How do you approach strangers for stock photography?

One question I’ve been answering for a while is - How do you get strangers to warm up to you so easily? So I thought if I do a post on it then maybe it’ll help others and also spare me the trouble of explaining it over and over.

Remember each man and woman has his or her unique personality traits. And there is no single solution that is applicable for all situations. One trick that works for a photographer might not work for another. Best option is to try different variations and find out which one works for you and develop your own style of approaching people.

However there are certain techniques if mastered would make your life easier. Feel free to share your tips as comments to this post we all wish to hear from you.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

1. Put a Smile on Your Face

While approaching people with the intention of photographing them; smile. First thing you want to accomplish is to start off your conversation in a positive note. A simple smile can do wonders it is the first sign that states to your anxious subjects that you intend to be friendly.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

2. Take Your Time

Do not rush, hang in there for some time, give people time to get accustomed to your presence, strike up a conversation, if they are involved in some activity, ask questions. Generally people like to tell you things about them and their work. Only take out your camera when you feel it will be okay with your subjects.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

3. Be a Good Listener

Whenever you strike up a conversation with a stranger in some faraway place, they’ll ask you some questions and when you ask them about something they might answer, sometimes when there are more people involved you might get answer to a single question from a number of people present there. May be each one has his or her version of the same story. Be patient, listen to them, show them you care about what they say. And they’ll all listen to you when you propose to take their picture.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

4. Be Prepared to Answer This Question – Why are You Taking All These Pictures?

Well the question may be framed differently, like....

What do you do with these pictures?
Do you get money for taking our picture?
Are you from a newspaper or magazine?
Why do you need my picture?

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

Expect these questions to pop up in every photo session. Personally I will be surprised if I manage to go some place, shoot some people and comeback without facing any of these questions. So be prepared with your answer, and your answer better be convincing else people keep on probing till they are 100% satisfied that they found out what you are up to.

5. Accept Gifts

Hey why would any stranger present you with gifts? Believe me it happens more often than not. It is a sure sign that you have mastered the art to perfection. Your subjects were not only willing to pose for photographs but they feel obliged to give you something in return. While travelling the villages of India we have received pottery, handicrafts, ornaments and many other things from people who lovingly give it and say this is for you or may be give this to your family.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

People might also offer you water, tea, snacks and other ea-tables. It is perfectly okay to kindly refuse the offer, but my personal advise will be to accept it if it does not make you sick.

Photographers have divided opinion on giving gifts back or paying people to photograph them, personally I don’t carry gifts nor do I give money to people to photograph them. To me it does not feel OK but again it’s your personal choice.

6. Indulge Them

Take effort to indulge your subject into photography, show them the pictures that you took, not just of them but also from other places, and ask can we take a shot here like the one you just saw and you will be amazed to see some people taking charge and asking others to shift, to pose, to set up props, etc and you just whisper to yourselves “god I love this job”.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

7. Be Aware of Local Customs and Traditions

Always be aware of local customs and traditions of the place you are visiting, for example in India people does not wear footwear inside Temples or other sacred sites. There are many other such sentiments of which you should be aware of and be respectful at all times. If you are not sure about something, just ask and people will be more than happy to tell you. If by mistake something goes wrong or you do something that you are not supposed to, apologize; tell them you didn’t know and rectify the issue immediately.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

8. Thank them and Keep Promises

Last but not least always thank people for their co-operation before you leave, tell them you had a great time with them. And if you promise them something, like to send those pictures from the shoot; keep your promise and send it at the earliest.

Tips for approaching strangers for stock photography

In the next article we will discuss about Photography - Portrait Photography - Tips for Photographing Children

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