One of Yoda's most famous and impactful quotes is, "Do or do not. There is no try". This quote emphasizes the importance of full commitment and decisive action, encouraging individuals to devote their complete energy to their goals rather than approaching them with a mindset of mere effort. Or even worse, a mindset of fear or doubt.
I find that most people carry around ideas that seem to blunt their ability to make the photographs they would really, really like to make. They would doubt that the men in the image above would approve of being in this photograph. They doubt people will tolerate them if they spend the time needed to get just the right shot. They doubt that they can pull something off without some sort of confrontation so they don't try. They fear they will be told "no." They doubt they will be "safe."
Or they doubt their ability in the first place to go on an adventure, or even point a camera at a stranger in the first place. Very few external constraints actually exist in the practice of photographing people in public. Most of the limitations are self imposed. Self moderated.
I don't have a secret formula that will convince all the people who think they will be robbed in the street for their camera that this isn't something to worry about. Not unless you've made a target of yourself --- which is also mostly self-imposed. I can't guarantee that no one will be unkind if photographed.
The role models in all sorts of photography were and are fearless. Or at least good at tamping down the fear because they feel that the cost/benefit tradeoffs of getting the shot they want skew wildly in favor of taking the chance, taking the shot, taking the time and giving the shot your best try. Much more important than the "safety" of not trying in the first place.
Maybe it was a parent that led you to believe it's always better to be safe than sorry. Maybe it was a gym teacher who bullied you into quitting something so you wouldn't be embarrassed by a temporary failure. Maybe it was a spouse who "helped" you believe that the thing you most wished to do was impractical, unimportant and .... impossible.
But life changes all the time and you can reject the thoughts and ideas that might be holding you back from doing the very thing you wish most to do. It's a question of challenging a restricting mindset. And fixing it rarely works in baby steps. Sometimes, to get what YOU want you need to take bold action. Reject the mindset that holds you back and plunge in. You won't get what you want the most by sitting on the sidelines, growing older by the day.
Carpe Diem? or Just Cave Canem?
8 comments:
Kirk: Very few external constraints actually exist in the practice of photographing people in public.
Depends on where you are. Some countries have requirements for consent to shoot photographs of anyone who would be identifiable in the image, even in a public place. I tend to ignore the restrictions, at least in democratic countries—but if someone objects I always back off, even in jurisdictions where consent is not required. (Caveat fabricatorem imaginum in North Korea.)
The more common problem shooting “street,” in my experience, isn’t people don’t want to be photographed; it’s the ones who immediately strike a pose as soon as they see the camera lens pointed in their direction.
Maybe try to see things from my point of view. In the USA, where I reside and do business and art, we can photograph anyone in a public space without the expectation of privacy. I too won't photograph people who don't want to be photographed but this ain't France and we still have some freedom in our choice of operation and of subjects. As to the "strike a pose" people? Let them settle and try again.... I've photographed in many different countries but none seemed particularly virulent about photographers.... Again, some people bring that baggage of doubt with them... As I was saying.
Hey Kirk. Take a look at the post on the Kagecollective.com website today. Seems your work is having an influence on other photographers!
Those that can't wrap the "guts meter" in a competitive or dangerous environment won't make it. Those that act entitled and/or aggressive in a civilized environment are generally considered jerks. I agree with you when you say most people are self defeating. A healthy self image works wonders. Pomposity is nauseating and turns people off. Just my 2 devalued and tariffed 2 cents.
Eric
I have taken up doing informal street portraits for several years now and while there is always the fear factor I have mostly overcome it. My aha moment occurred about three years ago when I saw a beautiful shop girl behind the counter and wanted to photograph her but couldn't work up the courage to ask her. I went out on the street, walked back and forth beating myself up, and realized that if I just went home I would be upset with myself for the rest of the day. I told myself the worst that could happen if I asked politely would be that she would say no and I could thank her and leave gracefully, without the shot but no longer pissed at my temerity. Much to my surprise she was flattered and enthusiastic about posing behind the counter. That was my breakthrough moment.
I try to remember the Goethe quotation: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Sometimes that's hard to do because of shyness or the fear of overstepping cultural norms. Nothing bad is going to happen to you.
Chris, I'm pretty darn sure there are not a lot of street photographers working in North Korea. Maybe you could double check that with Google.
Absolute Bravo. Well done you!
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