This is for the Nervous Street Photographer.

[stingGraff]

I was in Chinatown in Boston on Sunday after not doing any street photography for a long time. It took a couple hours to shake of that anxiety, but at one point I got caught in the act by a gentleman looking in a restaurant window. He turned around right as a took a second shot and my stomach dropped. I kinda laughed, gave an apologetic wave, and was surprised that he laughed too and pointed to the cooked duck in the window. The fact that he didn’t seem to care, but also directed me to my next shot, really helped me shake it off.

[Thepietropp]

My tip is - don't hide your camera. When you are open about the fact that you're carrying it, people won't be surprised when you suddenly take it out of your bag or pocket. It's stressful at first but it pays off by making everyone around you more comfortable

[jakeperl]

I have photographed 10s of thousands of people in public spaces in the years I've been shooting in both professional and personal situations. In all that time, I've had maybe one person confront me and ask me not to photograph them. I find usually that nobody seems to mind at all, and in fact quite a few really enjoy being photographed, even by a stranger. As others have said, don't be sneaky or shy about it. Looking confident and like you know what you're doing (even if you have to fake it at first) goes a long way. If in the rare case someone does ask you to stop, just point your camera elsewhere. Even though no one has any legal authority to bar you from photographing them in public, there's no reason to be a jerk about it...there are plenty of other willing subjects to aim your camera at. I hope someone finds this encouraging.

[pwalshofficial]

My main struggle is worrying about somebody getting upset with me taking a photo of them. This usually leads to me not taking the photo and having anxiety about asking them if I can take a photo of them. Even though I know most people wouldn’t care, that fear holds me back a lot of the time. It’s really frustrating because some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were of people that I just saw when I had my camera and I try to remember that when I feel that pit in my stomach while taking photos.

[jonnybamberg]

If anyone asks what you're doing, just tell them you're with the city appraisal department and they're considering demolishing whatever building you are looking at. Then run. Works every time

[AlexOnStreets]

The best tip. Don't photograph people for no reason. Have that reason ready to go. The moment should have been worth the conversation. Your reason also shouldn't be "it was cool". Common people, we are better than that. Street Photography is art, history and life. We have all the reason to do it. Absolutely what I have been wanting to say myself to others for a long time too. Great work brother.

[StuartWeir]

FYI I actually watched the Square Space ad instead of skipping it because that was a very legit transition into something that’s actually relevant to the video. Great work, man!

[cinqo]

My best tip is to hold your camera like if you were shooting a VIDEO. That is: once you take your photo don't take apart your camera instantly, you just keep holding it. Another tip: Look like you are adjusting some settings on your camera not actually taking a photo.

[Kettweasl]

I felt in love with photography since I was 4 years old. It became my absolute obsession to take photos of almost everything. I wish I could make street photography, but as an autistic person, even crossing a street or the downtown is a challenge itself. Plus the Anxiety, talking to people or photograph strangers is quiet impossible for me. I hope one day I can overcome this mental bullshit.

[MwahS]

Your voice is so soothing, your content is so soothing, the music is soothing, your editing style is soothing. Everything is soothing. I feel at peace, comforted, and ready to take photos. Thanks lol

[Inrt_ia]

Watched this video, not because I want some quick solution or a how to. But because I was just comforted in knowing that there are people that feel this way which makes this all a little less daunting and gives me that bit of confidence in picking up my camera/phone in public and snapping that beautiful moment.

[charliejg]

Not being argumentative, just making an observation. Sometimes it can be harder in an area that is less crowded because you are more visible. And, people in a less populated area may not be as accustomed to seeing photographers on the street. In an urban area these days people may be more oblivious to your presence and your camera. Great video and very helpful!!

[AMTunLimited]

One of the best ways I've found if jumping into the deep end doesn't work is to find the very edge of what you're comfortable with and only taking one step out. You make progress, get comfortable, then you take one more step. Only staying one step out is a lot easier to content with

[macles]

My solution to build confidence was to start taking photos in parks. I did not feel at all weird with dozens of people with cameras around (especially on nice sunny weekends). I would progressively move towards the outskirts of the park and eventually to the urban areas around it and beyond.
I would also pick urban areas which are popular with photographers, like ones with famous landmarks etc.

[andreawarman]

I found your channel yesterday and have looked at several of your videos between yesterday and today! First of all I want to say that I love the style and editing of your photos and videos. I find it very inspiring! Second of all, I want to thank you approaching photography in a very humble and humane way.

I bought myself my first professional camera (Nikon D3100) at the age 14 (2012). I loved doing photoshoots with my friends and shooting street photography when traveling. Back at that time, it seemed like it all came so natural to me. I didn't overthink it, I just did it. I wasn't too worried about the editing part and I felt really really satisfied with the results. I did amazing projects for the following years but as time passed and I started college on a completely different subject, I stopped using my camera. I still felt passionate about photography, I just didn't make the time for it anymore.

About a year and a half ago, my husband gifted me a Nikon Z6 with a beautiful 24-70mm Nikkor lens. I bought all the props (bags, straps, lense protector, air blower, hard drive) to make the most out of it, but honestly I feel stuck. I over think it, I get anxiety, I overthink my poor editing skills, I compare myself to others and for the most part, I've ended up traveling with the camera in my bag for whole trips because it's too heavy, too big or I get anxiety of having something happen to it. On other cases, I use the camara but again get stuck on the editing part so I end up not doing anything with those photos...

I've been thinking that this might not be the right camera for me and that I should instead purchase a smaller size camera (Fujifilm X100v...) that would be easier to take on trips or to use on a daily basis as well as give me more confidence when taking it out of the bag.

Anyway, after sharing some of my story as a photograph, I wanted to ask if you have any editing related videos? And if you have any feedback regarding my camera situation 😃

Thanks again for sharing all of this wonderful videos!

[spyous]

The reason I'm scared is that whenever someone sees a person with a big camera, they assume that it must be a professional and me to take photos of them and that is what scares me. Thoughts of "oh what if I can't take good photos? Then what would they think of me" is always present in the back of my head and that is my biggest anxiety.

[bardofhighrenown]

My first time doing street photography I had a very upset guy confront me and wanted to fight because I was out taking photos. It took me a long time to get back out, but after I did I realized I just got unlucky. 99.99% of the time people are very cool about it. Be mindful of where you're shooting and be confident in your photography, if you look timid and afraid it gives off the impression that you're doing something you shouldn't be and it makes people more likely to confront you. Another tip that helped me is that I have all my camera gear insured now, if anything happens I don't have to worry about not having the money to replace my equipment that helped set me more at ease.

[frcproductions]

Feels like a wes Anderson love this style of video. Honestly sometimes when watching older videos i got bored but this style keeps me present

[vitormontenegroo]

It's all about practice and confidence. And for the ones who needs to read this: anxiety will go away (trust me). Excellent video Faizal!

[DonovanMediaCenter]

Good advice! I worry about my camera being stolen, and Al’s about someone getting angry or scared these days. Even in my own work building, I was walking through with a camera in hand and security personnel approached me having seen what they thought was a gun in my hand…nope, it’s a camera!