This is for the Nervous Street Photographer.

I was in Chinatown in Boston on Sunday after not doing any street photography for a long time. It took a couple hours to shake of that anxiety, but at one point I got caught in the act by a gentleman looking in a restaurant window. He turned around right as a took a second shot and my stomach dropped. I kinda laughed, gave an apologetic wave, and was surprised that he laughed too and pointed to the cooked duck in the window. The fact that he didn’t seem to care, but also directed me to my next shot, really helped me shake it off.

My tip is - don't hide your camera. When you are open about the fact that you're carrying it, people won't be surprised when you suddenly take it out of your bag or pocket. It's stressful at first but it pays off by making everyone around you more comfortable

I have photographed 10s of thousands of people in public spaces in the years I've been shooting in both professional and personal situations. In all that time, I've had maybe one person confront me and ask me not to photograph them. I find usually that nobody seems to mind at all, and in fact quite a few really enjoy being photographed, even by a stranger. As others have said, don't be sneaky or shy about it. Looking confident and like you know what you're doing (even if you have to fake it at first) goes a long way. If in the rare case someone does ask you to stop, just point your camera elsewhere. Even though no one has any legal authority to bar you from photographing them in public, there's no reason to be a jerk about it...there are plenty of other willing subjects to aim your camera at. I hope someone finds this encouraging.

I still get nervous even after ten years of doing street, there’s always the potential for conflict. At the same time the reward feeling of getting a good photo makes up for it.

My main struggle is worrying about somebody getting upset with me taking a photo of them. This usually leads to me not taking the photo and having anxiety about asking them if I can take a photo of them. Even though I know most people wouldn’t care, that fear holds me back a lot of the time. It’s really frustrating because some of the best photos I’ve ever taken were of people that I just saw when I had my camera and I try to remember that when I feel that pit in my stomach while taking photos.

The best tip. Don't photograph people for no reason. Have that reason ready to go. The moment should have been worth the conversation. Your reason also shouldn't be "it was cool". Common people, we are better than that. Street Photography is art, history and life. We have all the reason to do it. Absolutely what I have been wanting to say myself to others for a long time too. Great work brother.

FYI I actually watched the Square Space ad instead of skipping it because that was a very legit transition into something that’s actually relevant to the video. Great work, man!

Not being argumentative, just making an observation. Sometimes it can be harder in an area that is less crowded because you are more visible. And, people in a less populated area may not be as accustomed to seeing photographers on the street. In an urban area these days people may be more oblivious to your presence and your camera. Great video and very helpful!!

If anyone asks what you're doing, just tell them you're with the city appraisal department and they're considering demolishing whatever building you are looking at. Then run. Works every time

My solution to build confidence was to start taking photos in parks. I did not feel at all weird with dozens of people with cameras around (especially on nice sunny weekends). I would progressively move towards the outskirts of the park and eventually to the urban areas around it and beyond. I would also pick urban areas which are popular with photographers, like ones with famous landmarks etc.

One of the best ways I've found if jumping into the deep end doesn't work is to find the very edge of what you're comfortable with and only taking one step out. You make progress, get comfortable, then you take one more step. Only staying one step out is a lot easier to content with

I felt in love with photography since I was 4 years old. It became my absolute obsession to take photos of almost everything. I wish I could make street photography, but as an autistic person, even crossing a street or the downtown is a challenge itself. Plus the Anxiety, talking to people or photograph strangers is quiet impossible for me. I hope one day I can overcome this mental bullshit.

My first time doing street photography I had a very upset guy confront me and wanted to fight because I was out taking photos. It took me a long time to get back out, but after I did I realized I just got unlucky. 99.99% of the time people are very cool about it. Be mindful of where you're shooting and be confident in your photography, if you look timid and afraid it gives off the impression that you're doing something you shouldn't be and it makes people more likely to confront you. Another tip that helped me is that I have all my camera gear insured now, if anything happens I don't have to worry about not having the money to replace my equipment that helped set me more at ease.

The reason I'm scared is that whenever someone sees a person with a big camera, they assume that it must be a professional and me to take photos of them and that is what scares me. Thoughts of "oh what if I can't take good photos? Then what would they think of me" is always present in the back of my head and that is my biggest anxiety.

Your voice is so soothing, your content is so soothing, the music is soothing, your editing style is soothing. Everything is soothing. I feel at peace, comforted, and ready to take photos. Thanks lol

My best tip is to hold your camera like if you were shooting a VIDEO. That is: once you take your photo don't take apart your camera instantly, you just keep holding it. Another tip: Look like you are adjusting some settings on your camera not actually taking a photo.

Watched this video, not because I want some quick solution or a how to. But because I was just comforted in knowing that there are people that feel this way which makes this all a little less daunting and gives me that bit of confidence in picking up my camera/phone in public and snapping that beautiful moment.

It's all about practice and confidence. And for the ones who needs to read this: anxiety will go away (trust me). Excellent video Faizal!

I really love your work! This channel was one of the main reasons I bought my first camera to start taking photos. I’m really enjoying the process of street photography so far

Good advice! I worry about my camera being stolen, and Al’s about someone getting angry or scared these days. Even in my own work building, I was walking through with a camera in hand and security personnel approached me having seen what they thought was a gun in my hand…nope, it’s a camera!