Be an Amateur but Act Like a Pro 2

The main problem for amateur photographers in public situations is attitude. Being armed with a camera and equipment will make you stand out from the crowd especially if you rush around taking snaps of everything! This sort of exposure can make you self-conscious and lead to stress, anxiety and the inability to think clearly.

Shots become hurried and the controls on the camera can sometime lose their meaning! There is no worse feeling in photography that admitting to your subjects that you don’t know what you are doing!

Professionals get over this problem by exposure – the very thing that often causes panic for amateurs. You need to be there, in the midst, seen and respected. Most people in public are more anxious of the photographer than the photographer is of taking photographs.

Approach each shot with enthusiasm and make it look as though you are in control. State what you want to do (and why, if necessary) and tell your subjects what you are doing at each stage. Gain their confidence and then you will gain their respect.

Be bold – don’t hang around at the back awaiting an opportunity that might just disappear. Make the opportunity happen if you can. Explain who you are (although this will often be obvious) and explain what you want.

Don’t be fearful of others. People often want to be photographed even if they, themselves, are a bit anxious. This is especially true at events or organised activities. If you are on private ground, getting permission for photography beforehand (or on the day) will give you that added spark and lessen the worry.

Take lots of photographs. This will give you more confidence and ensure that you get some decent shots. Try to relax.

In the next article I will cover the question of equipment.