I've found a new interest in photography and I carry my camera everywhere. Any pointers to find good pictures?

Question

I just need a starting point. I've taken a few really cool ones, but I feel like I'm looking too hard. I don't have any landscapes around me, I live in the city. I'd like to start taking pictures of people in their element, but I'm afraid they'll think I'm weird, because right now I just have a regular "tourist" camera. Any idea how to get people to let me take pictures of them with this little thing and not look like a stalker? Also, any pointers on finding a good angle?

Answer 1

You are doing the most important thing, which is carry the camera everywhere. Be conspicuous about it, and shoot around even if you don't like what you see. If it is a film camera, fake it so you don't use up your film.

This way people will get used to see you around and won't tag you as a pervert. Eventually you will start noticing things that you like and it will all work out for you.

To be honest, some of the pictures I have gotten more praise were originally shot out of boredom. I just kept shooting at anything that I found remotely interesting. I also tried looking at things from a not-so-obvious angle. For example, I was waiting for a bus outside of a metro rail station, an ugly cement building with zero aesthetic value. From where I was standing, the columns of the building looked funky, so I took the shot. Thanks to the perspective and the way I cropped it, it came out really nice, almost like a weird modern sculpture.

Another trick, to get people at ease, shoot up, like if you are shooting at a store sign or a plane. And keep the camera at sight at all times, those two things will get people at ease with the camera.

I had the same problem, my camera was very good but it was tiny, so I was worried to look as if I did not wanted to be noticed when shooting pictures. I now have a Nikon D50, very affordable and to the untrained eye it looks like the kind of thing a professional photographer would carry.

Answer 2

Hi I am in the same boat having just moved to London. With taking pictures of people - the best thing to do is ask. you'll be surprised how willing people are to saying yes. Other thing is to get a telescopic lens (however if you are ever thinking of commercialising your photos - ie. making money out of them, then you'll likely need permission from the people you photograph). I found Lonely Planet;s book called 'People Photography - a Guide to Taking Better Pictures' really helpful.

Sometimes I find buskers a really great photo opportunity - taking a photo of them is easy, all you do is throw some change their way and they are typically always happy to say yes when you then ask for a photo.

Lastly - urban photography is about taking the picture and then taking it home and running it through a program to see what you can do with it. I find that sometimes just bringing out the color in a photo, or cropping it in a certain way will totally change the phot and turn it into a great pic! Have fun...

Answer 3

First, ask yourself what you are into. Do you want to focus on landscapes? Ansel Adams did awesome work with landscapes in B&W. If you want to take pictures of the city folk in thier environment take them. My opinion of photography as art is that things in their natural state are going to make the best picture. If I go up to the homeless guys standing around the fire barrel then most likely they will act different then if I just point and shoot.

As far as your camera, you have to start somewhere. Half the time I snap pics with my cameraphone because that is all I have at the time. My uncle as a Nikon and chides me that my best camera is a pos. It isn't what you have it's what you do with it.

Most of all the best advise I can give you about starting out in photography is practice. Take pictures of different things, try different lights and angles, b&w and color, etc. Not only will you end up with a few killer shots, but you will have fun and find out what works best for you. Then you can start looking into a "better" camera, take some classes at the local college (learn how to develop your own pics), and see what feels right to you, and where you want to go with your new intrest.

Answer 4

Remember your rule of thirds. Divide your viewfinder into a tic tac toe board and let your subject be off-center at the intersecting points. Do try different angles. Get low and shoot up or climb on something and shoot down. Smile at folks...they often smile back! Go to events (car shows, stock shows, etc). where folks would like to have a photo made with their prize "whatever" and e-mail them a copy. Avoid kids unless you know the parents. Offer to attend birthday parties of friends' kids.
Contact your local modeling school and trade prints for posing. Check out my BLOG on www.digitaldooda.com for more ideas. I always publish our field trips.

Answer 5

i think stealth is the key to success in your case. try not to let your subjects know you are filming them. one thing you might want to consider is that you cant expect to capture the image you want on the first shot. a lot of photographers take continuous pictures and dicide which are best when they develop them. i always find that any angles that you wouldnt experience in everday life are the most effective, but that also depends on the subject matter. kepp your eyes open.

Answer 6

Hi, I recommond you to use google picasa.

picasa is a Google's photo software. It's what should've come with your camera.

It can Edit , organise and Share you picture and small video flips.

It's very easy to use and is free, just like Google

Download it free and just have a try:

http://www.bernanke.cn/google-picasa/

Good Luck!

Answer 7

Sounds like you are not comfortable with doingit yet.

Just take them...stop worring about other people.

Just take them from different levels.. stand on a park bench, go on the roof top, remove yourself from your normal level..climb a tre so you are looking down. Its physical.

Answer 8

Take it from a former Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator. Just shoot what you like. I enjoy editing and enhancing pics. Feel free to email me one.

Answer 9

You dont find good pictures they happen..just keep your camera with you at all times and stay alert...

Answer 10

try art galleries and museums