In my experience photographing strangers around Baltimore city, I have picked up some tips and tricks along the way to help those who are either new to street photography, or too shy and introverted to get the shots they dream of capturing. These tips will help you break through that social barrier and improve your subject matter.
Tip #1: Remember who you are, and the psychology of people.
When approaching a stranger, it can be nerve racking, especially when you feel you are being privacy invasive or feel you are interrupting. The first step to overcoming this is to realize one, who you are. You are not some scummy TMZ reporter hiding out in Kanye’s driveway at 4AM trying to catch a glimpse of him getting into his Lambo as he tells you to go F yourself. You are an artist, a visual composer of moments frozen in time. Everybody from your 80-year-old neighbor to the 3-year-old with an iPad has access to a camera and video. People are a lot more comfortable around cameras these days. Our culture is a lot more self-absorbed than you think. Even the grumpy looking strangers you are too afraid to approach get excited and are comfortable being photographed.
Tip #2: “Ignore me”
Shoot first, show later.
If you see your candid shot, don’t ask, just shoot. As they notice you, continue to shoot, but talk to them. Reassure them by telling them you just captured a perfect picture of them and that you will show them after. This goes back to the ego. They will relax, you can see it in the body language. They love the idea of a professional shot for their Instagram. Instruct them to ignore you and pretend you are not there. Photography loses a magic candid aspect when the subject knows they are being photographed and poses.
Tip #3: Formal approach, show work first.
If you feel more comfortable asking for permission first, or a conversation comes naturally, pull out your phone and show them your work. Pull up a few of your favorite pictures you’ve taken and show them. They will compliment you. Tell them you would like to to that for them. Often times in life, we have to provide something in return, and provide some sort of value in a fair trade-off to get what we want.
Tip #4 Ask for socials
Going off the last tip, show them your work. Tell the subject you can take a killer portrait for them and that you will tag them. If you aren’t putting your work online, email them the picture. If the picture you are going for is more candid, get the shots YOU want, then at the end, take one good headshot for them that they can use, as a thank you. Again, provide value.
Tip #5 Coffee, coffee, and more coffee
Stay caffeinated and motivated. If you are not a naturally outgoing person or talking to new people doesn’t come comfortably to you, do whatever it is that puts you in the most relaxed and outgoing mood as possible. For me, its coffee, or pre-workout paired with my favorite music. I put my Airpods in as I walk around, stalking my prey like a lion, searching for my next shot. If you aren’t into caffeine, workout first or go for a run. Get a good endorphin rush before heading out to get shots. Listen to your favorite music and envision the shots you want to capture and when you find the perfect subject just push your comfort zone a bit.
It will all be worth it once you capture that first incredible shot of someone you normally wouldn’t approach for that close-up portrait.
