Re: Samples

Ted,

Your remarks are outstanding advice as usual, and I will take them very much to 
heart. As you know, I'm more of a peeling paint shooter. It's very 
uncomfortable for me to do this kind of shooting. I think people sense my 
hesitation and discomfort; at least I think they think I'm thinking that... :-)

I certainly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience; I know 
everyone appreciates it when you lend your guidance to their efforts. 

I'll start with your last piece of advice; "relax".
Again, many thanks.
Best,
Bob
 Bob Adler
Palo Alto, CA
http://www.raflexions.com




________________________________
From: Ted Grant <tedgrant@xxxxxxx>
To: leica@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 8:55:21 PM
Subject: RE: Samples


Bob Adler showed & said:
 
Subject:IMG: Samples
 
>>>>>Spent
last weekend down in Santa Monica .
They have a terrific Famers' Market, so I tried my hand at some street/people
photography. Certainly not in my comfort zone. Only one person got upset with
me so I didn't take his picture but it certainly shook me up for awhile.<<<<<
This one is my favorite:
http://raflexions.com/PESO/content/L1001121_large.html
 
Other images start here with a senorita:
http://raflexions.com/PESO/content/L1001084_large.html<<<<<<<<<<
 
Hi Bob,
A couple of things that might help. 
 
If you are caught, smile and whatever you do…. DO NOT TURN AWAY
QUICKLY AS THAT INDICATES YOU ARE SNEAKY AND UP TO NO GOOD! Sometimes a
friendly wave or nod of head in a thanks kind of mode is enough to ease the 
situation. 
Another, if you have taken a picture using digital, as most of us are
these days, offer to show the person the screen, “AN ABSOLUTE MUST!”
 Do not let them have your camera in their hands!! You do the show and
tell while they look only!
 
If necessary explain what you are taking the pictures for. You are
doing a photo presentation for your local camera club as that is this months
picture project. Now the markets are open for the summer. Or whenever they
open.  But make the reason simple and understanding, much like a “school
project.” Or as I sugges ted , a
camera club project. 
 
 Show no panic over a challenge of.. “Hey why are taking my
picture?”  Keep everything light and easy going. Most people, not
all, are relatively easy to get along with if you stay cool yourself indicating
you are nothing more than an amateur photographer doing your club thing. Or
whatever you want to indicate.
 
You might even offer to send a print if he jots down his name and
address on a piece of paper you immediately supply with a pen. These things,
only if it’s a complete moron you have to deal with. However don’t
give anyone your address. I suppose if it’s a police officer who’s
thick between the ears and thinks you are a terrorist checking out the farmers
market for whatever stupid reason. Ok remember now we’ve all heard these stupid
challenges from police and security people in the past.
 
Best bet is a simple wave of hand and smile, you might even mouth the
words, “thank you.”  Again only if it seems you have a complete
klutz challenging you.
 
Observe, click! That fast, don’t be screwing around fiddling the
lens focus ring back and forth while aiming the camera at the subject. Learn to
handle the camera like a greased bolt of lightening! Camera up focus-click 
faster
than I can type this, then move on to something else. You might even walk
closer to the subject without looking at him, then put the camera up to
photograph something in a stall or pile of veggies or fruit while he watches
you. Do this almost right at his feet! But do not look back at him in any case,
just carry right on without any indication of acknowledging you took a picture
in his direction.
 
Now if the person becomes challenging regardless of what I’ve
offered, you still have to use your head, but most of what I said at the
beginning works by staying calm and using the club or school project as a
reason you are taking the pictures. AND SMILE NICELY! 
 
Relax now and go do it again next week! J 
 
Cheers,
Dr. ted J 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bob
 
Bob Adler
Palo Alto , CA
http://www.raflexions.com
 
 
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