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Wednesday 31 July 2013

The People-Pictures Problem




I admit, I'm a bit "backward in coming forward" when it comes to taking pictures of strangers.  I've missed out on so many great images because I'm helplessly British and don't want to intrude.  Yes, I'm one of "those" photographers, the ones who pretend to be taking a picture of something other than the stranger they really want to capture, the ones whose lenses swivel away at the slightest flicker of eye contact.  There's a pretty high ratio of backs to fronts in my people pictures.

It's compounded by me not liking to have my own picture taken.  Nearly every single picture of me has me sporting a rictus smile and an I'd-rather-be-anywhere-else attitude.  Hence "random pictures with white people" is a bit of a nightmare for me and I must be projecting that dislike of being photographed on the people I don't capture.  Of course, I'm wrong about that, some people love being photographed.



I enjoy taking pictures of people and my workplace is full of portraits and candids I've captured, but I know the people and I'm taking the pictures in an official capacity.  I also stand at the side of the road taking pictures of people on motorbikes and bicycles.  Moving targets are fine.  See, I'm working on my problems bit by bit.



So how come, given my debilitating condition, is this post full of pictures of people happily posing for me?  Simple really, they asked me to take their pictures so I was "official".  I was traipsing about the streets of Pondy when the two girls above shyly asked me to take their picture.  They were part of a group about to board a ramshackle tourist bus and they wanted their visit documented. Since there wasn't a camera or cell phone between the lot of them I was the next best thing and so the photoshoot happened.  We attracted a crowd and literally stopped traffic.


They were a grand bunch and we all had a good time, I'm only sorry I couldn't get an address out of them to post them some of the pictures.

Now to work on asking permission...

9 comments:

Indrani said...

Nice smiling faces. Hope they have a happy future.

The Mukhtiars said...

Love the pictures

kebhari said...

the shots are all so awesome! But smile faces image are so cute....

Chuzai Living said...

Great shots! I didn't know that you don't like to be in photos. Neither do I unless people can take 10 photos of me in them and I get to pick which one to keep. Impossible.

amasc aka Anne said...

I know exactly what you mean, some of us are just programmed to be on the other side of the camera.

magiceye said...

Beautiful candid captures!

amasc aka Anne said...

THanks. They were great fun, I enjoyed my time with them and loved taking their pictures.

BombayJules said...

Stunning pictures. I on the other hand love asking people if I can take their photos but don't have your technical ability to come up with the final goods! Be braver because most people love it. Just point at your camera and then point to them indicating if it's ok. Then always remember to show them the photo afterwards. Result!

amasc aka Anne said...

I am working towards that Jules, I love your group shots.