{"id":42460,"date":"2017-03-08T11:00:10","date_gmt":"2017-03-08T19:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=42460"},"modified":"2017-03-06T22:24:00","modified_gmt":"2017-03-07T06:24:00","slug":"how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-eye-contact-in-street-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/08\/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-eye-contact-in-street-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Overcome Your Fear of Eye Contact in Street Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"eric<\/p>\n

I talked to my buddy Grace, and she gave me an idea about talking about street photography<\/a> and eye contact:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. What is so scary with eye contact?<\/h2>\n

\"eric<\/p>\n

First of all, why is it so scary to make eye contact with others?<\/p>\n

Eyes are the windows to the soul<\/a>. When we make eye contact with someone, it can be perceived as a threat.<\/p>\n

We can notice eye contact from half a block away. It is what kept us from dying in the past– we give someone a wrong look from a neighboring tribe in the past, that might have meant death.<\/p>\n

2. Eyes are windows to the soul<\/h2>\n

\"eric<\/p>\n

When you look at someone and make eye contact– it is personal. It is uncomfortable. You can see the emotional state of someone through their eyes.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but when you make eye contact, there is a level of intimacy. You can make eye contact with someone, and fall in love for the first time. On the other hand, it might make you feel uncomfortable– because you are not sure whether that person is sinister, or a potential new friend.<\/p>\n

3. Overcoming the fear of eye contact<\/h2>\n

\"eric<\/p>\n

For me, learning how to shoot street photography is overcoming the fear of eye contact. I remember I used to do eye-staring contests with friends. Whoever looked away the first was the loser.<\/p>\n

I remember my friend Robin– who was really good at making eye contact with strangers, and not looking away. I have a vivid memory of us at In and Out, eating a hamburger, and he stared at someone through the window. That person made eye contact, and then immediately turned away.<\/p>\n

Know that eye contact isn’t death. Practice making eye contact with people you love, or strangers– longer than you are used to.<\/p>\n

4. Success = ability to make eye contact<\/h2>\n

\"eric<\/p>\n

I think to build the confidence to have eye contact will help much in life:<\/p>\n