What do you do when people gets mad for taking pictures of them?

[Carlos Ortega]

What do you do when people gets mad at you for taking pictures of them? (In public places, of course).

They are some times when you don't have the chance to ask for permission or walk around to let them see that you are just a photographer working and that won't threate them... Sometimes you just shoot...
Some just turn around or go away... but some... get really mad, push you, block you, etc., what do you do? How do you handle the situation?

[Adam Thomas]

Apologize and walk away.

[Carlos Ortega]

Thaks Adam!

Yes, sometimes being fast and easy works too!

Cheers!

[Carlos Ortega]

Yes Ted, i think that the point is to neutralize the anger (or fear) that to some people produces the photography. And yes, you are right, the smile is the main weapon.

Thank you!

Cheers!

Carlos.

[Carlos Ortega]

Hello all!

Happy 2012!

Here is a David Saxe's article that i wanted to share with all, i think it has to do with the main question of this discussion, somehow, with the fear or idon'tknowwhat that some feel about being photographed in the street or public places. I think it might help us all to understand -as this discussion and all it's published opinions-, the problem that some of us, sometimes, have to face.

Cheers!

Carlos.

ORIGINAL PUBLISHED ARTICLE HERE (You might want to see the comments too).

A View of a World Protected from Photography
December 28 | By David Saxe

My Dec. 15 posting here – “Fearmongers are Giving Photographers a Bad Name” — invited some interesting comments. Although many readers sympathize with the perils of street photography, there are a number who consider it rude and offensive to photograph a subject when they are unaware and without permission.

I get the impression that some readers think photographers are a crass lot, incapable of any feelings toward their subjects. A few suggest that they would never stoop so low as to photograph strangers. I even get the impression that they would like laws passed to enforce this notion.

Pictures Without People.

What kind of world would it be if there were laws preventing people from photographing strangers without their permission? We wouldn’t have the magnificent work of Henri Cartier Bresson, Robert Doisneau, Robert Frank, and countless others. Their work would be illegal.

The photographic record of the 20th century would be very different. It would consist of pictures of empty streets, devoid of people. The only pictures of people would be of them standing still, posing for a camera. Cameras would be forbidden at sporting events, public places, store openings, movie premiers, crime scenes, dog shows, wars — anywhere crowds are present.

Snapshots would be allowed, of course. But you would have to take special care when taking snapshots of children and family friends to make sure there are no strangers in the background. When taking pictures at your kid’s birthday party, you would need a signed release from all the parents. Weddings would be difficult, of course. Some guests would sign releases, but others would invoke their legal right not to be photographed.

News reporting would be entirely different – no photographs of people in the news, spectators, crowds or passersby. All newspapers could publish in the way of photographs would be formal portraits of newsmakers. It would be the same for television news.

Where Does It End?

It wouldn’t stop with people. Before long those who wish to protect their privacy would attempt to pass laws prohibiting photography of homes, offices and monuments. That’s the kind of society that can evolve when we allow ourselves to by driven by fear, political correctness, and ignorance.

Photographs harm no one. We all have the right to refuse to have our pictures taken — all we have to do is politely say no. But to presume we are protecting the general public by restricting these activities in others is fundamentally wrong.

There are two ways to go through life. One way is to be timid, constantly worry about offending others, never taking chances, and always siding with the majority. People like that seldom are very creative. The other way is to be out there, curious, hungry for discovery, and following your own path. That is the road I choose to take.

[Stephen Asprey]

I smile, give them a card with my email address on it and ask them to email me with the time of the photo and I send them a copy.

I also find that the two extremes work: On one side you can use a small, discreet film camera and shoot b&w or you festoon yourself with bodies and full lens pouches. People then think you are a pro and ask. So I say I am from the City and on assignment to take a variety of shots. I still give them a card.

I use a D700 with battery pack. Its even bigger than a D3 with a big old worn 80-200 attached. I never get a second glance.

[Carlos Ortega]

He, he, he, D700 w/battery pack plus a 80-200, that's also a good way to convince people! =)

No, but seriously, willing to share the pic with them is a good move. Must of the people, specially working in the street or doing their daily activities may not have one single memory of their selves there, so that works fine to ease them when they get mad.

Thank you Stephen!

Have a great 2012!

[Allen Kaleta]

Carlos:

It depends so much on the situation and how bad you need the photo. If you are outside of a court room and you need a photo of the defendant or someone else involved in the trial then you make sure you come back with the picture. 

I usually snap one picture very quickly and then stop; If the person does not want their picture taken I stop. It is usually not worth the effort.

[Carlos Ortega]

Thank you Allen!

Yes, in deed, i think you have to be cold headed to take any risk if its worth it. But it's a good advice to start with a picture, and then everything else... =)

Thank you again!

Cheers!

[Carlos Ortega]

Here is a quite interesting youtube video of Bruce Gilden, from Magnum, talking about street photography (or i may say public photography). See what happens, it goes perfect for this discussion. = )

[Pete Woronowski]

Wow no question he has the confidence and experience to match his ability with his camera and he has the focus on his work which does not allow him to be distracted.

Thanks for this Carlos!

[Carlos Ortega]

Yes Pete!

I was thinking the same about the confidence!

I don't think i can take pictures to people like him, it's kind of anoying... ha. But it surely works!

I think i am not THAT confident about not being smacked by someone... ha, ha, ha!

I guess that may be i get what i want in other way. It may have to do with how we are. We probably have the same results -meaning the picture- but we get it in a different way...

I don't know.

But, thank you for the comments!

Cheers!