strangers, not at any photo event, and neither of us with a camera in hand…we were both just the “guy sitting next to you on the plane”…
and, we still have not taken any pictures of each other!!!
cheers, david
JONATHAN…
my apologies…i totally missed your last name when reading your post the first time and, in a hurry, did not click on to your website..i have your book and would love for you to sign it for me when you are next in new york…..great street photography!!!
cheers, david
David,
Good to see you at Photoplus In New York. Enjoyed the new work–as well as some of the images I had seen before. The
BBC clip about you was very interesting and really showed the way you work as well as about your life. People on this blog might enjoy that if they could get access to it.
I think your friendliness and genuine warmness is part of what makes “it work’ for you. You seem really and truly happy to see us all–past and present students and participants in this site– when our paths cross. I think that joy in life comes across in your photography. When I feel “right” about what I’m photographing”–when I can feel the “pulse”–be tuned into what is around me and really begin to “see” and not be thinking of “me”–that’s when if seems to work for me. Rosemary
ps Read this through–have used the word “work” so many times–but that is what it is as well as the spirit within
I’ve been a silent “lurker”, as DAH refers to them, on this blog since June and have enjoyed and learned from everyone’s comments. This topic REALLY hit a nerve for me. I’ve just edited some images from a recent trip and came to the conclusion that one of my biggest areas for improvement is that I need to get closer to people – I’m on the edge, the periphery of a interesting situation, but held back by some sort of invisible fence, like I’m looking in, instead of being in. To move in often feels like an intrusion of personal space. I guess I need to get over my shyness. The one thing I’ve found that helps is when I am able to start conversations about something, anything, perhaps it’s the history of the area, a question, or some other expression of genuine interest in trying to understand or learn first rather than charging in with camera glued to my face. People seem to respond to curiosity and enthusasium and are then more open to being in the photograph when asked. This is all new to me and I have a lot to learn. I started this new project after attending the DAH workshop in Charlottesville, which forced me to really think about my photography, the project I was stuck on and the excuses I was hiding behind. I’m now photographing something I know well and have access to on a regular basis: the cities I visit on business trips/life on the road, which is proving to be as satisfying and adventurous as my other project. Thank you, David, for the workshop experience and this blog.
(PS – I was the one with the sailing images.)
David – Wow – and here I was thinking that I was toiling in total obscurity and virtually no one had seen the book. I’d love to visit and would be more than happy to sign your copy. I am actually based back in New York now – living in wonderfully diverse Jackson Heights. I’d be pleased to give you a copy of the catalogue from my Chicago work too. So basically – any time – you let me know where and when! Feel free to email.
All best,
Jonathan
David…
I wonder what you think about how danger our work is and about work with women… you know… eye contact… handsome photographer (you) with BIG camera… ok, maybe with small camera… but still handsome… at work… be in middle of action…
Eye contact… beautiful women…
;)
Martin
I feel a bit rebellious (It’s good!) about the “nice” answers. I think with photography you never comes quite as clean as “honest, tell the truth, getting to know them”, at least, and at worse, There is nothing wrong with using people, the greatest artists did it, Picasso, Wagner, Beethoven, Avedon, etc…..
Maybe we are trying too much to look the good part here, but why photography should be the abode where we do not face the contradictions, paradoxes, even calculations, we as human beings, neurotic and not perfect, contend with in our lives, and within our personalities or social entity.
I think whatever you can get away with, in photography, and does not hurt anyone (unlike some of these genius up there, other times I guess), while having a purpose (very important) for it, is fine. If it’s lying to royalty, living with a cave dweller for one month, becomes the family’s best friend, or simply steal a shot, be it. A camera is not a gun.
David – understood – I just have an aversion to immediately having the camera out until I’m comfortable with my surroundings. That’s probably something I’ll grow out of over time.
ROSEMARY…
it was so nice to see you yesterday…you are a true “class act” and beautiful woman in every respect…thank you for your comments…i feel exactly the same about you…
JONATHAN…
i am leaving for brazil/mexico tomorrow, but back mid november….i will try to set up a meeting time for us when i return…
MARTIN…
yes yes…hmmmmmm, well potentially dangerous territory and yet and yet is there anything more beautiful in life???
i would have to start a whole new blog to discuss this subject in detail…maybe we save this conversation for when we meet over a cold beer or two…
in this arena i have no expertise whatsoever…i am just another guy trying my best to do the right thing and at some points having done the wrong thing…
my mother tried to explain the whole process to me when i was a teenager…my poor mother!! perhaps i had better give her a call!!
HERVE…
well, a camera is not a gun…but photographers have an incredible opportunity to both communicate with others about a particular subject or have a positive influence on the people they meet…photographers have a certain kind of access to people that few have…
perhaps artists historically have “used” people to create their art..but, a little “payback” to the subject with some common human decency cannot possibly hurt the “art” and just might make somebody feel better that day about themselves…
i like to think that perhaps photographers can be great ambassadors in a world so full of people who really do have guns!!
again, just a “brick in the wall”, but the world needs every brick it can get….i do not think “nice” has to be some kind of superficiality….
DAVID….
whatever you do should be natural and organic….do not try too hard to be something you are not….many of the world’s greatest photographers are not people people….be comfortable in your own skin…people will feel it….and respond accordingly….and your style will be a reflection of who you are…..and who you are will manifest itself in work that will reflect the subject in a way suitable for all..
cheers, david
Bypassing answer… ok, i will ask when we meet over a beer and rum or gin (i’m not drinking beer)
will be fun…
you going to brazil and mexico? cool…
ech… women…
martin
i like to think that perhaps photographers can be great ambassadors in a world so full of people who really do have guns!!
——————————–
So true, David, but it goes also for being able to show that picture, there is ambassadorship at that too. What I meant is that
1) there can be some kind of experience in getting something out of the subject, where the photographer makes use of “tricks” (the Avedon’s dog, a lie), independantly of the great rapport, and maybe friendship estbalished.
2) there are just instances where the “getting to know” is not of the matter, and that a little stealing (which is no human dishonesty,as to the object of the craft/art, ie. expressing oneself) that transfers the ambassadorship when the pix is shared with the world (a bad example really, but I think of that “Nosferatu” shot of Goebbels by Einsenstadt. You sure want to steal it (Goebbels was quite unwilling if I recall) and run :-). A jewish photographer on top!).
Definitely, going inside, getting to know is not only important to crucial photography, but for its rewards, humanly. The making of the Cuba shot along the malecon is a good lesson to not just wandering, as I thought.
Yet, we all enjoyed Jonathan’s link, which are not totally about “getting to know”.