A shy photographer’s guide to clicking people : My experience in people photography

2. Use a small lens

Pic via Flickr user Darron Birgenheier

Most people get intimidated with a big lens pointing towards them, so for my street pictures I normally just take a kit lens or a 50 mm lens, both are small enough to let me click without making people conscious. At times if I find the subject good I am even happy to click with my cell phone rather than miss an opportunity to click.

3. Click people you meet on travels

While visiting a Homestay in Wayanad, I noticed the beautiful decor of the bungalow the owners lived, they were kind enough to pose for me. Ever since I have been requesting my hosts to pose for me.

4. Click people who want to be clicked

Many a time while walking through bazaars I have been stopped by vendors and kids because they have wanted their photos to be taken. Never miss this opportunity and click them to your heart’s desire. I normally try to take an email and send them pictures, though a printout is much better if you can send that to them.

5. Click performers & artist

On every street corner at tourist places people are performing, they are so used to getting clicked that they don’t even care if they are being clicked. Like I clicked this picture during Evening Aarti in Varanasi. There were literally hundreds of people clicking the priests performing the prayers. The trick in such situation is to find a good vantage point to get a clear shot. Also, try not to use flash as it disturbs the performers.

6. Plan your shots well in advance

Sometimes you just want a human in the frame either for action or for scale. So plan your shot, frame, pre-focus and wait. The moment somebody walks in the frame,  press the button. Like I did for this shot in front of a monument. I saw this guy on a scooter getting ready to leave I just waited for him to come in the frame and clicked, adding motion, scale, and color to the picture.

7. Shoot silhouettes

Although not my favorite, sometimes it gives good results when the people in the frame add to the story. Like this couple enjoying a sunset that I clicked from behind as a silhouette against a setting sun.

These are just some of the things that I do to click pictures on my travels to overcome my shyness and fear of clicking people. It takes a lot of practice to overcome the fear but all it takes is some practice and soon you will discover your own style.