I don't like to be photographed, and that translates to respecting others' right to privacy.

If I'm in a large crowd of people I have no issues taking photos of anyone. However, if I'm in a more intimate? environment - say like me and just a guy with a briefcase in a graffiti laden ally than I'm shy about snapping a photo. I guess that is why neither of us is a paparazzi.

I know, I too, have missed some great shots due to my concern I was invading the privacy of someone else.

Not sure how to advise here since I suffer the same phobia.

at least I know it's not just me.

I don't like to be photographed either - never have, even as a child, so maybe that is where it stems from.

I'm going to see if my niece will let me photograph her - she's 3 and loves having her picture taken so maybe that would be a first step for me.

photos I've taken of people. I zoomed in on my Dad (the man in the white hat) talking to his friend at our family apple butter making get together:

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This young woman asked me to take her photo at the diner:

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nkXq4N][img][/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/nkXq4N]

I lack sorely in confidence and experience in portraits.

I prefer portrait lenses in the 135-180mm range. With a 180mm or longer, people generally don't even know you are taking their picture and it allows you to get some good candid shots. This picture was taking with my Nikkor 180/2.8 which is my favorite lens for street photography. For this type of photography I prefer a prime lens to a zoom because instead of fiddling with the zoom you just take the picture.

I now have a 55-200 that I can use. I'm going to do some practicing.

are the ones who are uncomfortable photographing other people. Because I am also in that group. Unless someone asks me to take their photo, I will not do it.

Unfortunately, since this seems to be a family thing with us, there are very few photos of relatives, and that is rather sad.

Those of us who hate having our own photos taken seem to be the ones who don't feel comfortable taking other's photo.

However people are my subject most of the time possibly because living in NYC we have a lot of them.

I'm also not that stealth about it, people know they are being photographed and it's been a rare occurrence that I have had someone react badly. In most cases if someone does come back to question me I have my card and portfolio ready. Once they know your a serious photographer their tone usually changes and I have no problem sending them the shot.

that makes it easy for you.....you have a card and portfolio at the ready. Although I like to find things to photograph, I have never considered myself "good" much less "serious". That could have something to do with it as well.

And you are right about NYC---it is hard NOT to photograph people there.

Shooting people takes on a lot of forms, from street photography to environmental portraits to events Photography.

I think a good start for people is to go to an event like a parade where people have no expectation of privacy and quite frankly are looking to be photographed, well that or ComicCon where they virtually throw themselves at a lens.

I do however have a couple of subjects that I tend to avoid, children unless I want to unleash the Kraken and the homeless who don't need yet another person shooting them.

taking photos there. Smile, strike up a conversation, and ask. A favorite opening is a compliment. I say "I love that hat, can I take a photo"?

Go to festivals or events and work the crowd. There is no expectation of privacy at public events. People are there to have fun, so it is a good idea to be part of the fun. I try not to be stealth, I try to be very visible.

If you've ever been a salesman, you can draw upon that experience.

water in hell. LOL

Smile, be charming. Be confident. You can do it.

I don't like to have people see me taking pics of them, even at a public event.

What's odd is that at a rally, march, etc I'll "shot at will" (and Bob, Jane, Harry, etc)

I don't like it either.

is for your subjects to be interacting with your camera. When folks are looking directly at the camera, it tends to make the shot look more posed than candid.

Never thought of that.

Photographing others while in public is not a problem. (Whether or not I am good at it is different question.) However, if I am close enough to touch them, then I am invading their personal space and will ask permission first.

downtown one day if I could take her photo and she said yes. That was a long time ago, though.

unless I know the people or unless it's an event like a parade or something. Street photography scares the crap out of me.

I actually photographed people at the carnival. Nobody hit me or anything.