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Snapping pictures of life
By Zura | July 3, 2008
I nearly always carry my camera with me. I am ready to snap anything that might be interesting to share in my blog, or use as an image in art. But, you know what? I hardly ever actually get it out and use it.
Partly because I’m not a good enough photographer to catch things quickly that actually turn out good. But mostly because I’m embarassed. I dont’ want to look like a tourist plus I worry about people getting upset with me for taking their picture.
I hadn’t given it a lot of thought until yesterday when I saw such an amazing thing and would have loved to have taken pictures of it.
I was in the dollar store when I looked out into the parking lot and saw a very, very large man stuck in his car window - half in, half out. Apparently when he returned to his car, a car had parked so close to him that he couldn’t open the driver door. Why he didn’t go around to the other door, I can’t imagine, but he didn’t. Instead, he thought it would be a good idea to crawl in the window.
The driver who parked next to him finally returned and moved her car, but by this time the poor guy was just stuck. He was able to gradually push and push to get himself unlodged and get out of the window. Then he opened his door, got in and drove off.
But, alas, I have no pictures. I only have pictures of my sweet grandbabies :) They let me take all the pictures I want.
Do you take snapshots of random things? If so, please leave a comment with any suggestions on how I might get the nerve to start taking more photos. Or how you approach situations where you want to take pictures.
Topics: Art |
July 4th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I, too used to have that fear Zura. I found that the only way to truly conquer it was to take pictures wherever, whenever I felt like it. I still get a little self-conscious now and then, but now I’ve realized that I want to capture so many aspects of my life, what interests me and of my son growing up that I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I used to “hate” having pictures taken of me and as a result, I have no pictures of when I was pregnant, hardly any of me holding my son when he was a baby and it breaks my heart when I think of it now, how much did I miss out on? What memories will my son have if I had never taken any pictures of us? When our loved ones leave us, sometimes all we have are pictures and they mean so much when you’re grieving or missing them. I’ve come to the conclusion that I won’t miss out on anything else now, especially with the wonderful world of digital photography! Conquer that fear Zura!! You know where I am on flickr, so go check out some of my random photos. Hugs.
July 5th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Hi, Roomie!
I got here by link-accident, and it’s great to see you again.
How to take sneaky pictures so people won’t know you’re doing it:
1. use the camera on your cellphone. people are getting some amazing photos with them. Look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bassoonballoon/2637786858/
and some of the pools he posts to.
2. don’t show them you’re interested in them. Set up your focus pointing somewhere else, but in the same plane as the subject you want, then at the last minute, pan to the subject, click and move the camera past them. Takes a bit of practice but once you get the hang of it, it works great.
3. use a teeny tiny digicam. the newest are the size of a credit card. and disable the shutterclick sound. you can do that in your Canon, too.
4. especially if your pic is of a child, after you’ve taken it, show it to the person/parent, tell them how you intend to use it and ask if it’s okay with them. if yes, offer to send them an email copy. if not, delete it then and there and show them you did.
5. realize that if you are a “tourist” you’re gonna look like one, with or without a camera around your neck.
Oxen,
a++
July 15th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Holly, for some reason Wordpress has quit sending me emails when anyone posts a comment so I’m just now finding all these comments…so sorry!
Thanks for that inspiring note. Great ideas!! I’m off to see your Flickr stuff!!
July 15th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
((((((Roomie!!!))))))) It is SO good to hear from you. How are you???? I miss you so much!
Thank you ever so much for the great list of picture taking tips. Love the panning idea especially
I’m all inspired again!
Please stay in touch!