are you embaressed?

shell

shell

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michelle
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i am quite shy so when i got into taken pics i tried to stay in doors but when i did go outdoors i was shy and embaressed i dont know why i think its because i am self concous about myself being over weight do you ever feel embaressed? :shake:
 
I used to but now I dont. It is all about confidence most people will not really give a second thought to you taking photo's, even though in your mind you think that everyone is looking at you (this is the way I used to feel.) I have just looked at your flickr and I see nothing for you to be embarrased about, your photos are great. just get out there and enjoy your hobby. Also keep an eye on the meeting places forum and go to some meets, I did my first one earlier this year and had a great day.
 
First of all have a hug xxx the good thing about photography is it doesn't matter what size you, you are probably aren't as big as you think you are;) and most men like curves:clap:

I started photography last year, and felt a right numpty fiddling with my camera outside, felt like everyone was watching what I was up to. Especially when I am at some weird angle ,or lying down trying to get the shot I want:D

TBH it doesn't bother me anymore, I just concentrate on the shot, I still have a fear of street photography, dying to try it, but bottle out.:shrug: Also, if I catch someone really staring, I just give them a smile, and usually they smile back, and even come and ask me what I am up to:)
 
I shot at a wedding on Saturday and when I got there I felt really nervous. I was stood there in a dress, high heels, hair in a nice updo and carried a huge camera... hardly subtle!

But after 15 mins or so I relaxed forgot people may have been watching, pottered about and got some wicked shots. It's all about confidence :)
 
SuziJ said:
First of all have a hug xxx the good thing about photography is it doesn't matter what size you, you are probably aren't as big as you think you are;) and most men like curves:clap:

I started photography last year, and felt a right numpty fiddling with my camera outside, felt like everyone was watching what I was up to. Especially when I am at some weird angle ,or lying down trying to get the shot I want:D

TBH it doesn't bother me anymore, I just concentrate on the shot, I still have a fear of street photography, dying to try it, but bottle out.:shrug: Also, if I catch someone really staring, I just give them a smile, and usually they smile back, and even come and ask me what I am up to:)
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:agree:

Yep totaly agree with you there, just be yourself and dont worry about other people :wave:
 
Yep def! Im also very shy.

Its more being in the same places as other togs that does me, i try and stay out the way :lol: again its a major lack in confidence in what i can do/ know and how i feel about myself. I try and just get on with it but its always in the back of my mind.
 
It comes with time. The best thing for you is to just get out there, damn the nerves. It might help to find like-minded people to go out shooting with. If you don't have any friends who fit the bill, see about finding a local group or club who go out together.
 
I too suffer from a lack of confidence - and whilst people say you can easily get over it, I agree its easier said than done.

With regard to the weight issue, photography can help.............. look up a few nature or other interesting spots surrounding Newcastle and set yourself a target of trying to visit one or two a week on a regular basis - but make sure you park the car well away and aim to walk at least a couple of miles during your visits.

If you can combine a little bit of excercise with your photography hobby, provided its done on a regular basis, the weight will reduce and you will start to feel more confident in yourself - another simple way of reducing your food intake if your weight is an issue is to use a slightly smaller dinner plate - sounds strange, but it really works. Good luck
 
I did.

You have a big camera and people look at you funny.
You eventually get over it.

You have to expect it really. If I had a big mohawk or had crutches I'd expect people to look at me, simply because it's not expected.
 
the way i look at it now is look around you and all of a sudden there will be people around with digital slrs even when i have been in remote locations that not many people know of i always seem to find another person with a camera

dont worry too much just try and relax
 
shell said:
thankq guys n girls for the nice words but i totally it is all to do with confidence and i aint got that but hopefully i will soon :thumbs:
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I completely agree with you, I have hardly any confidence and have ahem a few (reverse mans measurements) extra pounds that I lug around and because of this it can be extremely daunting.

One thing that has helped me is if you can get to a racetrack or something, you will soon see a large bunch of repribates (mainly from this forum :p ) who are there to take photos and you can really just fit in, infact in the good viewing areas anyone without a camera is out of place!! You can then let yourself forget about everything outside of the viewfinder and enjoy yourself.
As I said this really helped me to enjoy taking pics. Then maybe start to go to places where you will find photographers but not in such large groups such a a zoo and snap away, hopefully you wont feel anywhere near as self conscious. It is a really great hobby and words are easily said but you will enjoy yourself the more pics you take!!

Even though people may not know you on here, it is a big step to say what you feel so :clap: and good luck!!
 
The Matt said:
It comes with time. The best thing for you is to just get out there, damn the nerves. It might help to find like-minded people to go out shooting with. If you don't have any friends who fit the bill, see about finding a local group or club who go out together.
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I think thats cracking advice and I have had a look on your Fliker and they are in my humble opinion really good shots. Go on give it a go! Regards Jim
 
Confidence can be built with gradual exposure so get out there and get building Shell. I'm not realy sure what size has to do with taking pictures or who's business it is anyway. Take confidence in the fact that when you pick up your camera you are doing it because you want to take a great picture and not just a snapshot.

I'm sure looking at you flickr that if you post a few on here you will soon get some positives and more confidence.:)
 
shell said:
i am quite shy so when i got into taken pics i tried to stay in doors but when i did go outdoors i was shy and embaressed i dont know why i think its because i am self concous about myself being over weight do you ever feel embaressed? :shake:
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Awwww bless yer :)

my wife is a + size, she has confidence issues (hence why i have no pics of her as she wont let me) but youll see that talent has no boundrys: size, sex, etc

as you do more with your photography and get positive feedback youll realise theres nothing to be embarresed about,

(que national anthem)

you enjoy it, you know the feeling you get when you do it, screw anyone who thinks otherwise, there not you so ignore em!! get out there and do your thing!!!

ARE YOU WITH ME !!!

ok got a bit carried away there :cuckoo:

but you get what im saying, ist great being you :thumbs: and it sucks being anyone else :razz:
 
I used to be so self-conscious when I went out shooting! It took quite a while for it to start to go away, but eventually you'll get to the point when you realise that no-one around you cares even a little bit what you're doing with your camera, they're too busy wondering what they're having for lunch, what they're going to say to the in-laws when they meet them, all sorts of mundanities!

It really helps if you go somewhere where there are lots of other people with big cameras! I went to the zoo the other day, loads of people with SLRs and big lenses, and it made me feel way more comfortable!

Just go for it! :)

Chris
 
I had issues with the asthetic of being the geeky one with a camera in a given situation. Something about dodging all the fun and hiding behind a camera (I take photos for several events at FTE - including ones where people get throughly drenched with flying beer).

Plus, when everyone else is getting nicely drunk you're sipping coke and nursing camera+flash+lenses.

Then I finished processing the photos and got nothing but praise for the results. Now when I go out, people are interested and accept that I'm not being anti-social or reclusive by darting all over the place muttering about stopping up/down and kneeling in odd places.

I've even been up on a few free flights because people have asked for my services getting a few 'snaps' of them flying to take back when they graduate.

Just stick with it, and remember a little phrase that's carried me along nicely:

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't; either way you're right."

Mike
 
I used to be very self-conscious when out and about with a DSLR. I joined flickr, met up with others and went out in a group. It was a revelation being out "mob-handed" with like-minded people of all ages, types and backgrounds. It makes it so much easier especially to start with.

I appreciate Flickr remains an online-only activity for most, but you could find the same environment/opportunities by going along to a local camera club.

Alistair
 
When you are out with a camera there are only two types of people that look at you.

1) Other 'togs .... and they are looking at your camera to see what it is
2) Those who wish that they had a "proper" camera so that they could learn what you know. There's only one person who knows that you'r a beginner, that's you.

Just remember that you have a hobby and therefore you are an anorack. People disregard anoracks.
 
i think its perfectly common for us photographers to get a bit shy in public, heck it happened to me but i sort of forget about it and just get the photo's and think well its my life im gonna live it to the full and let no one depress me from taking pics. thats just me anyways, i also dont think it helps with all the paedophile and terrorist scares that lead to the public pointing fingers at us.
 
I did a couple of years ago... But the way I look at it now is... They don't know me and I don't know them so I really don't give a flying **** what anyone thinks.... :lol:
 
pretty sure everyone does when they start out, I did, now I find having a camera gives me a bit more purpose and makes me feel less awkward - sometimes, still havent had a proper go at street :D
 
Dont worry about your size. You are just as good as anyone else.

As others have said its probably good if you're shy to go to places where everyone is taking pictures like the zoo, or heritage steam train places.

Have fun and dont worry about what people think
 
I really don't like mincing around a town with my camera stuff. I always think to myself I look a massive plank if I'm in a public place with my stuff around my neck... but that's probably because I do look a plank.
 
You've got a lot of pretty damned good photos on that site of yours Shell.

The only way to overcome fear and embarassment about taking pictures in public is to do it - a lot. It's difficult, but it gets easier. I've been to some faraway countries where the local people stare at you relentlessly. You do get hardened to it, and eventually you will think nothing of it. You may imagine that people may be staring at you, but almost certainly it is because you're taking a picture. They may be curious as to what is so interesting that warrants a photo, or it may be of something that baffles them and they're wondering what on earth you're doing. Whatever, nothing they think can harm you. Just get a friend or two, or family, to go out with you for some moral support. Maybe get them a cheap disposable camera each to take their own pictures and see what they come up with.
 
I have to say that since taking up photography, I have met and spoken to some really nice people, not togs either. They generally start off with interest in what you are taking pic of, then just get chatting. I do still feel self conscious at times, but the general kindness of people have helped me to overcome most of that - Keep at it Shell :thumbs:
 
I feel a bit daft sometimes when I'm out in public taking photos. At times I find that I kind of rush a shot because I'm not confident spending ages standing around with the camera (although one of my favourite shots ever was taking with my point and shoot, while I walked along pushing the pram - I didn't even look at what I was shooting but luckily it turned out perfectly!)

Someone recommended finding someone likeminded to go out taking photos with - I have a friend locally who's also a beginner and when we go out with our cameras I do feel much more confident so I definitely second that idea.
 
Having a camera makes you invisible - it's a well-known fact...just concentrate on the image-taking and you'll soon get over any self-conciousness...
 
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