Felt out of place tonight....

GlasgowGunner

GlasgowGunner

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Hi all a quick question.

Went out tonight myself to a local bit of water which is at this time of year rather busy. The thing is i did'nt get one single shot fired off as i felt right out of place and did'nt want to set my tripod up and start snapping.

Am i the only one that feels like this or is it the norm, the reason i ask is if im just being daft i will need to get over it as it's a waste of time and petrol.


Thanks.
 
Sometimes I get that feeling, but you just gotta get over it. In Warsaw, you get a lot of old people looking at your camera...makes you feel strange, but you have your freedom (to a certain extent) and you have to enjoy a hobby or whats the point.
 
It happens. If you dont feel comfy enough you'll generally make a muck of it. It's all about confidence.
 
To be honest I used to be like that. I would not get the camera out in public.

The best answer is..... Get over it. Most people couldn't care less. You'll get some funny looks but so what.

Now I'm out and about whenever I can and don't really bother what everyone else thinks. I've also got talking to other photographers too which is a bit of a bonus for getting some tips or just having a good old chat.

So, get out there, enjoy yourself and ignore what other people think !!!!
 
what sort of water is it? fishermen or swimmers?

i think stepping outside and shooting is quite a nerve wracking thing, i've only managed to do it when i'm away on holiday as part of a tour group or something. i've never tried it in Glasgow due to wanting to avoid confrontation with overzelous security types.

personally go get the picture you want and leave the first few times, sure you'd feel more comfortable after breaking the ice so to speak
 
People always stare , whether it's using a laptop in public or a camera, I just think sod it and get on with it.

back in the late 80s I had a mobile phone,it was like a house brick with a trimphone(remember them) on the top, I had to have it with me all the time and I cringed when it rang in the motorway services , people used to stop what they were doing and stare at me, it sort of hardened me , I don't have the confidence to photograph strangers in the street though.

If you're photographing a landscape you might get a few people look at you but nobody will say anything, point a camera directly at them and they will
 
garymercer said:
To be honest I used to be like that. I would not get the camera out in public.

The best answer is..... Get over it. Most people couldn't care less. You'll get some funny looks but so what.

Now I'm out and about whenever I can and don't really bother what everyone else thinks. I've also got talking to other photographers too which is a bit of a bonus for getting some tips or just having a good old chat.

So, get out there, enjoy yourself and ignore what other people think !!!!
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That just it if there was maybe other photographers there i would have felt a bit more easy, Plus there was loads of kids and you read some horror stories on this subject, I have took my young daughter along with me when i no i am going to be in this kind of company but as the nights are getting better that dont work as she is of to bed.
 
chris250 said:
what sort of water is it? fishermen or swimmers?

i think stepping outside and shooting is quite a nerve wracking thing, i've only managed to do it when i'm away on holiday as part of a tour group or something. i've never tried it in Glasgow due to wanting to avoid confrontation with overzelous security types.

personally go get the picture you want and leave the first few times, sure you'd feel more comfortable after breaking the ice so to speak
Click to expand...

Neither but there was a couple of guys fishing there, its a kind of park type thing where familys come along for a few hours as there is a play park, feed the ducks, have a walk this kind of thing.
 
If people stare it's because they've got camera envy. :)
 
i normally go to the local park with my two boys and dog, hopefully the wife joins up too as it's a bit hectic trying to get the camera into action, no-one actually bothers as there are loads of people walking around taking happy snaps and the occational landscape photographer tying to make the most of the area. i'd say just go out and start snapping
 
chris250 said:
i normally go to the local park with my two boys and dog, hopefully the wife joins up too as it's a bit hectic trying to get the camera into action, no-one actually bothers as there are loads of people walking around taking happy snaps and the occational landscape photographer tying to make the most of the area. i'd say just go out and start snapping
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Thats what i was hoping for when i left, that there would be other but nobody with a camera.

I do have a mate that likes the photography but our times always clash as i have family stuff going on.

While im here is it ever to dark to fire some shots off????
 
Dom said:
If people stare it's because they've got camera envy. :)
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I got that at Chester Zoo, I had a sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 on, I lifted it up to my eye and the guy stood next to me put his D40 and sigma 70-300mm back in his bag.:lol:

It's a camera not a willy waving contest.:D
 
Feeling self concious is fine. Imagine how I feel with a huge wooden device and my head under a blanket taking a shot!

Realising why you feel self concious is the key. Just try and remember it's all in your head and 99% of people dont give a **** really. Because you're a photographer you tend to look out for and notice other people taking photographers and it piques your interest so it then becomes natural to assume other people are doing the same. They arent. And if they are, they're probaly thinking 'Whoa, cool dude! Wish I was artist like that' or some such other stuff.

Seriously.

It's either that or valium ;)
 
wack61 said:
I got that at Chester Zoo, I had a sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 on, I lifted it up to my eye and the guy stood next to me put his D40 and sigma 70-300mm back in his bag.:lol:

It's a camera not a willy waving contest.:D
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Poor guy some men are funny about there size eh.lol
 
Gandhi said:
Feeling self concious is fine. Imagine how I feel with a huge wooden device and my head under a blanket taking a shot!

Realising why you feel self concious is the key. Just try and remember it's all in your head and 99% of people dont give a **** really. Because you're a photographer you tend to look out for and notice other people taking photographers and it piques your interest so it then becomes natural to assume other people are doing the same. They arent. And if they are, they're probaly thinking 'Whoa, cool dude! Wish I was artist like that' or some such other stuff.

Seriously.

It's either that or valium ;)
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Fair point but i'll steer clear of the drugs thanks.:lol:
 
Just a thought. Noticed there will be a Glasgow TP meet on the 11. 4. 09. Thats a good start you will be with like minded friends. Check out the "Meeting forum".
 
It's like going to the gym for the first time, you become concious of people looking at you; they ain't it's just your own phsyche playing with you. Bit like having ginger hair.
 
On a more serous not compared to my last post. People always look at the unusual as a photographer you are doing something different from the normal. Don't be afraid of it.

I'm also a very fit cycling and I get young ladies staring at my ass all the time, I kind of like it now. :)
 
i dont get this anymore, infact last night me and a mate had tripods bag full of kit and taking pictures of the sheffield fountains at night and 2 ladies (rather attractive) start running through the water and came out soaking wet. Much to both of our amazement they were not more than 10 foot away and I looked at them, looked at my mate, looked at the camera and back at my mate.

At this point they walked right passed us grinning and wispering to themselves.

Point is, no one is bothered about cameras even in a situation that may be construde as dodgey. Relax, take your shot, do keep an eye on people that may seem suspect. If you do feel threatened there is no reason why you cant just walk away.
 
Not sure if this little tip will help you, GG, or even if I've understood your conerns correctly, but this works for me ;) (although it's not a good idea in areas where you're likely to get mugged :().

I've only been at this photography lark for a few months and found it very embarrasing, at first, to set up a tripod in busy areas, or wander around the local forest in camoflague clothing and a carrying big lens :D. I suppose that my biggest anxiety was that people would come up and start asking me lots of questions about what I was doing, or that I would overhear them making disparaging remarks about me :(.

Anyway, what has really helped me (and still does) is this little gadget :naughty: ...


new-ipod-nano.jpg


Yep, it may seem odd, but if you've got earphones in (which block out the external noise) and are therefore slightly "removed from" your environment around, it's actually much easier to relax and to ignore people around you. What's more, they're far less likely to start asking you questions, if they see that you're listening to music and can't hear them (I reckon).

If that fails, you could always try getting drunk before you go out (:D joking).

As has been said, the vast majority of those people will simply be thinking, "Wow! Look at that guy. He must really know what he's doing. I wish I could do something as creative as that".

BTW, If you really want to terrify yourself, try "street photography" :gag:. I had a stab at it a couple of weeks ago, but just didn't feel comfortable with it. Still, I discovered that even if you're discretley taking pictures of the people around you and they notice it - they won't generally say anything. Amazing :eek:!
 
Yeah people look and point at me when they see my camera.
I'm 18 and I've even been called a paedophile. I was taking a photography of an empty car park - clearly a paedophile :S
People are looking at you, but they're not judging you (most of the time). Sometimes people even ask what you're doing.

I was taking photos at an industrial site. I was questioned by 2 security guards, so I played ball for both the sake of their ego and so they didn't get the police involved.
They said it was fine for me to take photos of everything except their building :shrug:

Thankfully their building was ugly so I didn't :p
 
Albi said:
Just a thought. Noticed there will be a Glasgow TP meet on the 11. 4. 09. Thats a good start you will be with like minded friends. Check out the "Meeting forum".
Click to expand...

Oh right i'll check this out.
 
Naboo32 said:
Not sure if this little tip will help you, GG, or even if I've understood your conerns correctly, but this works for me ;) (although it's not a good idea in areas where you're likely to get mugged :().

I've only been at this photography lark for a few months and found it very embarrasing, at first, to set up a tripod in busy areas, or wander around the local forest in camoflague clothing and a carrying big lens :D. I suppose that my biggest anxiety was that people would come up and start asking me lots of questions about what I was doing, or that I would overhear them making disparaging remarks about me :(.

Anyway, what has really helped me (and still does) is this little gadget :naughty: ...


new-ipod-nano.jpg


Yep, it may seem odd, but if you've got earphones in (which block out the external noise) and are therefore slightly "removed from" your environment around, it's actually much easier to relax and to ignore people around you. What's more, they're far less likely to start asking you questions, if they see that you're listening to music and can't hear them (I reckon).

If that fails, you could always try getting drunk before you go out (:D joking).

As has been said, the vast majority of those people will simply be thinking, "Wow! Look at that guy. He must really know what he's doing. I wish I could do something as creative as that".

BTW, If you really want to terrify yourself, try "street photography" :gag:. I had a stab at it a couple of weeks ago, but just didn't feel comfortable with it. Still, I discovered that even if you're discretley taking pictures of the people around you and they notice it - they won't generally say anything. Amazing :eek:!
Click to expand...

Ah this might be a good idea, never thought of this.
 
im pretty new to photography and the kids issue is something that freaks me out, partly perhaps because i work in a school and am very conscious of things that may be construed as inappropriate. in other situations i was intially really self conscious but after a while i realised i can either take the pic or not, so i bit the bullet and havent looked back. got hassled by security couple of days ago for taking pics of a building and the other night by a guy who was pretty hammered and rummaging through a furniture clearout on the street (im still gutted i didnt get that one in focus before he kicked off)

in the end i think you have to try it a couple of times and after that you'll be fine, if folk arent chuffed you can always show them the pics-when most folk see you're not a weirdo (much) they might be bit impressed with you ;)
 
oh and i got stopped by a nun when i was taking pics of the reflection in her scooter's mirror, how embarrassing
 
Hi

I think quite a few people are a bit nervy the first few times out with their camera. When I go out I can guarantee I'll always get a chap coming up who asks about the camera, lens etc, etc. Some people are simply interested.

Last year a chap asked if I would like to join his camera club but I don't fancy joining a club to be honest.

Get out there again and take loads of pics. I'm just off out now.

Good luck.

Lisa
 
where abouts where you?

GlasgowGunner said:
Hi all a quick question.

Went out tonight myself to a local bit of water which is at this time of year rather busy. The thing is i did'nt get one single shot fired off as i felt right out of place and did'nt want to set my tripod up and start snapping.

Am i the only one that feels like this or is it the norm, the reason i ask is if im just being daft i will need to get over it as it's a waste of time and petrol.


Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
I used to feel like this when I first started out but the more you get out there the more you get used to it. Now I don't think twice about using the 600/4 (now THAT is a people magnet) in public places and will happily lay flat on the floor and all sorts with other people walking about...gets some funny looks but so what! :)
 
I think it's entirely natural to feel aprehensive at first, unless your super confident, but it does get easier. Quite a lot of the time people are just interested and want to talk, I enjoy it!

You should definitely try and make the Glasgow meet on Saturday. I've met a few guys from the forum and find shooting/talking with other photographers enjoyable/helpful.

Since I've been doing photography as a business, I've found myself in some situations that I never thought I'd be comfortable in. Walking into a recording studio to meet a reasonably well known artist, taking photos of musicians/celebrities, working alongside pro's with £1000's worth of gear more than me, photographing weddings, but I've found my confidence has rocketed, not only in a business sense, but in a personal sense as well.

Hope to see you on Saturday.

Dave
 
I get a bit like that as well if its a place I've not been to before.

Where abouts in Glasgow are you?

If we're close enough I would be happy to meet up some time and we can both feel strange together :lol:.

Billy
 
i might be back in glasgow in the summer, we can all feel strange together :D
 
Try doing some night photography, i'm going to Lincoln soon to do some light trails next to the road with a backdrop of shops, i might even try and get the cathedral in.
At least you will have more confidence at night because you are less visible than in the day.
 
as everyone else says .. be careful but get out there and enjoy yourself..
it does get easier. when i go out for a walk with the kids i will lie on the floor kneel down ./ whatever i want or need to get the shot i want .. when i first did this i would wait till nobody was around . now i just nod at people or say hello

be safe


have fun


md:wave:
 
A lot of the trouble in wandering around Glasgow with a big camera is people either think you're a) from the DSS, or b) The Digger :lol:
 
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