Confidence really knocked...

kris3291

kris3291

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Kris
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Hi people,

I have been trying really hard every day possible to improve myself and the pictures I take and the people on this site are generally brilliant.

I have been setting myself little challenges and trying different types of photography at every possible opportunity.

An example of this was last week when I decided to head down the sea front local to me and attempt some sports photography involving the amateur watersports and also to try at the teenager infested skate park.

On arriving at the skate park and throughout the 'shoot' I was treated well and beyond some curiousity, everyone was great and I was happy with the results.

After aquiring three new lenses I decided to head back and try for some new angles yesterday.

As I arrived I was met with a lot of verbal abuse, threats and generally angry behaviour. I hesitated and as I fumbled with my bag, considering my options, the dreaded 'P' word was shouted and after a few people said if I didn't leave the police would be called, for some reason I panicked and left.

I know I've done nothing wrong, but now feel like a bad person for holding a camera in public.

The ridiculous thing is I'm a 24 year old ex ice hockey player who has had a fair few run ins in the last decade. And I'm a mature adult but somehow holding a camera destroyed my nerves at the moment I would normally be fine.

Just thought I'd share, I guess in the hope that some have had something similar and have pushed through...

Kris :wave:
 
Go to the skate park on the same day as last time and bond some more with the friendly lot.
All you need are a couple of comments from them and the "p*** shouters" will have to shut up.
Also, take some prints. Problem solved once they actually see your action photos!
 
I'd go back down there and try to make friends with a couple of the nicer people. Explain to them what you're doing and why you're doing it. Ask these friendlier people if they'd let you photograph them and perhaps offer them copies of a couple of the better shots if they're interested.
 
If it was adults doing the name calling they must be the kind of morons who think that paediatricians should be kept away from schools.

If it was kids I wouldn't get overly stressed. They don't understand the gravity of the phrase. Write that bunch off as a load of little gits.

Have you considered getting some moo cards made up email address, name, flikr URL? If any one expresses an interest give them a card?
 
I encountered the similar sort of stupidity a couple of years ago whilst photographing my son playing rugby, all the other parents were happily taking photo's of the kids during the game but as soon as i was spotted with a dslr, that was it, i was the devil incarnate, a couple of parents came across and were very nasty to say the least. I felt like a criminal even though i was not doing anything wrong apart from taking shots of my son. I sat in the car close to tears. I approached the powers that be, where my son plays and was sent on a course were you are CRB checked and become a member of the clubs staff. I now have a shiney card on a lanyard that makes the wally's with bad attitudes shrink and go really red faced when they march up being nasty, i also raise money now for my sons team through my shots of the kids playing and i am also trusted to photograph the older age groups. Its sad that we live in a world were people assume bad things about you but thankfully they are in the minority.
 
It was little gits, though some were not so little. It wasn't a case of feeling intimidated, just this overwealming feeling I was a terrible person or had done something absolutely disgusting.

Thanks for the replies, I know it's probably seeming like an over-reaction, but I have had a lot of experience with trouble makers and people who want to make a fuss, but this is the first time I doubted my own innocence or felt I was in the wrong and I can't explain why...

Thanks again guys. :)
 
its ridiculous, I was making (trying) to make a skate video with one of my friends and there was a bunch of young ish kids on scooters shouting p*** at us even though it was obvious they weren't in it at all and even went to the extent of throwing stones at us :(

the thing is what possibly could you do with a photo of some random person for it even to be considered p*** ish, fair enough if your hanging out of a tree outside someones house but not in broad daylight at a skatepark though :shrug:
 
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It's the result of the noose-waiving society we live in. Where people make their mind up and sentence any poor ******* unlucky enough to come in to their sights.

The ironic thing is that it's this stupid ignorant accusative attitude that results in people getting away with such crimes. Because so many people get accused, the polices hands are tied with all the false accusations.
 
Some people like having their photo taken, some don't. The trick is finding out before things start getting tense.

Roll with it, and accept that as a responsible photographer you have to allow for others not wanting to be your subject.
 
Alastair said:
Some people like having their photo taken, some don't. The trick is finding out before things start getting tense.

Roll with it, and accept that as a responsible photographer you have to allow for others not wanting to be your subject.
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True but this happened before I had even started and the verbal abuse and threats aren't warranted just because I'm holding a camera.

I am as respectful as possible, in photography as with anything, but it's not nice being lumped in with Fred west just for having a hobby.
 
You go and photograph kids at a skatepark and don't expect to be called a P****?

Not sure if you have children and have any awareness of how a lot of them interact these days but I would be surprised if they didn't shout that. Not commenting on whether I think it is right or wrong, parenting, schooling etc, etc, but commenting on how it is. Skateparks don't usually attract the best behaved section of society.

You need to just laugh about it and move on.
 
Personally I would go nuts if someone turned up and started taking photos of my kids! However if the same person was to approach and explain what they wanted to do and ask permission I would be fine with it.

I think if you are wanting to take photos of strangers you need to get their permission first and if they agree let them see the photos you are taking all they way through the shoot and give them a link where they can see the photos (like Facebook).
 
kris3291 said:
True but this happened before I had even started and the verbal abuse and threats aren't warranted just because I'm holding a camera.

I am as respectful as possible, in photography as with anything, but it's not nice being lumped in with Fred west just for having a hobby.
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TBH, if the camera is in your hand before you've introduced yourself, said what you'd like to do and asked, "Do you mind?".. and if there are kids under 16 about then you're on thin ice with most of the population.

Everyone and his dog has a camera these days, and we all need to accept that the world is not our subject - we have no more rights than anyone else. It's difficult to know what caused the reaction you had, but more than likely it's been a response to the attitude of the photographer before you. As photographers we are often our own worst enemy.
 
Well it's definitely lesson learned in terms of people's attitudes, both when out and about and on here when asking for advice. Not having kids has obviously lessened my understanding and now I know better. Live and learn.

It saddens me that I cannot be an all-knowing fully experienced photographer like so many on here were after a matter of weeks. Guess I'm just a slow learner and should be spoken to thusly.
 
It has more to do with "youf" and how they act than photography. Even if you didn't have a camera and just stood and watched you would probably get a similar reaction.

Skateparks tend to be based in areas with the most problems so you are entering a bit of a lions den.

Don't take it all so personally.
 
ernesto said:
It has more to do with "youf" and how they act than photography. Even if you didn't have a camera and just stood and watched you would probably get a similar reaction.

Skateparks tend to be based in areas with the most problems so you are entering a bit of a lions den.

Don't take it all so personally.
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Feel better about it now, but stupidly let it get to me at the time. Cheers :)
 
I tend to avoid people and often when carrying my camera I bag it if I see people are about for this reason.

I've never had actual abuse, just killing looks and whispered comments but they're enough to put me off and would I'm pretty sure would lead to more if I wasn't so quick to put the camera away and remove myself from the immediate area.

One of my favourite places is a local park. There are some animal pens, ponds and lots of trees and squirrels. I avoid the pens as there are too many people and children and normally only shoot near the ponds and in the wooded areas, I take nuts and feed and photograph the squirrels. My own experience is that if my camera is visible and I'm not surrounded by family I attract attention. It's a shame but it's just the sad, paranoid, aggressive and accusational country we live in. IMVHO there are a lot of people who seem to actually seek confrontation.

BTW, ref talking to kids / adults in an effort to get on etc... My local police advise against trying to talk to them as it just makes it more likely that things will escalate. Their advice is to ignore them, walk away and inform the police if suffering abuse.
 
I don't even carry a bag and just have my camera in hand at all times and have so far not landed in any trouble or confrontation. I have even taken shots at skateparks.

Just need to be aware of the scenarios that could happen and be ready for them, avoid them if looks like a non-starter etc,. and don't get upset by them. It's only a photo
 
ernesto said:
Just need to be aware of the scenarios that could happen and be ready for them, avoid them if looks like a non-starter etc,. and don't get upset by them. It's only a photo
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I suppose it also depends on where you live.

From where I'm sat now I could take a few minutes walk and either be in a nice quiet wooded area or a housing estate more intimidating that Syria at the moment.
 
woof woof said:
I suppose it also depends on where you live.

From where I'm sat now I could take a few minutes walk and either be in a nice quiet wooded area or a housing estate more intimidating that Syria at the moment.
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Well I would have the housing estate down as a non-starter then. That is what I mean by being aware of the potential and acting accordingly...
 
Hard one,I do a lot of shooting out on the street,some day are ok some days are bad,you just got to ride out the bad days.

But don't let it get you down to much,if people seem not to want you around,just move on,and come back another day :)
 
Jellycat said:
Personally I would go nuts if someone turned up and started taking photos of my kids!
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May I ask why? What risk do you think they have been placed in? It's highly unlikely the tog is a paedophile (unless you encourage your children to cavort naked in public parks?), so why would you object so strongly? You and your childrens' photos will have been captured a dozen times by CCTV cameras on your way to the park. Your friends have probably posted dozens of pictures of them on Facebook etc.

Jellycat said:
However if the same person was to approach and explain what they wanted to do and ask permission I would be fine with it.
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This makes even less sense to me. So your objection isn't about the tog's intentions or use of the photos, but only if they ask first? Why should someone have to ask your permission to go about their lawful business?

Jellycat said:
I think if you are wanting to take photos of strangers you need to get their permission first and if they agree let them see the photos you are taking all they way through the shoot and give them a link where they can see the photos (like Facebook).
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Apart from substituting "need" with "would be best advised" I'd agree with that. Courtesy never did anyone any harm. But an explosive angry reaction to an innocent hobbyist is not socially acceptable, constructive, effective or a good example to the children (where do you think children learned to call people a "P****"? It won't have been CBeebies...).
 
Llamaman said:
Apart from substituting "need" with "would be best advised" I'd agree with that. Courtesy never did anyone any harm. But an explosive angry reaction to an innocent hobbyist is not socially acceptable, constructive, effective or a good example to the children (where do you think children learned to call people a "P****"? It won't have been CBeebies...).
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That would be impossible to answer but no amount of parenting and schooling can stop that. It is just how children are. I remember when I was a kid that people would cruelly be called a Joey. This was not from parents or any example but from Blue Peter and articles on Joey Deacon.

They are calling you a P**** because they are in a little gang and they think it is funny (the implications are probably not considered and most definitely not cared about)
 
Llamaman said:
May I ask why? What risk do you think they have been placed in? It's highly unlikely the tog is a paedophile (unless you encourage your children to cavort naked in public parks?), so why would you object so strongly? You and your childrens' photos will have been captured a dozen times by CCTV cameras on your way to the park. Your friends have probably posted dozens of pictures of them on Facebook etc.

This makes even less sense to me. So your objection isn't about the tog's intentions or use of the photos, but only if they ask first? Why should someone have to ask your permission to go about their lawful business?

Apart from substituting "need" with "would be best advised" I'd agree with that. Courtesy never did anyone any harm. But an explosive angry reaction to an innocent hobbyist is not socially acceptable, constructive, effective or a good example to the children (where do you think children learned to call people a "P****"? It won't have been CBeebies...).
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I like you. That is all. :)
 
For the avoidance of any possible misunderstanding, I wasn't having a 'go' at Jellycat in particular, but more at the knee-jerk reactions of many parents (which JellyCat was hinting at).
As a new parent myself (six month old daughter) I'm determined not to let my natural paranoia (it's only normal for parents to worry about their kids) turn me into a Daily Mail reader!
 
morons
don't knocked-back
be offended.

find some nice people who don't mind you shooting, don't rock up and take pics of people unsolicited. see if there are some local facebook skate-groups who want you tag along and shoot them for free.
take some of your prints too, they look great, that'll shut a few people up.
and take a monopod which really hurt if you whack someone on the knee with them :P
 
First off I think you acted appropriately with leaving the area before things got escalated. You possibly felt so bad about it because you couldn't really react and argue your innocence, just take solace that you left before things got too heated (it's never good to wait for anger to kick in).

Do you have a friend or family member who are into skating? It would be much easier to take some shots of them and you may then get others who want to get involved. Personally I wouldn't walk up to a randoms and ask to take a picture but I'm not really great with strangers in general!
 
kris3291 said:
Just for the sake of it, here's some photos I actually managed before...


IMG_5840 Wm by kris3291, on Flickr


IMG_5804 Wm by kris3291, on Flickr


IMG_6024 Wm by kris3291, on Flickr
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3 superb shots Kris....guess its the times we live in......personally I would love to have a try at these sort of shots but I know there'd be abuse like you've had, so no way I'd do it..but thats just me. Some teenagers, parents etc. don't realise you're doing it for art. So, sorry, but I don't know the answer.
JohnyT
 
Johnytuono said:
3 superb shots Kris....guess its the times we live in......personally I would love to have a try at these sort of shots but I know there'd be abuse like you've had, so no way I'd do it..but thats just me. Some teenagers, parents etc. don't realise you're doing it for art. So, sorry, but I don't know the answer.
JohnyT
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Thanks for the compliments. I've actually started candid photography to build myself back up. Think it's helping me alot. :)
 
I've two kids and if they were at a skate park I can't see what the harm is in someone photographing them....
 
I've had similar happen to me Kris.

Funnily enough, at a Skate Park.

I then got in touch with a magazine and asked them if I could do some shots for them. They said yes, then I went back to the skate park and told the people they were going to be in a magazine. The magazine columnist came with me.

Just don't listen to those guys. If police were to come along, just say I'm taking pictures of the Sports, then show the police your pictures you've taken.

Other than that just let it go over your head. No point getting angry etc. They just made a wrong judgement about you. If they were threatening you with violence. You should call the police. For the 'P' word, I'd have got them done for slander etc.

Keep shooting and let folks say what they like. Aslong as you aren't taking incriminating/Illegal pictures. They haven't a leg to stand on.


Thomas
 
They are kids with a childish mentality. They haven't made any judgement to be wrong about. Bloke with camera hanging around skatepark = P****
 
They naturally assume that. Understandable in my opinion.
 
I have to say this seems so ridiculous. I do not live there but I can't say that I have ever experienced here in the u.s. I did experience the private property bit once. I went down to our skate park and really did my best to blend end and no one really seemed interested. Well all I can suggest is you keep your head up high and enjoy the wonderful art of photography. Oh and carry maze. LOL...
 
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