« Nikon Digital Camera Software Is The Best Of All | Home | Photos to Canvas – All the information you need »
Candid Photography and Manners
By guest | December 16, 2009
 |
Of course if you are taking shots of the local flora then this doesn’t really apply. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad – but a person might.
Perhaps you are lurking in the back alleys of a Third World city, or maybe your own, attempting to capture a specific ambiance. You get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nonetheless, you see her noble expression and a certain grace in her pose, so you take the shot.
Afterwards you can give the images a good color balance in image editing software for your friends to admire. Obviously you derive the pleasure of your efforts – but what did the model get?
Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a striking image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it. My subject became very upset – and I could see his point: nobody wants to be recorded for posterity looking bad?
When I returned to the darkroom I threw the negative out and made a vow not to do that again. Should I have asked for his OK first? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The real point was, what was my original intention for taking that shot in the first place? Had I thought about it a little more I probably would have taken my shot from behind and spared his feelings.
Sometimes you take a candid snap and the value of the shot is that the person is unaware of your interest. These pictures can be great and the effect would be spoiled by going up and announcing your intention beforehand. However, what you can do is once you’ve got your shot, approach the subject, let them know you’d like to take a photo and do the best job you can of taking a flattering picture of the person. They may never see it, but here, as in many things – it’s the thought that counts.
Another suggestion, often appreciated in poorer countries or areas where the local people have been assaulted photographically on a daily basis by throngs of tourists, is to offer at least some polite financial exchange for the modelling services provided. This is most often well thought of and it’s good for your soul.
As another example: I once conducted a photo essay for myself on a particular school. Offering an individual print to every teacher and student was impractical for me at the time so I burned a collection of the best shots on to a CD and gave it to the principal.
On another occasion, I took some shots of a dog training class and gave the trainer some of the best prints to hand out at the next class.
Good manners are always appreciated and all of this comes under that heading. Additionally if you find you need to go back and re-shoot, you will most likely be welcomed and not run out of town.
Try it.
 |
Topics: Senior Portrait Photographers | No Comments »
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.