{"id":22888,"date":"2015-03-09T10:55:26","date_gmt":"2015-03-09T17:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=22888"},"modified":"2015-03-09T11:46:39","modified_gmt":"2015-03-09T18:46:39","slug":"the-golden-rule-in-street-photography-photograph-others-how-you-would-like-to-be-photographed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2015\/03\/09\/the-golden-rule-in-street-photography-photograph-others-how-you-would-like-to-be-photographed\/","title":{"rendered":"The Golden Rule in Street Photography: Photograph Others How You Would Like to Be Photographed"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"SF,
SF, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One thing I notice when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m teaching street photography workshops is that a lot of photographers don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like having their own photograph taken.<\/p>\n

This is a huge problem.<\/p>\n

If you want to build up your confidence in shooting street photography, I think you also need to be comfortable being on the other side of the camera.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why is that?<\/p>\n

I think we mostly follow the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153golden rule\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201c we treat others how we would like to be treated.<\/p>\n

Therefore if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like having your own photograph taken, you assume that everyone else also<\/em> doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like having their photograph taken.<\/p>\n

But this is a mistake, because not everyone else thinks like us.<\/p>\n

For example, I personally love having my photograph taken. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m very comfortable being on the other side of the camera, and therefore I assume that everyone else likes having their photograph taken.<\/p>\n

Of course this isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t the reality, but this gives me more confidence when it comes to shooting street photography. Not only that, but because I assume that everyone else likes having their photograph taken, I use body language that helps people feel more calm and at ease.<\/p>\n

Photograph others how you would like to be photographed<\/h2>\n

I think as street photographers we should follow the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography golden rule\u00e2\u20ac\u009d: Photograph others how you would like to be photographed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So for example, if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like having your photograph taken without permission, perhaps you should only photograph others by asking permission.<\/p>\n

If you are self-conscious when it comes to being photographed because you are uncomfortable with how you look or your body image, perhaps you can use that to empathize with your subjects.<\/p>\n

After taking a photograph of a stranger on the streets, perhaps show them the photo on the back of your LCD screen and ask them what they think about the image. If they say they like the image, offer to email them the photograph. If they say they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like the photograph, perhaps offer to delete the photograph and ask them how they would like to be photographed. Or what about the image they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like. Then continue to keep shooting with them until you make a photograph they like.<\/p>\n

How does it feel to be on the other side?<\/h2>\n

If you see someone interesting on the streets and you want to build a quick rapport with them, you can ask them to take a portrait of you with your camera. Then after they take a photograph of you, you can ask to take a photograph of their photograph as well.<\/p>\n

I think this is a great strategy\u00e2\u20ac\u201d as it makes the photography-making process a two-way street. It is a collaboration, rather than you just grabbing their photograph and running off. (As a side note, don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t give your camera to people who give you a bad vibe\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want them to also literally run off with your camera).<\/p>\n

If you still find yourself uncomfortable being photographed, perhaps you can book a 1:1 portrait session with a professional portrait photographer. See how they are able to make you comfortable being on the other side of the camera. Then you can use those tips and tricks to better make your subjects feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Personally when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m photographing people on the streets, I like to simply ask them how their day is going. When they start talking, they totally forget about the camera and become a lot less stiff and self-conscious.<\/p>\n

Another strategy is that I compliment my subjects. Generally when I approach someone who I find interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I tell him or her specifically what draws me to him or her. I will compliment them on their pearl earrings, their blue hair, or their cool tattoos. There is a reason why you singled out a certain person to photograph\u00e2\u20ac\u201d so perhaps tell them what exactly about them you find interesting. Once you compliment your subjects, they are much more open to being photographed. However my suggestion isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t to give fake compliments\u00e2\u20ac\u201d give them honest-to-god compliments.<\/p>\n

Even if your subject might be overweight or asymmetrical in the face, you can tell them if they have a great smile, or a warm presence. There is always something positive you can tell your subject.<\/p>\n

More articles on shooting street portraits<\/h2>\n

If you are interested in learning more about street portraiture, I recommend these articles:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. How to Direct Your Subjects When Shooting Street Portraits<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. How to Shoot Street Portraits With Permission by Danny Santos<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. 3 Tips To Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Street Portraits<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Articles on how to overcome your fear of shooting street photography<\/h2>\n

    Below are some of my tips on how you can overcome your fear of shooting street photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201c and how to be more discrete.<\/p>\n

    Check out my Free Ebook:<\/strong> \u00e2\u20ac\u015331 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153<\/em><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. How to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography with \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Rejection Exposure Therapy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. How to Harness Your Fear to Become a More Confident Street Photographer<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. How to Avoid Paralysis by Analysis in Street Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. How to Become a Fearless Street Photographer<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. How to Become an Invisible Street Photographer<\/a><\/li>\n
    6. 5 Tips How To Overcome Your Fear of Shooting in Public<\/a><\/li>\n
    7. 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Be Sneaky When Shooting Street Photography<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Upcoming street photography workshops in 2015<\/h2>\n

      If you want to become re-inspired in your street photography in 2015, sign up for one of my upcoming street photography workshops! You will learn how to conquer your fears in street photography, how to find your own voice, and join a community of other passionate street photographers– see my full schedule below:<\/p>\n

      January 2-4th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Downtown LA<\/strong> – Introduction to Street Photography Workshop<\/a> -\u00c2\u00a0CLOSED!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      January\u00c2\u00a09-11th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Portland<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Intermediate\/Advanced Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0-\u00c2\u00a0CLOSED!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      February\u00c2\u00a025th-March 1st<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      San Francisco<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Week-long Intensive\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0– SOLD OUT!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      March 27-29th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Chicago<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Intermediate\/Advanced Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0-\u00c2\u00a0OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      April\u00c2\u00a03-5th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Toronto<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Intermediate\/Advanced Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0-\u00c2\u00a0OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      April 10-12th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      New York City<\/strong> – Introduction to\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0– OPEN!<\/strong><\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      June 5-7th<\/em><\/span>\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n

      Seattle<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Introduction to Street Photography Workshop<\/a> -\u00c2\u00a0OPEN!<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      June 12-14th\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Vancouver, BC<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Introduction to Street Photography Workshop\u00c2\u00a0<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0– OPEN!<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      June 24-28th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Paris<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Week-Long Travel Street Photography Workshop<\/a> – OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      July 8-12th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Morocco<\/strong> – Week-Long Travel Street Photography Workshop<\/a> – OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      July\u00c2\u00a015-19th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Prague<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Week-Long Travel Street Photography Workshop<\/a> -\u00c2\u00a0OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      July 31st-August 2nd<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Vienna<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Introduction to\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0-\u00c2\u00a0OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      August 7-9th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Berlin<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0–Introduction to\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop<\/a> – OPEN!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

      August\u00c2\u00a014-16th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      London<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Introduction to\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop\u00c2\u00a0– Register Intent<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0– NEW!<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

      August 19-23rd<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Istanbul<\/strong> – Week-Long Travel Street Photography Workshop – Register Intent<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

      August 28-30th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      Stockholm<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0– Introduction to\u00c2\u00a0Street Photography Workshop – Register Intent<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0– NEW!<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

      October 14-18th<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

      New Orleans<\/strong> – Week-Long Travel Street Photography Workshop – Register Intent<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      So are you comfortable being photographed? How does it feel like being on the other side of the camera? How are some ways you make your subjects feel more comfortable when photographing them on the streets? Share your tips, tricks, comments, and thoughts in the comments below!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      One thing I notice when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m teaching street photography workshops is that a lot of photographers don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like having their own photograph taken. This is a huge problem. If you want to build up your confidence in shooting street photography, I think you also need to be comfortable being on the other side of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22889,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[68,63,83],"class_list":["post-22888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts","tag-fear","tag-portrait","tag-tips-2"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/R0130787.jpg?fit=800%2C530&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22888\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}