Perfect strangers: Tips and tricks for photographing people you don't know
Taking pictures of people is one of the hardest things for new photographers to do. Even some experienced ones find it difficult as well. What’s even harder is photographing strangers.
Like anything else, some people have a knack for it, while others have to work at it. I’m in the latter group. I have friends who, even from the beginning of their careers, can easily chat up a stranger and within minutes take their picture. But for those where it doesn’t come naturally, approaching strangers is a skill that one can practice.
Deal with your fear.
I know this is easier said than done. I make my living taking pictures of strangers but when was first I started out I had to suppress the natural shyness and apprehension that most people have when meeting strangers. At some point I knew that I had to bite the bullet and forge ahead.
What I found out is that most people are nice people, even many that may outwardly look like they aren’t. If you’re courteous and polite, most likely they will be the same towards you. From there the worst thing they can say to you is “no.”
Work your way up.
You can jump in with both feet, go out on the streets and begin photographing strangers or you and work your way up. Try starting with taking pictures a friends. You can call them up specifically for the picture or you can take shots of them at a gathering or party. From there you can try acquaintances, people who you know but aren’t close friends. This will give you practice at telling them why you want to take their photo. Finally, you can go out and photograph strangers. Try starting at events such as festivals or outdoor gatherings, people tend to be more agreeable there. From there you can work you way up to photographing people on the street.
Explain why.
Most people aren’t keen on having their picture taken but many do like to get noticed and might be agreeable if explained to them properly. Tell them why you want to take their photo. They could be wearing something colorful/interesting or they could be standing in an interesting/picturesque composition or where the lighting is cool. You could say something like “I like how the color of your shirt/dress/hat” or “the clouds where you’re standing look beautiful” or “the light on your face is very interesting” would you mind if I take your picture?” Explaining why you want to take their picture will go a long way to them letting you do so.
Be prepared.
Practice in your head what you’re going to say. I could be something like: “you’re standing in a picturesque spot, may I take your picture?” Try not to trip over your tongue and flub your lines.
Once you get approval to take a photo be quick. Make sure you have the lens you want to use on your camera and the right settings even before asking. The most off-putting thing is to be fumbling with your camera while your subject waits. Try to be quick as possible. The clicking of the shutter can become a bit uncomfortable if it goes on too long. You can help them to relax by being a bit curious. Chit chat about the weather or ask them a few questions but try not to pry.
Take no for an answer.
If you are too insistent or even pushy the potential for things to get ugly rises exponentially. No picture is worth an argument or physical confrontation. Being friendly and polite at all times will take you a long way.
Record photographer Clifford Oto has photographed Stockton and San Joaquin County for more than 37 years. He can be reached at coto@recordnet.com or on Instagram @Recordnet. Follow his blog at recordnet.com/otoblog. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Tips and tricks for photographing people you don't know
