Why should I feel so paranoid?

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erictearle

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Eric Tearle
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I decided last night to get some photos when I got home from work. I thought it being warm and sunny at 6pm was the perfect opportunity to get some good shots around my area. I don't live in the nicest of area's either, which usually makes for some good photos (if you're into that sort of thing)

So I'm walking through the estates capturing some images and I come across a house with a HUGE England flag, a flag that covered the entire front of the house and I thought this would make a great shot. But I noticed a lot of kids behind me when I stopped, mostly around 7/8 year olds. I heard a kid behind me innocently saying "that mans got a camera" which must have made me think twice about the shot, to which I bottled it! I felt so paranoid about taking the shot knowing there are kids around and having a camera around my neck! Why did I feel so paranoid? I wasn't doing anything wrong. I walked off feeling like a idiot that I gave in to societies paranoia.

I'm 27 years old, and very young looking. I was hoping something like that wouldn't go against me but ever since last night I've felt so weird about the whole situation.:thinking:
 
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It's a case of not caring what other people thinks. Unfortunately having a big camera makes people think you are a p*** or terrorist. The only way to fight this social perception is not to act suspiciously and do as you are in the right, which you were.
 
Yeah I usually am not bothered what other people think when I'm taking shots but last night just felt different. It must have been that kid that said something. I must of had something in my mind saying "what if he goes and tells his parents a guy is out side with a camera talking photo's". For them to then confront me with the wrong impression.
 
I'd be more paranoid about been mugged than labeled as something I'm not .
 
Amazing how many folk on here have this dirty image of photography
I would say (just a guess) that more pervs have puppies or sweets to attract young victims, in theory anyway. Do you think there's as high a percentage of paranoid dog walkers as there seems to be on here?
If I felt as scared, wary, nervous, whatever as some shooters on here, I think the cameras would be sold
Embrace and enthuse photography, what chance has the casual shooter got if as soon as you take your camera out you start sweating and looking nervous?
If, and for me, it's a big if, you get questioned or hassled, be up front and open about what you're shooting and why, even carry a card with links to fb or flickr, but pleeeeeeease stop being so paranoid
You're all begining to make me nervous
 
Where did the p*** / camera combination come from in the first place? I would gladly strangle the sod that kicked it all off!!!

The other problem you have these days is if there's an innocent kid just interested in the camera and he comes over to ask about it, people seeing this will always assume you're up to no good even though years ago, you felt obliged to have a little chat, no wonder kids know sod all these days as they're not allowed near anyone and vice versa!

The same goes if I'm trying out a new glider in a park, a child may come over and say wow while the parents get all cagey because I'm a young bloke in a park by myself with a glider. It's just something we have to deal with unfortunately, but as suggested, make up some cards with a public FB link so the parents can actually look at what you do etc. Remember that you're in your rights, if someone decides to call the police then what do you have to worry about, you've not committed a crime :)
 
i've always been , gone and done what i've wanted since i was young regardless of what anyone thought so long as i felt i was'nt doing anything wrong - i've only recently settled down and now i'm 49 . but as suggested make up some cards , and be safe..
 
I'd have knocked on the door as said, "Sorry to bother you, but would you mind if I took a photo of your house? It looks brilliant! I'm making some documentary images of the local area, and I know that people get suspicious about people with cameras these days, so I thought Id ask first. I'll let you have a copy of the image when I get them processed".


Problem solved probably. You've disarmed any objections right away.
 
Pookeyhead said:
I'd have knocked on the door as said, "Sorry to bother you, but would you mind if I took a photo of your house? It looks brilliant! I'm making some documentary images of the local area, and I know that people get suspicious about people with cameras these days, so I thought Id ask first. I'll let you have a copy of the image when I get them processed".


Problem solved probably. You've disarmed any objections right away.
Click to expand...

:agree:

Just started trying my hand at street portraits only done a few so far. But for me, what works best is to just ask! Some people say yes mostly, (I think they are quite flattered) and some say no. But I've learnt that if I dont at least try then the feeling that I get for not trying is worse than any rejection.
 
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