Is there an easy way to do this? I've been turning the flash off and doing it quickly. But I realise some people are uncomfortable or embarrassed, even if their face is not in it. Reason I ask is because I've become fascinated with what people are wearing and would like to take photos of peole's outfits.
Just wondering how you'd go about this. thanks.
camelina
1
sncinspain
I'm not sure what it's called but you can buy an attachment that fits to your lens that incorporates a mirror at a 45º angle. When you take the photo of a person you seem to be pointing the camera in a completely different direction. I'm sure that someone more camera savvy than I will be able to name it.
2
mr_rush
why not just ask them?
Some people don't want their photo taken and surely its better to respect this.
3
bobtrips
1) Long lens.
2) Hide and ambush.
3) Camera with an articulated LCD so that you can shoot with the camera held away from your face, say at waist level.
4) Aim at them and if they catch you act as if you're waiting for them to move so that you can shoot something that they are blocking.
5) Shoot them, walk up to them with a big smile on your face, and share the shot on the LCD.
6) Get a friend to help. Have your friend pose close to your target and quickly grab the shot you want, then swing back to your friend before the subject can look your way.
I've used them all. When/if I use them largely depends on the local culture and how they react to having their pictures taken.
Number 5 is my favorite and works well in most parts of Asia, in my experience.
Number 6 I've used when walking in areas where interesting candids might be had. While trekking in Nepal a friend and I took turns "spotting" for each other. One person would walk ahead and look for people doing interesting things. The spotter would position themselves close to the target, turn back toward the shooter and wait. The shooter could focus and set exposure on the spotter and then quickly swing to the subjects and grab a shot without disrupting the ongoing activity.
But do be aware of the culture in which you are shooting. Muslim women in lots of Asia generally don't like to be photographed. And it seems like the Brits have their knickers severely knotted with the thought that light should not reflect from their bodies for all to see.
4
cropduster
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>Some people don't want their photo taken and surely its better to respect this. <hr></blockquote>
I totally agree. Probably because I'm a brit ;-)
5
hozomeen
<blockquote>Quote
<hr>If you shoot from the hip you can go right up to someone and they won't know you are photographing them.<hr></blockquote>
excellent tip! just have to work on being casual about it eh?
6
backontheroad
Just ask. It is easy and fun and a great way of interacting with other people while on holidays.
7
boatcrew
I agree with somsai not to take photos without permission. I dislike being photographed and videoed by tourists and expect that people elsewhere feel a similar way.
8
gareth1
There are lots of ways to do this, and a good few of them have been mentioned.
But one option that hasn't been mentioned is using an ultra wide angle lens.
I get lots of shots of people this way, they just don't realise they are in the frame.
My 16-35 works well for this.
9
speedyturtle
Gotta admit, I've stopped taking photos of people unless I have already engaged with them in some way. Bought something from them or had a chat or played with their kids. And then I get their permission first. The more I travel, the more strongly I feel about this.
It means I miss some potentially great shots but at least I don't feel like a thief anymore.
Pro tip
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