Approaching People While Doing Street Photography
“How do you approach people to take their photo? What kinds of questions do they ask? How do you respond?”
While on the street I often don’t ask to take someone’s photograph. Instead I will discreetly take it. One reason being is that I gravitate toward people going about their daily life and doing something.
However there are a handful of times where I did ask. If singular portraits on the street are something you’re interested in doing, it’s good to prepare yourself with what you can say.
My approach is based on the person and situation. I will break down a few photographs where I asked the person to take their photo.
This first photo was taken while she was adjusting her coat. At this point I didn’t ask to take her photo but we made eye contact and she didn’t seem to be upset that I had taken her picture.
Photographed with Contax G2, Expired Blacks PI Film
I knew when I took that first photo I wasn’t going to be pleased with the results. I wanted another one. So what I did, and something you can always do is…
Smile. Feel out the exchange.
Be nice. It’s simple. When I did that, she responded pleasantly. This gave me the confidence to ask for her portrait again.
Photographed with Contax G2, Expired Blacks PI Film
We had such a curious exchange. She was so unphased about having her photo taken. She had no questions. I like to think it’s because she was a model back in the day. She posed and didn’t change her expression. As if she knew what I wanted. I took the photo and she continued on her way.
This is an interaction you can encounter. An explanation of any sort may not be required.
Simply put, people will often respond in the same manner that you approach them.
This next photo is of a woman I saw standing in the bus stop. She just looked so awesome and still. But this was in the morning and I hadn’t taken any photos that day yet. I just felt too timid. So I asked her.
Photographed with Contax TVSiii, Kodak Portra 400
Roughly I said, “Um…Hello…yes, so I am a photographer and I am taking pictures on the street today. I think you look so awesome just standing there waiting for the bus. Would you mind if I took your photo?”
She agreed. And not only that, she was so into it. Before I took her photo I said, “I love exactly what you were doing. Just looking cool and statuesque.” I complimented her outfit and expounded on why she in particular caught my eye.
Offer up compliments.
People expect a photographer to notice details that others miss. So it’s not strange to them if you explain what caught your eye. If you tell them why you want to photograph them in particular it boosts their confidence and puts them at ease.
Anna (the woman in the bus stop) actually taught me something. She said,“That was fun!” That was nice to hear. I am often terrified. Terrified of getting punched in the face, getting yelled at or that I am taking up too much of someone’s time. But her one little comment made me realize, ‘Oh hey, this might actually be a fun process for other people too.’
Always, always, always offer to send them their photo.
I imagine myself in their position. What would I want to be told if someone asked to take my photo? So I make sure to ask if I could share their photo on my website or social pages. Chances are if they allowed you to take their photo they don’t mind if you share it online. And if you have one…
Give them your business card.
Guarantee a way to send them their photo. If they want it, that is. Some people might not want it or care. But at least you offered!
The main question I get asked is…
Photographed with Contax G2, Kodak Gold 400. Actually as I was walking up to him I said, “HEY!” and he looked up and that’s when I took this photo. That’s the photo I wanted. But I asked for his permission to “take” another photo just in case.
Why?
Why do you want to take their photo? This question gets asked if I’m not quick enough to offer up my introductory explanation. This short question sometimes throws me off. I’m like, “Because?…Photo….graphy….”?
Be confident when answering.
People will either get it or they won’t.
If you simply say in response that you’re a photographer and you take photos of people, they will either get it or they won’t. For the people that don’t get it, your answer had nothing to do with them saying no. Their answer was already decided.
For people who are open to listening, you can tell them you have a photography business. Or if you do it as a hobby, tell them about it. If it’s something you’re just starting, tell them about it! People will understand.
Most of the time people will say yes. And when they do, they will often open up about how they used to do photography, or have a camera, or their dad had a camera when they were younger, etc.
The concept isn’t as foreign to them as we may think.
They appreciate you wanting to take portraits.
Another way to approach someone if there is a barrier (such as a window in the example below) or a great distance between yourself and the subject is…
Photographed with Canon AE-1, Lomography Film
Point at your camera.
They get what you’re asking for. In the photo above, the man and I made eye contact. I pointed at my camera and he shrugged his shoulders and continued working. I felt invited to take his portrait while he continued working.
Don’t let distance or a barrier keep you from taking someone’s portrait. If you feel the need to ask before taking their photo, you can simply point at your camera.
Lastly, there is a detail threaded
through most of these photos
that will help you feel
comfortable when approaching someone.
That is…
How someone is dressed.
If someone is dressed in a stylish, eccentric, outlandish way - they are inviting people to notice. And if you as a photographer notice them, they will receive you warmly!
But the odd time you might have an old man try to hit you with his cane.
Photographed with La Sardina
Smile and feel out the response
Compliment them
Offer to send them their photo
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