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A great tip! Thanks!
Posted 61 months ago.
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great point... I saw this amazing shot, and because I hesitated it was gone before I could ask permission. If I would have used the 3 second rule, I would have had it! :-)
Posted 60 months ago.
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That is of course if they haven't see you for the last 5 minutes asking other people if you can take their picture
Posted 60 months ago.
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Stpiduko, you're right. I always get out of sight from the last shooting
/asking location before trying to get a new deal. For one thing, it's good for the subject to think they're special and not just a random pick.
Posted 59 months ago.
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William Forrester [deleted] says:
I think this rule is nothing but a fable.
If you have balls, you ask a person to make his picture either straight away, 3 seconds after, 1 day after or 10 years after.
Posted 58 months ago.
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If you have balls you won't way for five minutes, an hour or a day!
Btw, the rule is probably flexible...if you go back the day after, i think it can be flattering. If you stand around for 10 mins and then ask it's like you are doing something not very kosher...
Basically you have to convince yourself that it is the most normal thing on the planet of talking to strangers and taking their picture. That way the other person will take your view on it and relax.
Posted 58 months ago.
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"Basically you have to convince yourself that it is the most normal thing on the planet of talking to strangers and taking their picture. That way the other person will take your view on it and relax."
Couldn't put it better.
Posted 58 months ago.
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ugh. i suffered w/ this SO BAD today! i wish i had read this for a "pep talk" before hand! i sat in the cafe at borders for HOURS, had a ton of great subjects, and couldn't do it!!! at all. i was so disappointed in myself. i'm not sure if i'm going to be able to follow through w/ this project. this is the hardest thing i've ever done. i need to keep "3 seconds" in my head, and just do it. any other words of wisdom are welcomed as well. :)
Posted 54 months ago.
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I've got a lot of stranger pics, and I've found that the best way to get them is to just approach people with enough confidence. When you arrive you introduce yourself calmly, explain what you do, and why you are interested in this particular shot. People like attention, more often than not, they will say yes. It does help to have your information written down for them ahead of time, or even better, a business/Moo card ready to hand them.
Just my $.02
Can't wait to get started on this as a real project.
Posted 54 months ago.
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 My advice on your first shot is find somewhere where there aren't loads and loads of people. Somewhere where you know someone will be mingling about, but without an on looking crowd. That way once you pluck up the courage to ask you only have to be worried about that one person and not all the people looking on. "The cafe picture" is still one I haven't managed, somehow there is still a fear of rejection even though I'm almost 50 in, strange really.
Posted 54 months ago.
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I have used the three second rule, and I would say it works very well. I've made friends :).
But, I've also seen a subject, walked down the street, walked back up, and then asked to shoot him (i didn't come back to shoot him, but I couldn't work up the courage to ask him the first time, while I was the second). It led to my first - and still my best -street portrait for this group.
Posted 54 months ago.
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I like the three second rule. I just always let my nerves get the best of me and I end up picture-less and frustrated with myself. I'm going to get one up here real soon though!
Posted 54 months ago.
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The three second rule works, it eliminates much of your natural shyness, but you have to to get used to the occasional 'no thank you' as well. Veiled women, police(wo)men... they have their peculiar reasons for refusal and it's okay to respect that.
Posted 54 months ago.
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Rick -thanks so much [deleted] says:
Bryan Peterson in his book, "Beyond Portrature", states that he often observes his perspective subject for some many minutes. After getting some understanding about the person under observation, he then approaches the subject. He also states that he converses with his potential subject before he asks to take a photograph. It seems to work for him.
- Rick
Posted 54 months ago.
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i've found that when i approach folks and immediately explain the project and request a picture, they're more likely to say no. i've built up the confidence to approach them reasonably quickly, but i've learned to first build rapport; genuinely like them or find them interesting. then it doesn't seem so weird to hand them my card and describe the project. i feel that i'm past just taking photos b/c the people are available. at this point i'm looking for the unusual and the interesting. strangely enough, i've discovered (even before the project) that the more eccentric (leopard-dyed hair, multiple piercings, an abundance of tattoos, bizarre hairdos, etc.) a person looks, the more approachable they are. so, don't be put off by someone's differentness.
Posted 54 months ago.
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These discussion forums have been so helpful to me! I really like the "3 second rule" and I would've possibly had 3 new portraits to post had I used this rule. I will definitely apply this advice with my stranger photos.
Posted 54 months ago.
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Lol, this is a seriously good point. If you wait and stare too long then you might as well walk away. Also, though I've only posted my first stranger shot today, I'm thinking if some people see you out taking photos they will be a little more trusting. But you can't hesitate. It's best to just come out with it. I'm gonna try to use cards to as way making introductions.
Posted 48 months ago.
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MOVED TO PIXELENS FOLLOW ME THERE! [deleted] says:
At least you've started! ;)
Posted 47 months ago.
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I'm finding that the real goal is split in two parts: to photograph strangers and to meet people.
It is actually easier, I find, to strike up a conversation with the person. There is always something that you can find to talk about. It's great to listen to someone share something that they believe is important, whether it's a hobby, their family, their home, their job.
Then after establishing that contact, the photo part is a breeze.
I use a small point & shoot camera, which may also be less intimidating, especially since I don't usually whip it out. But when I do, I try to get a closeup, sometimes shooting in macro mode, to get details in their face.
Posted 47 months ago.
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