Being a stealth photographer…

“Do you see possible awesome photograph options while you’re out and about but don’t have the nerve to shoot them? Do you ever wish that you had more camera courage whilst out in public? Recently one reader asked how I shoot the things I do without getting funny looks. She wanted to know what my “secret to avoiding the silly is”.

Often times I have missed great photo opportunities because I’ve worried about what people may think. Nobody wants to be the crazy lady crawling through the bushes or laying in the middle of the street legs and arms a-flailing with a camera pointed in the air. The secret is…there isn’t one unfortunately.

However, I pose to you this…how badly do you want the shot? There are plenty of times that I have wanted to shoot something and been too nervous or worried that people might think I am a weirdo. It’s moments like those that I ask myself this very question: How badly do you want it? If I want it badly enough, I will size up the situation, shoot as quickly as I can and then get the hell out of there.

Of course, there is a time and place for photography. As I’ve mentioned before, I used to shoot a lot of bands. One time I had a really hard time shooting and simply had to put the camera away. It was a Joanna Newsom gig. It was in the famous Spiegel Tent and with nothing but a little lady strumming a harp, it was dead silent. Having my shutter button clicking away during the performance would have been downright rude, so I put the camera away. Obviously, some things are not appropriate to shoot and I make a judgement call.

The photographs that posed this initial reader question were taken in a store. Now quite often some stores have rules about taking photographs so you need to be careful. I will admit that when I took some pictures inside The Regional Assembly of Text, I was nervous about it. I wanted to ask permission but it was super busy, so I just took a few shots as I walked around the store. Thankfully, one of the owners actually emailed me telling me that she loved the post. There is always the chance that you won’t be that lucky.

I take quite a lot of photographs in cafes and people may think I’m a bit of a weirdo but I’d rather walk home with some lovely pictures of my day than regretting not shooting that moment. I guess it comes down to not being worried what people will think and being courteous. I am always mindful of my surroundings and if I think that my shooting might disturb others then I will give it a miss. You can always ask permission first too.

I’ve had some funny looks from people, I’ve had comments and even quite a few people asking me to take their photo. It goes with the territory. If you really want the shot, compose it in your head, stand tall, be quick and courteous and be brave! You never know what you might come home with.”

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