Shy Guy here, makes it difficult to shoot, any suggestions?

[reformedthinker]

Hey, I am a shy guy and I always have problem shooting pictures infront of people. I realize I should just shoot like I belong there. But can someone give me any suggestions? Its painstaking and right now we are shooting some videos and I need to take some still pictures and well I hate being infront of people to take pictures, I feel like a geek. I need a shot of confidence. Please help, advise, or just pray.

Thanks.

 

[eviltangerine]

Well, I always feel a bit geeky taking shots sometime, but it's sometimes easier when you have a friend with you who's also taking shots (that way it's not like they're waiting on you, and also you can talk and share ideas...)

I went all over seattle at night with a friend over the summer, both with cameras in tow.

Also, maybe try starting with taking photos of people when they're not looking, that way they don't know you're there (great on the street to just sit with your camera (easier when it's a digital camera) on your knee and taking shots of the people on the street or stuff like that)....I also like this style of "street photography" sometimes, it's great because nothing is posed...also adds an element of surprise (never know what you're going to get!)

So work your way up maybe...oh, and praying never hurt anyone

 

[reformedthinker]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[The_White]

I fin it easier if noone around knows me becasue I figure "who cares what some random person thinks, chances are they will never see me again or will have forgotten by the time they do"
It is just a mind frame, a way of thinking. I am often shy as well but once I get into the art of the camera I don't care what people think.

 

[Brittany108]

Totally understand your dilemma . . . wish I knew how to make it better . . . as I figure it out for myself I'll let you know any helpful hints I come across!

 

[eviltangerine]

I fin it easier if noone around knows me becasue I figure "who cares what some random person thinks, chances are they will never see me again or will have forgotten by the time they do"
It is just a mind frame, a way of thinking. I am often shy as well but once I get into the art of the camera I don't care what people think.

heh yea, I do that too, it's great to have this mindset when you're at a new place or to a place that you rarely go to.

 

[brinny]

Hey, I am a shy guy and I always have problem shooting pictures infront of people. I realize I should just shoot like I belong there. But can someone give me any suggestions? Its painstaking and right now we are shooting some videos and I need to take some still pictures and well I hate being infront of people to take pictures, I feel like a geek. I need a shot of confidence. Please help, advise, or just pray.

Thanks.

Wear some headphones and play your favorite music or music that stirs your spirit and then go for it. Anything that would distract you from your self-consciousness would be a good start. A suggestion made earlier about having a friend there (someone who really helps you loosen up) is a good idea.

Good luck!

 

[Deamiter]

Another idea is to frame your shot with nobody in it. Sit (or lean against a building etc...) out of the way so you fit in to the background and you're not obviously shooting people. Then just keep the camera to your eye and move it around regularly. When people DO notice you're taking pictures, they'll notice that you don't put the camera down, and they'll just ignore you. In a doorway or around a corner is often best as people won't see you to get out of your way when they think you're taking an important picture...

 

[traingosorry]

Imagine being a PAID- pro photographer in charge of taking photos at a wedding!! haha talk about stealing the scene! ( or trying not to for that matter!)

I hope you find a way to get over the awkwardness - I would hate to think it is hindering you.

good luck!

Heather

 

[reformedthinker]

Thanks. Well I have been shooting all week on and off at work for our tv show and its just something I know I have to do, so that helps.

 

[NerdySurfer/rick]

all i can say is take it easy. i know what you mean, but you just gota remember that you are there to do a job, so focus on that, ( no pun intended lol) , anways. just relax and, pray, that never hurts!

 

[reformedthinker]

all i can say is take it easy. i know what you mean, but you just gota remember that you are there to do a job, so focus on that, ( no pun intended lol) , anways. just relax and, pray, that never hurts!

Yep, thats been working Thanks.

Love your signature quotes!

 

[sl_pahotogal]

Hey, I am a shy guy and I always have problem shooting pictures infront of people. I realize I should just shoot like I belong there. But can someone give me any suggestions? Its painstaking and right now we are shooting some videos and I need to take some still pictures and well I hate being infront of people to take pictures, I feel like a geek. I need a shot of confidence. Please help, advise, or just pray.

Thanks.

You shouldn't care so much what the other people think. They probably aren't watching you anyway. They are just doing there own thing minding there own business. Besides, if they are watching you, they are probably thinking how cool and smart and artistic you are that you know how to use a cam era like that and ba all professional about it. Strut your stuff, man! Show them how it's done! Be proud of your talents and abilities.

 

[SnowDove]

I've actually always looked at it differently. I feel really cool when I'm taking pictures! When it comes down to it, everyone would say that they like to take pictures...so don't feel geeky!!! People probably think you look like you know what you're doing. Play with the knowledge that photography is not a geeky hobby, but one that's respected by most people.

 

[Parson]

Pretend you are just with your family. It makes it easier.

 

[allenray]

Confidence can be a hard thing to obtain, i used to be more shy than I am today. I just push myself into doing things that I am uncomfortable doing

 

[Jolly]

I was also very shy, so i know how you feel right now but, we'll never be able to achieve many things if we kept ourselves in a shell. I can tell you that. What helped me to do things with confidence is I decided to 'face my fear'. And i took it as a challenge, for example, if i thought i'd be so shy to walk up to that girl on the street to ask for directions, then i'd challenge myself to do that and see what happens. I wasnt fun in the begining but now, i am not shy anymore!! Why dont ya try it? Face your fear.

 

[onfire4Jesus]

I know exactly what ya mean. Lack of confidence causes your customers to doubt you, and send you weird glares. I know from experience. You just have to practice a lot. With experience comes confidence. Just believe in yourself. You know what you're doing, act like it! I also pray a lot, and try to keep my nerves under control.

 

[G4M5Y5]

I am shy and have problems taking pictures in front of other people too...sometimes if I really really want a certain shot...I do it...otherwise...I keep my camera put away. I wish I didn't feel that way...I've probably missed a few hundred great shots for my scrapbook.