How to ASK STRANGERS for PHOTOS
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video I conquer my fear of approaching and talking to strangers with the help of TH-camr, Pablo Strong. I learn how to approach strangers and ask to take their photos. Here are the tips and techniques I learnt about how to ask strangers to take their portrait.
Visit Pablo's channel here: / @pablostrongvlogs
Check out his 'Streets of London' series:
• His One Dream in Life ...
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This video reminds me of how bold I used to be 10-15 years ago, shooting street photographs, and now I'm inspired to get back into it! I also realized that this could have just as well been a video on how to ask people out on a date, or how to interact with strangers in general. It's such a lost art, as we're more and more lost in our screens. Anyways, thanks so much for the great content!
Thank you for sharing, Jamie. It was really nice to see how genuinely happy you were once you overcame your fear and started to actually enjoy it. I'm new to street photography and this is something I'm struggling with a little but I'm going to take your advice and give it a go. Thanks again!
I loved this! Your authenticity shines through in this video - including your heartfelt response to unexpected connection. I loved Pablo too, and will check his work out. Very beautifully done.
Love your shyness. Thanks for your videos.
8:41 tho 🙌🏽 great photo, very interesting guy
great tips! seems easy enough to do
Adrian Chong It really is. And the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Such a great video that's so true!! Watching this has forced me to go out and talk to people at Notting Hill today. After speaking to people properly, they really are happy for you doing this a lot of the time
Loved this video, Jamie. It's so lovely to see you talk so openly about your feelings of anxiety. To show our vulnerabilities to others can be very liberating for someone who feels the same. I'm a teacher and have no problem whatsoever to stand in front of a crowd and hold a speech. However, taking portraits of strangers is something that I definitely wouldn't chose to do. Your video has definitely made me want to try it out! Thanks!
Tip #1: Don't use a DSLR and a matching neckstrap. Those things scare away most people. Preferably, use a mirrorless (APS-C or m4/3) with an inconspicuous wrist-strap.
Tip #2: Print business cards with your social media info to hand away to your subjects. That makes you look more professional and they may be more willing to let you shoot them.
Tip #2 is a good shout.
Tip #1 … I thought this until Pablo convinced me otherwise. So I went out at different times to test it. I went out with my tiny fuji mirrorless and then I went out with a big full-frame DSLR (which I had put a battery pack onto to deliberately make it look bigger). Result: Absolutely no difference in responses. I stand corrected.
Kid Kurtz Soho is a great place for taking portraits due to the vast mix of people there.
I’ve actually had a way easier time pretending to be a full time noob. I shoot with the Fuji X100F with no strap and people seem to believe that I’m some hipster kid with his dads old film camera. In my experience my subjects are alot more relaxed when they think I’m not an ”actual” photographer.
@Unknown got something to say?
#1 I'd think it's the otherway around. A DSLR might seem a bit more intimidating, but for a lot of people it still has a more professional feel to it than a mirrorless, making you look like less of a creep and more of a pro.
I was yesterday into the city, when i've seen a really interesting, foreign looking lady, i'd wished for having my DSLR with me, and asking for a picture...but i missed both, so no picture... now i am thinking about that....would have been a good picture.... before that, i've stumpled over a cool gothic couple...damn, i do really could have made some cool street shots....perhaps i do really should try it out...thanks Jamie! :)
Jamie- I’m late to the party here but want to let you know you’ve touched me. The best part of TH-cam is stumbling upon someone on the other side of the planet you’ve never met. Thanks much for such a valuable lesson, thanks for turning me on to Pablo and finally- I’ve had a difficult week. Thank you so much for making the clouds part a bit. Inspired and subscribed!
One of your best vids man! It's always cool to see someone face a fear, and overcome it. Good job!
the best street photography is a celebration of life, even if you shoot tough subjects like the homeless. taking a photo is giving attention, respect, and validation to the subject and will probably make their day. if someone doesn't want their photo taken you don't want that photo either, because it lacks purpose. nice work worth a like and a comment
Interesting thought. I think the homeless thing can be tricky. It's a fine line sometimes between being a conscientious documenter of those less fortunate and fetishising the idea for a good photo. We were thinking about making a video on the subject of ethics in street photography. People have different takes on it.
For homeless inspiration, @suzanne_stein at Instagram. Amazing proximity.
Amazing video! "Rejection doesn't really matter"... that's a MAJOR lesson many of us need to learn, even outside of photography. This made me believe that making the jump to overcoming your fears might be a good thing for your creative work in general, and who knows, even your private life. So what if someone says "no"? That "no" is such a scary thing, but if you can cut it down to its actual size, that would be beneficial in all kinds of ways. Thank you!
Hey Jamie, great job getting out there and overcoming that fear barrier. That was very encouraging to see you getting through. Cheers!
I was grinning by the end of this video. I've been dying to do some proper street portraiture for ages and this has given me the confidence to finally give it a go. Thank you.
"It hurts you a little bit inside" hahaha
Great stuff, you almost make it seem possible 😉
Wow man your videos are miles above most others in this genre of youtube content. Please keep up the good work, the concise lessons, and the unique information.
This was exactly the video that I needed to see right now. Approaching strangers has always been hard for me, and I think that maybe doing it to ask to take their picture will be the gateway to bring able to do it more generally. Going through the fear and rejections is the only way to advance. Thank you.
Good video.... also workable in other situations... good job, mate!
Nice pictures, btw.
Would it help, giving a business card?
I think it would be good as something to hand to them after you've taken the shot so they can check to see if their shot appears online. If it was introduced before, it would be one more thing to add into the dialogue and may also look like you're selling something.
The RealButcher gh
Problem I have in asking people to pose is that you end up with a load of photo's (interesting tho some may be) of posed faces which means a sort of 'I'm on camera' look. Street photo's in my opinion are best when the subject is unaware and you get a far more natural result. Personally I don't talk to anyone unless approached and then I'm polite but firm stating I'm interested in social history and if they wish me to delete an image where they are prominently the main subject I will do so. However I will stand my ground if they are part of a crowd on a street. My usual response to 'Why are you taking pictures?' Is to answer, who are you? And why do you wish to know? As I have a perfectly legal right to photograph in public places but not harass. Just a different approach - good video:)
Candid street photography and portraiture are two completely different genres of photography. I'm working on a video at the moment about the ethical dilemmas of street photography. It will be one of my next few videos I expect.
Great, looking forward to seeing it
Yep, can see where you're coming from & as with all photography, what matters is if you are pleased with the result. However, individual human portraiture, that the subject controls, rarely conveys anything other than the pose they wish to present. Which is great if they are paying you to produce something they wish to own, while capturing the unguarded moment is often when something deeper appears. With the introduction of 'selfies' people are posing ad nauseum, so to repeat the process seems rather pointless -but then, that's just me and me age I suppose, cheers:)
This video is about portraits, not street photography in it's classic sense. Two different things.
And that is what separates the skilled street portrait photographer and the not so skilled. If you are genuine in your interaction and make your subject relax you can get rid of that face, make sure that they are neutral and not overly smiling like most people will instictively do.
AMAZING intro. Great job. I’m relocating this fall and will definitely try this while scouting the area!
There’s a noticeable transferrable skill to doing this. Learning to overcome approach anxiety with this can filter into overcoming anxiety with making friends, asking people on dates, networking, and so on.
Being somewhere between an introvert and a extrovert don't help does it
I'm usually reasonably comfortable talking to random people this seems real different tho but tip taken just get out there!
Gonna head to Hyde Park on 4/20 again next year good day for people that is well worth the day out!
why is this such a vsauce 3 styled video, don't know if you know vsauce but great video as always man!
CaviteTech People keep saying this about my videos. I haven’t checked it out yet.
@@jamiewindsor it's because of the background music. That's it, I notice that as well.
Walter Herrera Interesting. The music in this was played by me trying to imitate the style of incidental music from Stranger Things.
@@jamiewindsor Indeed it has a "Retro" "80s" "synth" style to it which is what Vsauce will use from time to time. Great video and music by the way. Hopefully one of this days I will go out and fight my fear to talk to strangers. You are an awesome creator Jamie.
you’ve come at this so well, i’m
very impressed. and i can’t wait to start street photography, myself!
Brilliant video! I was thrilled from start to finish. Well done!
I would add to the introduction, "Hi there, I'm taking portrait photos today of interesting looking people on the street. May I take your photo?"
7:04 I love that vintage jacket, can I have it?
I was waiting for this video for so long! Thank you for your useful tips!
I’ve been waiting for your new video, and I actually searched “Jamie Windsor strangers” the other day to see if you’d done one. So glad you have! Thanks mate, gonna challenge myself with this one this week.
4:40 So sad that Tony Northrup didn't allow you to take some photographs :(
Juan Quispe Ha ha.
hahahaha
LOL!
hahaha
lolz
So James, this may be the neurotic lawyer talking, but it’s not a question of whether not they change their minds when you take the picture. It’s a question of whether or not they change their minds *after* you take the picture… Whether or not they want to control whatever you say you’re going to make of it. Whether or not they want creative control over the final product… Whether not they want a portion of whatever proceeds they think you’re going to make from the picture. I can tell you this from a legal perspective - dealing with the public is risky business, for all the reasons I’ve listed, and for a dozen more that I haven’t. And in today’s day and age, a lot of people don’t want to be photographed for other people’s entertainment. But I am neurotic.
And so what if they ask about that?... In the first instance you're supposed to take their picture without the intention of business, at least if you claim so. - And if they ask, afterwards, about anything business-related, you can discuss this. - You should, actually. Exactly to prevent any legal issues.
Wait, so what's the legality of taking pictures of strangers to post on instagram but later down the line say, make a book out of it? Or publish it in some magazine for monetary gain? Or even for display in an art gallery and sell prints of it?
I should mention that I live in Mauritius where people are much, much more closed off than say England and street photography or just people walking down the street with cameras isn't a common sight, but since our laws are pretty similar to England's I think whatever advice I could get in this comment thread would be very much useful down the line.
The Dead Immortal This is the very question at issue… It’s not black-and-white. If they give you permission to take a picture of them, they don’t necessarily give you permission to publish that picture. If they give you permission to publish that picture, they don’t necessarily give you permission to publish it just anywhere… Some people may not want to see their face on the cover of NRA weekly. 😝 if they give you permission to publish it, they don’t necessarily give you permission to make money off of it… This is why corporate releases are 10 pages long… Because they make you give up any and all rights to the images. They don’t want you having the ability to retroactively withdraw consent. It’s a running gag in my videos… I I tend to include the part where I ask them if they mind being in a TH-cam video. And if they hesitate in the slightest, I just don’t include them. I don’t want to get into fights with people :-)
Viva Frei
So essentially if I take a picture of a stranger and say "I'll post it on Instagram" that's the only thing I can do without getting into any legal trouble if the person changes their mind then?
So what about the people you see in all the greatest street photography books? Some of them were posed and some of them were not. Are there different laws for if you take a picture of someone without their consent and post in some online platform but later publish it in a book?
As far as I understand if you take a picture of someone in a public place they can't tell you to delete it and (this is where I'm least sure) you can post/publish it wherever you want.
I could feel the tension before this challenge, however the tension is gone and you have a genuine smile on your face and your eyes by the end of the day!
Very lovely video :)
James, I love your messages. Your editing is spot on too. Please keep up the good work, and helping the world. Thank you.
I've been doing street photography for 18 months now, i've only ever had 1 no.... i think i'm lucky really
female confirmed.
How?
Come to Germany if you want more nos.
oh god. These transitions…
Cracking away at the walls of fear is always so liberating. Thanks for your honest share!
you are so right about the fear barrier! if you get over it, life is not as it was! it gets much more interesting and not only in photography! great video guys and great tips!
Please ALWAYS ask permission to take someone’s photo! There are some people walking down the street that NEED to remain anonymous due to issues like escaping Domestic Violence… sounds dramatic to some perhaps but publishing a shot of someone anywhere without permission can potentially put that person (& their kids) into a life threatening situation. Their rejection would have nothing to do with you - so don’t be offended, just aware & respectful. ✌️
Could you comment on your experience approaching strangers on your own, without a camera crew?
Good point. - It really changes the dynamic for both parties involved. The photographer might be more confident being recorded by a friend, and the stranger might think "Oh, they're just doing a project or something.".
Camera crew? I don't have a camera crew. It's just me (and Pablo in this case). I've done this with and without having someone there filming it but how can I film the process if I don't have anyone filming it?
Jamie Windsor What I mean is, I suspect one’s experience is different when it’s just you, alone, doing this. When I’ve done it in the context of a workshop or class or whatever, it seems to give me permission to approach people. When it’s just me, I feel like I don’t have that permission.
Ernie Barreto I get it. The only difference is the confidence in your head though. The process doesn’t change.
For me, as an amateur with less than one year of practice - this was one of the most important tutorial I've watched. Thank you guys for opening my mind! I need to change my attitude and more often approach strangers, of course with a positive energy.
Adore how humble and approachable you are. You gained a sub!
Shame you can't get the pictures back to the people, they'd probably be thrilled
If they want it they can ask, I'll have business cards on hand for that so they can get in touch. But no point handing them out to everyone.
You can give them an instagram or web address and tell them the pic will be on there ... easy to print out a bunch with some labels and give them to each person ... :-) Business cards are a possible
First. Now I watch.
Every no is one step closer to a yes! Delighted I found your channel Jamie. Excellent content 👍 many thanks 😉
A smile and direct eye contact will get you amazingly far in this world. What helps is stuff like good hygiene, grooming, and dressing your best. With photography it can help to present yourself either casually professional in terms of neatness and cleanliness of appearance, but sometimes you'll gain more ground by looking a bit "artsy" which helps build credibility for presenting yourself as a street photographer. Pablo hits a nice blend of avoiding collars (you don't want to look TOO professional), but still appropriate for a workplace casual look. You may have to adjust your look depending on who you're trying to photograph, but in general studies have shown people are more willing to work with you if you look a bit wealthy (really interesting studies out there involving a dime left in a phone booth, look it up).
It's a lot better to take photos of people on their natural environment as they walk around or doing their thing. You just have to be real quick and then leave without seem like you did something bad. Most people don't mind to take photos of them and if they do they will let you know about it and then that's all. Anyway streets are public and open to anyone which means that you should expect a lot of things, for example personally I don't like to see drunk people walking around but I can't force them not to wall around, because streets are public. Same with photographers, they are there doing their thing even though some people may like it or not. No one can say to you anything so don't be afraid to shoot anyone you like. There is no law saying don't take photos of people, as long as you are on public places you are safe.
Here’s a tip from my photo teacher- take the photos first and ask permission after.
This way you get natural appearances/less awkward expressions. You can delete them if they say no or you can take close ups/posed photos if they say yes.
Love the intro title sequence! awesome job - made me grin like the Joker.
I love your videos! You talk about all the stuff I have to learn in photography and you make it so easy to take steps into deeper knowledge. Thank you so much!