For The Nervous Street Photographer
From an outsider’s perspective, street photography can seem like a pursuit only an extrovert will enjoy. You’re always surrounded by people, you’re taking their photos, and sooner or later, you will have to interact with them. For some people, the thought of interacting with strangers is exciting; however, for introverts like me, not so much. While I am by no means socially awkward, I’m reserved and prefer to keep myself to myself. I’m sure many of you reading this will relate, hence the reason I’m writing this blog. Here, I will share some practical and theoretical tips on how to navigate street photography as an introvert.
Fishing vs Hunting
The first thing you can do is change your approach to street photography. This doesn’t have to be a permanent change, but at least initially it will help you get out there and shoot more. There are two main ways to take photos in the street: hunting and fishing. Hunting refers to you walking around and looking for opportunities. You’re actively working to get the shot, you’re getting close to the action, and it’s clear that you’re photographing people or whatever is happening. Fishing is when you find a great scene and you simply wait for a suitable subject to walk into it.
With the hunting approach, it’s crystal clear that anyone who you point your camera at is the subject. There is no hiding, and for many people, this approach can even feel confrontational because you went out of your own way to get a photo. When it comes to the fishing approach, you were already there taking a photo of a nice scene, and someone happened to walk into it. The dynamic is more relaxed, and 80% of people wouldn’t care because they walked into your frame. The other 20% will stop and wait for you to take the shot to avoid getting in the way.
I personally prefer the fishing approach, and my own photography is split about 70:30 between fishing and hunting. If you’re nervous about shooting in the streets, try the fishing approach, and I’m 100% certain it would feel more comfortable and natural for you. Over time, as your confidence grows, you will start experimenting with the hunting technique when you’re ready.
Large Cities
This piece of advice might seem counterintuitive; however, shoot in bigger cities. If you walk around with a camera in Tokyo, New York, or Saigon, you will quickly find that no one cares. Everyone is too preoccupied with their own life that they probably wouldn’t even see you, let alone have time to think about who you are and what you’re doing. If you shoot in a smaller town, you will stick out more, and people will be more inclined to speak to you. So while larger cities might seem more intimidating initially, they are in fact much easier to shoot in because you simply blend in, and no one cares about your presence.
Sunglasses
This is a very quick and easy way to create a barrier between you and the rest of the world. When you wear sunglasses, you have more confidence because it feels like no one can see you because they can’t make eye contact. This is a purely physiological trick, but it works. Of course, there are some scenarios where this can work against you. If you wear them at night or indoors, you will definitely attract more attention. If you wear them when trying to interact with people, it can negatively impact the rapport-building phase. For some people it can also negatively impact the photography experience.
Headphones
This is another quick way to create a barrier between you and the rest of the world. I personally listen to music when shooting alone because it allows me to focus and get in the zone. For many people, the psychological barrier headphone can create is enough to give them more confidence in the street. Of course, everything has downsides. Wearing headphones can distract you because often we can spot opportunities with our ears before our eyes. Also, from a safety perspective, this can create an issue, especially if shooting somewhere chaotic and unfamiliar.
Dress To Blend In
This is a pretty obvious one, but dress in a way that will not make you stand out. Of course, this differs depending on the location you intend to shoot in. I opt for neutral colours and avoid any item of clothing that can stick out. Swapping out a large backpack for a minimal sling can also help.
Smaller Gear
This isn’t a prerequisite because you can blend in with a large medium format system and stick out like a sore thumb with a point-and-shoot. However, generally speaking, smaller gear will make you feel more confident because it won’t stick out as much. Smaller gear tends to attract less attention, and that alone can be a big enough confidence boost. Also, if you shoot in locations where you can get security guards (famous locations), smaller cameras will reduce the likelihood of someone stopping you.
Longer Lens
Using a slightly longer lens can help you initially by giving you some distance away from your subjects. I would say a 50mm will be a great starting point because it’s not so wide that you will have to be shoulder to shoulder with people, but it’s also not so tight that it would require you to stand across the street. If you feel the 50mm is too tight, a 40mm will make for a great alternative.
Use The Screen
Unless you’re manual focusing, shooting film, or using a Leica M body, then using the screen instead of the viewfinder might make you feel less visible. When you use a viewfinder, you’re signalling to everyone that you’re a photographer. You’re also cresting a pattern interruption because most people scan for faces first. The moment they don’t see a face, they become more curious (or suspicious). When you use the screen instead, you just look like a tourist.
Shoot With Others
A good way to feel more confident is to shoot with one or two friends. Most introverts avoid crowds but are happy to spend time with a couple of people they know well. This also gives you more confidence knowing that you’re not alone or being singled out by people wondering why you might be taking photos. While shooting with others is nice, don’t get into the habit of relying on other people to go out and shoot. I actually published a whole article on this here.
Be Prepared
Be ready for someone to ask you why you’re taking photos. This might be a pre-prepared statement, a business card, or a QR code linking someone to your profile. Whatever you do, make sure that if someone strikes up a conversation with you, you’re not frozen like a deer in the headlights.
Know The Law
Before you head out, make sure you know the law on photography for the country or location you’re in. Some countries give you full freedom to photograph anyone and anything in a public place. Other places are extremely strict. By knowing where you stand legally, you can have greater peace of mind when out shooting.
Know Your Why
The final point that will really help your confidence in the street is knowing your purpose. Why do you want to take photos? By having a clear understanding of your ‘why’, you will feel more confident knowing that you’re not out to harm anyone or do anything bad.
