The Kemper Museum

i'm still working on trying to get comfortable bringing my camera out in public. i don't know why but i feel intimidated. i worry too much that others will think i'm weird. and i never know if it's okay and i'm too scared to ask for permission. did you ever feel this way and if so what helped you get through it?

This shot is great fun. I had to think you shut the guard out of view of YOU and your camera. I like the tilt of the camera and the sharpness of the images. The process.................. gearing up, setting up, gathering courage.............. then taking the chance. The guest minister at church today, The Reverand Professor Peter Gomes from Harvard spoke of courage. He said that it your choice not to try something because you are afraid you might fail or look silly, but on the other hand think of what might happen if you just TRY.

la vie en rose ~
Ahhh... putting the camera up to your face and pointing it at something or someone IN PUBLIC? Ahhhhh!

I used to feel this way all the time in the past, and it still happens to me every now and then. I began to get over it when I took a full-time job that required me to spend about 60% of my time doing documentary work. In a way, I began to feel invisible when I was behind the camera.. almost like I'm hiding behind it.

On the other hand... because of the internet and some people's overwhelming fear with regard to someone, somewhere, posting their image online, it's become more complicated. If you happen to be a MAN, and point a camera at a child in public, all hell might break loose. There's a basic (and incorrect) assumption that every man with a camera in the presence of children must be a pedophile, and although I do understand where that fear comes from, it certainly makes being a photographer somewhat embarrassing and annoying at times.

Over the course of my growth as a shooter (20 years) I've found people fall into two camps. They either think it's totally cool you're a photographer, and will ask you if you're a pro, and then pick your brain about equipment choices, or they become very uncomfortable by the power I seemingly wield through the shutterbox. The latter either say nothing, or they get pissed off. For the most part, if you're annoying someone, or breaking a rule, you'll just be told to stop or hit the road... so what? Just stop, hit the road, and find something else to shoot... no skin off your teeth, right?

Basically, I've learned to just shoot and ask questions later, unless there's a sign somewhere (which is obvious) that specifically states your camera gear isn't appreciated. Keep in mind that on private property, taking pictures of people can really get you into trouble. Also keep in mind that shooting buildings from a public street is LEGAL, but the security guards inside the building may give you a big hassle and threaten you if you do it. Some photographers carry around legal documents in their bags explaining what is and isn't okay to shoot just for this reason.

Oh.. one more thing... setting up a tripod to shoot gov't buildings in DC is prohibited. Although I hear during a snow storm, it's highly unlikely anyone will want to traipse out into the cold to tell you stop. :)

That was the long answer... the short answer:
You basically just have to go out and face your fear and do it.. and it'll become easier each time... I promise!

Susan