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How to Photograph People, Without Looking Too Awkward

  • Writer: Smith
    Smith
  • May 8, 2022
  • 3 min read

This article is about how to photograph people without coming across as a stalker, or as too awkward. There are some steps you can follow and things you can avoid doing in order to avoid making your subjects uncomfortable.


Christmas Love, 25th December 2019 - Smith


Tips for Photographing People

  1. Get close to your subject. Getting close enough to a subject when you are photographing them ensures that they fill the frame. By doing so, your photo will become more personal and intimate.

  2. Use a wide-angle lens. Using a wide-angle lens will help you capture more of the person in the photo. It will also help you avoid distortion around the edges of the frame.

  3. Use a flash. Using a flash will help you get better photos in low light situations. It will also help you avoid having red-eye in your photos.

  4. Be patient. Taking photos of people is challenging, so be patient and take your time. Don't rush the process and ensure you get the shot you want.

Tips for Photographing Strangers

If you're like most people, you probably don't enjoy having your picture taken. So, how can you take great photos of strangers without making them feel awkward? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier for both you and your subjects.


Here are a few tips for photographing strangers:

  1. Make sure you have permission. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to make sure you have your subject's permission before taking their photo. Not only is it polite, but it will also help put your subject at ease.

  2. Use a telephoto lens. Do this only if you prefer not to do step one.

  3. Be prepared. Have your camera ready to go before approaching your subject. Nothing is more awkward than fumbling around with your camera while someone is waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for you to take their photo.

  4. Be respectful. Don't invade your subject's personal space and be sure to respect their wishes if they don't want their photo taken.

  5. Be patient. If your subject is nervous, give them time to relax and get comfortable before taking their photo.

  6. Be natural. To make your subject feel at ease, act like you would if you were them.

How to Get a Natural Shot

If you're photographing people, the last thing you want is to make them feel awkward. Here are a few tips to help you get natural-looking shots, without making your subjects feel uncomfortable.


First, put your subject at ease by talking to them before you start taking pictures. Get them to relax and loosen up by telling jokes or making small talk.


Once your subject is relaxed, take a few practice shots from different angles. This will help you find the best composition for your shot.


Finally, when you're ready to take the photo, don't say "cheese"! Instead, just count to three and then click the shutter button. This will help your subject relax and give you a natural-looking shot.


When to Ask Permission

It can be tricky to know when to ask permission to take someone's photo. If you're in a public space, like a park or market, it's generally assumed that you can take photos of people without asking first. But if you're in a more intimate setting, like a friend's home, it's important to be respectful and ask before taking any photos.


There are a few general guidelines you can follow:

  • If someone looks like they're busy or preoccupied, it's probably best not to ask for a photo.

  • If you're in a group setting, it's usually okay to take photos of people without asking first, as long as everyone is included in the shot.

  • If you want to take a photo of someone who is alone, it's always polite to ask first.

Of course, these are just guidelines - use your best judgement in each situation!


My People Shots - Smith


Conclusion

With a little practice, anyone can learn how to photograph people without looking too awkward. Just remember to focus on making your subjects feel comfortable, getting close enough for candid shots, and using the right settings for group shots. With these tips in mind, you'll be taking great photos of people in no time!

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