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How to Conquer Shyness in Street Photography
Why do we feel nervous or shy in street photography, and how can we overcome and Conquer it, so we never have any regrets in our photography or life?
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First of all, I want to give you some practical advice, as well as philosophical advice.
1. Acknowledge you’re weird.
First of all, to conquer the fear of shooting photos of strangers, give yourself permission to know that you’re a little “weird” compared to other “normal” (aka, boring) people in society and that’s okay!
I have done tons of “social breaching” experiments in my real life, just to test my own personal limits, and to make other people feel a bit weird and uncomfortable.
For example, I’ll do yoga or push-ups in public spaces, like at the waiting hall at the airport. I’ll do chinups in the bathroom (sometimes toilet stalls have hanging ledges I use). I’ll do lunges or one-legged squats in the middle of a coffee shop, or use tall stools at a coffee shop to do dips.
So the first assignment is this: try to exercise in public spaces, and do it until someone tells you to stop. And when people tell you to stop, ask them, “why”? A lot of people don’t have a good answer.
2. Try to intentionally get rejected!
The best assignment from STREET NOTES: ask many strangers for permission to photograph them, and keep asking until you get 10 people to say “no”!
The reason why this is a good activity: it’s the fastest way to conquer your fear of rejection. Once you’re no longer afraid of getting rejected in life, your potential as an entrepreneur, street photographer, and human being is unlimited!
3. Tell people you’re nervous or shy
There’s no shame in feeling nervous or shy. Even now, I still get shy and nervous at times. But when you do feel shy and nervous recognize it, and say it’s okay, and proceed to take a social risk anyways.
For example if you want to photograph a stranger with permission, you can say,
“Excuse me miss, you look great and I’d love to make a portrait of you. But sometimes I feel really nervous and awkward asking strangers for permission to take their portrait. Do you ever feel that way? Is it okay if I made a portrait of you?”
This will actually make people feel compassion for you, and they will be more open to being photographed!
Just do it.
Honestly, life is all about measured and calculated risk-taking.
And worst case scenario you’re only going to” minorly annoy” your subject. Your upside is unlimited: You have the chance to make a photograph that inspires millions of people!
Take more risks. Be bold. You got this.
JUST SHOOT IT.
ERIC