Hey friends!
In this post, I’m going to pair some images from a trip to Italy in September with various discussion topics about photographing strangers, both from my own experience, and with some sources from other photographers’ whose viewpoints helped me develop my understanding of the topic.
Overcoming the Anxieties
There is not a soul out there who doesn’t care at least a little bit about how they’re perceived when they’re out on the street taking pictures, especially of strangers — even more so if it’s unprompted and you haven’t asked their permission. After literally two decades of worrying about it, only in the past couple of years have I found any kind of success with overcoming the fear. The question that has helped me the most is:
Do I care if they have any reaction?
It has to be a quick thought, split-second, before you have a chance to scare yourself out of capturing the moment. The more you ask it of yourself, the quicker you’ll get at answering.
The core reason why it’s been so helpful is because it does not ask what I think might happen. There is no imagination to it - ‘do I care’; yes or no. It doesn’t try to determine if the reaction will be positive or negative — it just prepares me for my own mindset regardless of the outcome. There are some times where I care very much, to be honest - and in those moments, I’m glad I checked in with myself before getting into a situation that I’m not prepared for.
Set Rules For Yourself
A diet gets a lot easier when you don’t buy those cookies you always eye up and down in the grocery aisle. In the same way, being out on the street gets a lot easier when you have certain pictures you won’t take. They can be simple rules that are universal, or more complex ones that are specific to the body of work you’re trying to make.
I have a few I like to stick to:
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Never take a picture that makes fun of anyone.
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There has to be a story within the frame.
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It should be consistent with the rest of my work.
It doesn’t matter too much what your rules are — develop them and experiment with your own.
Why I think this is important in the context of taking photos of strangers is allows you to project a sense of confidence with the work you’re making, and people can feel that intrinsically. If they happen to notice that you’re taking their picture, you can stand in your conviction that these are the photos you take. It has almost nothing to do with them specifically.
What Other Photographers Say
There’s no better way to feel better about being a bit weird than by learning how other people are weird. Here are some things I’ve collected over the years from sources I respect about the practice of photographing on the street:
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Bruce Gilden on knowing how the ‘streets’ work: “I wouldn’t say I’m fearless, but I walk strong, I look people in the eye — I’m confident, yes. … I wouldn’t go anywhere I’m not confident.”
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Dustin Roderick on upset people choosing to be upset: “I know I’m not doing any harm… I wasn’t trying to ruin your day… I just thought what you were doing was interesting. If they’re still mad about it, it’s not really my fault. I mean I guess, technically… I still get scared, for sure.”
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Wesley Verhove on the positive mindset of street photos: “If you approach someone with kindness and generosity chances are you will receive the same in return. Even if their answer is no, it won’t be a bad experience for you or them. Just a little blip.”
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Cartier-Bresson on why reactions can be strong : “When you study everything, it doesn’t react the same way as when it is not studied and you have to try and put your camera between the skin of a person and his shirt which is not a very easy thing.”
We’re getting into winter, and that means a whole lot of Black and White. Take care!