How to get closer to ur subjects

[artofshuenalogy]

Hey pros out there. I would like to ask how can I get closer to subjects for my shots. Esp those people I do not know. How do I approach them to get a good shot of them. Esp those shots which reveal true emotions (and can't be done through sniping them from afar). Advices very much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[kcuf2]

pretty difficult... especially if u are shooting singaporeans.. if u ask to shoot them they will (a) reject u & think u are crazy (b) give u weird look and dunno accept or reject (c) accept - mostly only old uncles and aunties.

even after u explain to them wat u are trying to do, they will still be suspicious of u and give u the eeek face.

so, solution still try to use a longer lens and snap... most of the photos in here that reveal emotions are shot without asking the person. shoot 1st, talk later :bsmilie:

 

[artofshuenalogy]

pretty difficult... especially if u are shooting singaporeans.. if u ask to shoot them they will (a) reject u & think u are crazy (b) give u weird look and dunno accept or reject (c) accept - mostly only old uncles and aunties.

even after u explain to them wat u are trying to do, they will still be suspicious of u and give u the eeek face.

so, solution still try to use a longer lens and snap... most of the photos in here that reveal emotions are shot without asking the person. shoot 1st, talk later :bsmilie:

Lol! Foreigners are more friendly. XD. But when the person start to look at you, you will feel very weird suddenly. :embrass:

 

[ExplorerZ]

just

 

[artofshuenalogy]

just

Ok...

 

[jmmtn4aj]

Just take it. Up close if you want. If they notice, state your intentions and offer them prints or a copy of the image in digital form (ask for their email or address, the latter if they want a print). If they don't like you taking pictures of them, delete the image.

 

[Kit]

Get yourself a Leica M8, they won't even know you were there.

 

[artofshuenalogy]

Lol...ok thanks for all the ideas so far...ups to this thread

 

[cantaresg]

Use a super wide angle. Point your camera at somewhere else so that they won't know that you are shooting them actually.

 

[xunjas]

pretty difficult... especially if u are shooting singaporeans.. if u ask to shoot them they will (a) reject u & think u are crazy (b) give u weird look and dunno accept or reject (c) accept - mostly only old uncles and aunties.

even after u explain to them wat u are trying to do, they will still be suspicious of u and give u the eeek face.

so, solution still try to use a longer lens and snap... most of the photos in here that reveal emotions are shot without asking the person. shoot 1st, talk later :bsmilie:

very true for SG.. hehe..

 

[xunjas]

Lol! Foreigners are more friendly. XD. But when the person start to look at you, you will feel very weird suddenly. :embrass:

agree that ang mos are more hospitable compared to SGrians.. hehe.

 

[artofshuenalogy]

Thanks for all the advices so far...tho not really useful :sweat: No offence!

 

[buddy]

In the modern world, not so easy. Some photojournalists have suggested paying (thru gifts, or even money) in some cases to take a strangers photo. However, I usually just ask to take the person's pic and if they say no, never mind lor.

 

[artofshuenalogy]

In the modern world, not so easy. Some photojournalists have suggested paying (thru gifts, or even money) in some cases to take a strangers photo. However, I usually just ask to take the person's pic and if they say no, never mind lor.

Ic...thanks...any good way to approach. Like how to come up with a gd reason to take thier photo? :bsmilie:

 

[buddy]

No need to have any reason. For remembrance if you want to give a reason. Easier if you go to a place where the pp dont speak English e.g. in places like Bali or France, all I did was smile and point to my camera to indicate that I wanted to take a picture - use gestures. Sometimes it works sometimes not.

Its easier to take pics of pp I meet in the service line - like the gnarly captain of a ferry or the chef of a pastry shop, those would be easy as you are technically a customer. When I mentioned some pp use gifts, those would be useful if you wanted to take pics of street pp or performers - u literally donate money and then ask for a pic.

 

[artofshuenalogy]

No need to have any reason. For remembrance if you want to give a reason. Easier if you go to a place where the pp dont speak English e.g. in places like Bali or France, all I did was smile and point to my camera to indicate that I wanted to take a picture - use gestures. Sometimes it works sometimes not.

Its easier to take pics of pp I meet in the service line - like the gnarly captain of a ferry or the chef of a pastry shop, those would be easy as you are technically a customer. When I mentioned some pp use gifts, those would be useful if you wanted to take pics of street pp or performers - u literally donate money and then ask for a pic.

The gifts one is true. :thumbsup: I think I will try the above suggestions thx!

 

[Goldenstars08]

For me I will shoot it with a 300mm lens with my 1.6x crop camera I got 480mm from far.
Just walk away when I got what I want. Hope this helps...

 

[psychobiologist]

dont get closer~.. when i snap my friends i snipe them.. and the emotions of the pictures are.. natural.

asking people to pose for you.. the emotions are a little unnatural.

 

[surge]

smile..take a photo then show them...tell them they look good...and can look better! they ask they to retake...ask them to take w their frens first if any...then laugh w them when then see their photo( most ppl w just smile and 90% wil say they not pretty/handsome)...thetake a few more and tel them which you like best or ask them which they like best.....if you want a more connected photo i think talking to them very important...just my 2ct worth

 

[boombox]

I think all of the above works, and with a "loud" camera that basically makes a huge slamming sound like the Sony alpha, I have to get further than usual. I think It's time for me to get a 300mm and snipe.

Oh well, with such a short lens, I have no choice. But to... Either walk up to them... or, shoot at them indirectly, and that would come with practice.

If you want to shoot at people, get close, and infect them with your smile - and they'd smile for you.