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I'm just getting into photography and had a quick question. Last week I was wandering around London with my camera, and saw a homeless person sleeping outside an expensive jewellers. Straight away I saw an opportunity to play with my new toy, but I ended up missing it because I couldn't bring myself to stand and take a picture of this poor soul. Just wondered what other peoples views were and advice on if I find myself in the same spot again.
I found myself in the same dilemma on a group outing in London a couple of years ago. One member didn't dither: straight in there. I wouldn't have known what to say in these circumstances but as far as I gather he just had a bit of a chat, asked the guy his name and where he's from, showed a bit of interest/ concern and offered him a few quid for a cuppa/ something to eat. I never saw the photos but he reckoned he had a few crackers, so maybe worth it if you can face the whole situation.
I've thought about speaking to them problem is I like natural unposed photos. As soon as they become aware I lose interest because the whole thing then becomes fake and loses emotion.
When someone is in an unfortunate situation, their welfare should come first.
If you take a candid pic, the least you can do is drop some money/ food their way afterwards, even if you don't explain why.
For character shots, you do need to get right in and engage with people, respectfully - but you need some self-confidence and a genuine interest.
Personally, I am a coward and don't feel comfortable doing either of the above, which is why I don't take pics of people!
You could always take the photo and then approach the person(s) and ask if they have any objection to you keeping the photo.
For the opening titles to the film Love Actually, the film crew candidly recorded people greeting their loved ones in the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport and then had to go and get permission from everyone they filmed so they could use it in the movie.
Quote: I always wondered if that was acted or not. Interesting.
It's still a rubbish film though - tho' Bill Nighy is great (as ever) !
You have 2 problems here. I like you would have asked the person however the spontaneity of the image would have gone. The 2nd problem is if you took the image and it was knockout and you then asked the person and they were not happy you would feel really pissed with yourself for taking the shot. It is a hard choice to make your best bet would have been to take the shot not ask permission but maybe give him a few quid for a cup of tea or a bite to eat (thats not to say they would spend it on that) but it would have been a way round your dilemma.
Quote: take the shot not ask permission but maybe give him a few quid for a cup of tea or a bite to eat
After much pondering this is what I will probably do next time. just wanted others views
I think that's a reasonable approach.
You may find that your interest compels you to find out more about the person, as you gain confidence, and that you want to engage with them. You never know.
Quote: As soon as they become aware I lose interest because the whole thing then becomes fake and loses emotion.
I am interested that you say that - some people take great street shots when the subject is aware and looking straight down the lens. It's different to a candid, but it's not less powerful - it's often more so.
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