Did you feel self-conscious at all when starting out?

Actually (and I'm probably veering off-topic here) - how do you feel about other photographers coming up to you when you are out-and-about? Does it annoy you? Is it nice to have somebody to talk to? Do you swap tips and tricks? Or do you tell them where to shove their 400mm lens?

Yes, the reason I'm asking is that I'm back to my weekend adventures - I was worried that I might be prattling to some of you when you'd probably prefer to stand there quietly. I became rather self-conscious after a while and tried to shut up or stand away from other photographers; especially as I'd seen a few of them over the race ignoring each other as they encountered each other. Mind you, some of the photographers who I'd not met before were very kind to me whenever we saw each other - exchange of kind words and some advice.
 
Suzanne said:
Actually (and I'm probably veering off-topic here) - how do you feel about other photographers coming up to you when you are out-and-about? Does it annoy you? Is it nice to have somebody to talk to? Do you swap tips and tricks? Or do you tell them where to shove their 400mm lens?
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I love it when other people approach me and I try to approach others. It can make for a great conversation and/or timekiller and you might learn something. Sometimes it can also work in your favor (not too long ago I got to try out a Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 during the Tour de Pologne because another tog approached me while I was walking about with the Sigma 10-20mm). Once I had that baby on another tog started chatting me up comparing his 80-200. In Turkey I met a professor who was on vacation with his D300 taking snaps of local architecture and he gave me some pointers.

I also like sharing what I learn because maybe one day someone will do the same and my shots might improve (karma I guess you could say).

I find with togs there are two extremes, either they're pretty cool and love having company, or they're asses.
 
Suzanne said:
Actually (and I'm probably veering off-topic here) - how do you feel about other photographers coming up to you when you are out-and-about? Does it annoy you? Is it nice to have somebody to talk to? Do you swap tips and tricks? Or do you tell them where to shove their 400mm lens?
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LOL. :D

It's nice to talk to other people, I mean, it can get a bit lonely seeing as most togs I think prefer to go out alone. I did have a guy come up to me at the weekend though, and he would NOT stop talking. I was shooting the sunset, and obviously the light was disappearing by the second. I just couldn't concentrate on what I was doing. :thinking: But he was a really nice guy and we talked about togging the local area and such. So it has its up and downs I guess.

Oh, and I got the photo after all. My multi-tasking skills must be better than I previously thought! :lol:
 
I wouldn't say I actively approach other photographers when I see them, but I'm always receptive to others if they approach me, although it does normally only tend to be for a chat and general discussion. If they start following me to shoot what I shoot I tend to pack the kit away and go home (or hide!).

I think a lot depends on what you use your photography for to be honest. For me, it's "me" time where I can just wander off somewhere for hours on end and amuse myself (no sniggering at the back please!) until I get bored or it gets too dark. For others, it's more of a social thing.

Each to their own I suppose, which is why I think I don't approach other photographers in case they are enjoying their own little bit of "me" time.
 
However when I stopped wearing ballet slippers and a tu-tu whilst shooting, I began to feel a bit less self-conscious.
 
I'm used to going out by myself and possibly due to my location, I rarely see anyone else about, unless I am visiting a National Trust for Scotland site (everyone wants to say hello at those places).
One the one ocation I have had company going out to photograph, It has been more enjoyable as we can bounce ideas off each other or just enjoy the scene together.
I have a couple of times had random people talk to me when out and about on my own, and end up not knowing what on earth to say.
 
I can't say I've ever really felt self-conscious about my photography.

The only time I feel a little bit awkward is when A client is stood behind me and asking to see every shot as I take it. Not much fun and puts you under a lot of pressure. Well, disruptive to my creative flow too.

As for people comeing up and talking. Yeah, I like a chat with people. Most of them are interesting, have stories to tell etc. And you never know who might meet, what tips you might pick up.

Anybody who gets annoyed with you for just being friendly deserves to be shot.
 
Generally no, but:

Does anyone else get this: "Take a photo of me!" - usually by a chav with his friend, or by a bunch of slappers [this latter bunch, I feel I may get arrested for child porn if I were to take them up on their kind offer]

Or is this just due to living in Derby?

That said, I was out the other night in Markeaton Park, and one bloke with a compact spotted me snapping, and came up and asked my advice as he was thinking of getting a DSLR - that was quite nice really - interesting bloke, and I pointed him in the direction of these forums, so maybe he's even reading this as we speak?!?
 
I think i broke the back of being self conscious today.

I walk to and from work, and carry my camera every day. Well today, there was no way i could walk past the Autumnal trees without a few shots.

I had people going in and out of Tesco looking up in the tree that i was taking the pic of and looking at me as if i was a bit odd. All i wanted to do was say to them 'LOOK WHAT YOU'RE MISSING !!!!'

I've realised now that I'm seeing something that others ignore or don't appreciate, and, actually i've taken pleasure in knowing this moment was just mine.

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=85587

S
 
Snap_Happy said:
Does anyone else get this: "Take a photo of me!" - usually by a chav with his friend, or by a bunch of slappers [this latter bunch, I feel I may get arrested for child porn if I were to take them up on their kind offer]
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I've seen that once while out with the a photography club. One of the guys got asked for a photo by some kids, then a few of them gave him their email addresses to send a copy. It's good to see there are some people left who aren't buying in to the whole 'pervert' stereotype, but still that can't have looked too good to anyone else watching...
 
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