Photography News

How To Photograph Strangers

March 8, 2013 by Camilla Peffer

With the amount of technology at our fingertips, creating a technically correct image is now easier than ever. Creating an image that people can connect with relies upon a whole other set of criteria, and is not so easily achieved. There are many different ways that your images can grab a viewer’s attention and hold it, and one of those is by capturing images of people. An image is another way of communicating a story or message, and using a little bit of human interest is a fantastic way to do so.

Of course, it’s a lot simpler to ask a close friend or relative to pose for a photograph. Their trust in you and level of comfort speaks volumes in an image, and can help you to produce a great photograph. But it’s not always possible or appropriate to use people you’re well acquainted with as models. If you’re trying your hand at street photography and need to capture the atmosphere of a place, shooting strangers is non-negotiable.

Fremantle Markets

Fremantle Markets

Photographing strangers is no easy task. Overcome your initial fear and the results will be rewarding.

Not quite sure where to start? Use these tips to help you next time you’re faced with the unknown.

  1. If you’re not quite comfortable with approaching a stranger for a photograph, ease yourself into the experience. Photograph where cameras are a given, such as tourist locations, parades, parties, or other events that attract large crowds.
  2. Always ask permission first. In some cultures, taking a photo can be a great insult (and even illegal in some countries such as France). Give the person a reason, such as “It’s for my photography class”.
  3. Appeal to their vanity. Since we’re injecting ourselves into another person’s personal space, they might not be willing to let us photograph them. Help them overcome this fear of a perceived threat by complimenting them. Prepare what you’ll say beforehand and how you’ll act. Tell them you like their outfit. Or that their hair catches the light perfectly. Or that they have an interesting look. Keep the compliment genuine, and don’t overdo it to avoid intimidating the subject further.
  4. Let them know if the image is going to be published anywhere BEFORE you take their photo.
  5. If the person is clearly uncomfortable, try talking to them about their day. Get them chatting about the band on their t-shirt, or why they’re at event XYZ.  Prompt them to expand upon concepts and answers. By proving that you’re a good listener, the subject will feel more at ease. You’ll produce a far more candid image that captures the person in a more natural state.
  6. Don’t hide behind sunglasses or your camera. Let the subject see your face. More trust is built when people can see each other’s eyes.
  7. Shoot with a USM lens – they’re much quieter. Loud shutters and noisy focusing motors can be imposing if the subject is unfamiliar with professional camera equipment.
  8. If you’re in poor lighting conditions, shoot without a flash and use a faster lens instead. Bright flashing lights can too be intimidating, especially for those not used to having their picture taken.
  9. Don’t photograph children without the explicit permission of their parents or guardian.
  10. Be professional. Hand them your business card once you’ve got the shot you want, and offer to them a file of the image too.
is a Melbourne based photographer and writer.

One Response to “How To Photograph Strangers”

  1. Advice on street photography is always welcome because it is one of the most difficult types of photography. Our inhibitions constantly get in the way before one even takes a photography. Added to this is the fact that rarely is there a second chance to capture the fleeting moment that defines street photography. Thank you for the hints.

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