Being A Tall Photographer

[thirtyfivefifty]

Despite all this new gear arriving in the market in recent times, like the Fujifilm X-Series, which has been leading the way in answering the prayers of photographers everywhere who've been wanting a decent performing digital camera with usability and form factor similar to their film rangefinders and/or compact SLR at a price point well below you know who, I can't help but be disconnected from all the buzz and excitement.

At the end of the day, I'm still a quiet 6'0" (183cm) guy who sticks out like a sore thumb in peoples' eyes when I'm nearby or while I casually walk by, so I don't subscribe to the idea that buying a new camera can somehow make you more or less invisible. Whether it's a 35mm rangefinder with leaf shutter or a digital SLR gripped or un-gripped or a point and shoot, all of which can be held down in my hand at my side, it's always the same. They look up at me, they trace my body with their eyes, see a camera in my hand, and they react. Even my close friends aren't comfortable with me with a camera.

Early on, I found it frustrating and a bit embarrassing, but in recent time, I figure, this is who I am, I love the cameras that I own, and being tall shouldn't be seen as a hindrance, but a basis for a different approach or perspective.

I pretty much keep it simple when it comes to gear. One body, one lens at a time, minimal bulk. I've also looked at street photographers, and photojournalists for some guidance picking up things such as move slowly, don't raise your voice, be respectful, smile, say hello.

I don't want to be one of those photographers who have total disregard for others to make a photo. Instead, I want to enjoy life as it comes, take it all in stride, and make photographs together with others. Ultimately, I feel that my intimidating physical presence, and my utter clueless-ness when it comes to interacting with others AS a photographer with a camera at hand, is what's holding me back the most when it comes to my development as a photographer.

Was wondering if any of you had similar experience where something about you, in which you had no control over, has created a problem. Any comments, tips, or insight (especially on the psychology of subjects and society in this day in age) is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[trews]

Interesting topic. I also have problems being "invisible" on the street. That also has something to do with my height (190cm) and the fact that I am European who is shooting in China. For these reasons it's hard to not get spotted, but possible, sometimes...
You have to be quick and not react too much if you get noticed and don't forget to interact if you do get seen

[randolph45]

I never even considered my height at 6ft 1 in to be a problem when taking photographs.Some people ask if I'am a pro to which I reply no with a smile. People assume that because you carry an adjustible camera your good at it.That is not the case with me.

[Jamie123]

I don't know where you live but I really don't think 183cm is that tall. It's quite a 'normal' height for a guy if you ask me. I'm 189cm and I don't think I'm exceptionally tall. Tall yes, but not so that anyone would react unusually towards me. If even your friends are uncomfortable with you with a camera then it's defnitely not because of your height.

Sometimes my friends are weirded out by my camera, too, but they say it's because I look at them with the camera for too long which makes them feel self-conscious (I carry a small film p&s and often need to focus and recompose).

The real problem of being a tall photographer is, IMO, that you always need to arch your back in order to be at other people's eye-level with your camera. And sometimes I forget to do it and end up with a bunch of bird's view perspective shots

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted by thirtyfivefifty

...

move slowly, don't raise your voice, be respectful, smile, say hello.

...

I was fascinated when I watched War Photographer featuring James Nachtwey. I'd imagined Nachtwey as a gung-ho go-getter, but the film shows him to be quiet, softly-spoken, and often slow-moving (when circumstances allow).

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Only around 5'9" myself, but would a TLR make you less obtrusive? Stop down a bit, keep it at chest height, and go for it...
Regards,
Brett

[Richard G]

I am 181cm, the same height as Lleyton Hewitt, so often called small by tennis commentators. I am also 51, with glasses and losing some hair. I carry a camera most places and rarely draw much attention. Indeed, lately young women smile at me as I approach, possibly recognizing my good nature and benign intentions. Being unobtrusive with a camera is an attitude.

[Florian1234]

192cm here, not really a problem.

[valdas]

only 174 cm, but always attract attention if carry 3 cameras around my neck (one being TLR)... if I want to be invisible I try to use xa2

[d__b]

Hmmm... I'm about 196 cm tall. While I do have the problem mentioned above of getting lots of bird's eye view shot, I don't think my height is my main problem when it comes to photography. I think social skills and confidence are much more important things and unfortunately I'm lacking both

[SimonSawSunlight]

I don't think anything beneath 195cm would much of a real issue (I'm at 184cm myself). yanick is taller than that and it doesn't seem to be much of an issue for him.
to the op: where do you live that you would stick out "like a sore thumb" with 183cm, if I may ask?
I know a (german) fellow who's 205cm or something and was shooting in indonesia a little, I can see how he might stick out.

[Griffin]

I'm 205 cm so I compensate with a small Rollei 35

[Rangeman133]

6'3" checking in. i've learned to crouch down a lot. sometimes its a nice advantage though, but most times i'm crouching just to get a normal perspective on most peoples faces.

[froyd]

Perfect height for a TLR!

[BTMarcais]

Well, I'm about 5'3" (160cm), so I don't think I've ever really needed to crouch down that much... more standing on my tippy-toes...

My college buddies are all rowers, and probably average about 6'3" between them.
I don't really notice that I'm shorter until I stand next to them and realize I'm eye-level with their elbows.
I think I usually FEEL like I'm more 5"10 or so, I've seen people I peg as "short", and then later realize that they're a few inches taller than me.

(the only problems with my height (lack thereof)? Finding clothes and shoes that fit... and spinning my wife if we go dancing- no heels for her!)

-Brian

[Mackinaw]

I'm 193 cm. For street photography, people don't even notice me, unless I take along my TLR then I get a lot of comments like "what a cool camera that is."

I also do portraits. Funny part is when I use a waist-level viewer TLR I still stand on a milk crate. I'd rather shoot with a slight downward angle rather than straight on. That vantage point is more flattering to the subject.

Jim B.

[ramosa]

Originally Posted by Rangeman133

6'3" checking in. i've learned to crouch down a lot. sometimes its a nice advantage though, but most times i'm crouching just to get a normal perspective on most peoples faces.

My height too, and the only reason that my height comes into play, too. I think people notice body movement and body language more than body size. I think people notice body language and body movement more than body size.

[Mudman]

I'm 6'3". That explains why I love my Rolleiflex. Never really have an issue. I just take photos when I want to. If someone reacts negatively, I don't take the photo.

[ferider]

Originally Posted by thirtyfivefifty

Was wondering if any of you had similar experience where something about you, in which you had no control over, has created a problem. Any comments, tips, or insight (especially on the psychology of subjects and society in this day in age) is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I'm 192. A tiny camera on a big guy and a smile often help ....

[Mark A. Fisher]

At 6'3", 270 pounds with a big white beard, I look like Santa Claus on vacation all the time. I occasionally get a 3 year old telling his mom "Santa!!!" with an accusatory finger pointed my way, but for the most part I seem to have been able to blend in. As others have noted, most people react to my film cameras more than my appearance. "Can you still get film for that?"

[Travis L.]

Is this a joke?

I'm 6'6 and this "issue" has never even crossed my mind.
Just get some taller friends.

[robklurfield]

I'm 5'5"(165cm) and probably shrinking. To me (and let's be honest -- I'm biased), complaining about being 6 feet tall is sort of like complaining about being too rich. However, while I could help relieve you of excess money (pm me for wire transfer information if you're so inclined), I'm afraid all you tall folks with just have to suffer with nature gave you. Anyway, if I need to see over a crowd, I pass my camera to my somewhat taller wife and let her do the shutter snapping.

[Tompas]

Originally Posted by robklurfield

I'm 5'5"(165cm) and probably shrinking. To me (and let's be honest -- I'm biased), complaining about being 6 feet tall is sort of like complaining about being too rich. (...)

I agree. I'm 1.90m (6'2'') and although that's not especially tall for German standards -- it's tall enough for almost every girl on the planet.

[randolph45]

Originally Posted by Rangeman133

6'3" checking in. i've learned to crouch down a lot. sometimes its a nice advantage though, but most times i'm crouching just to get a normal perspective on most peoples faces.

Whoh. 6 3 is your normal prospective anything else is other than normal for you

[Jamie123]

Originally Posted by Tompas

I agree. I'm 1.90m (6'2'') and although that's not especially tall for German standards -- it's tall enough for almost every girl on the planet.

As someone who's pretty much the same height (I like to round down to 1.89m but it's actually closer to 1.90m) I have to say that I'm still fascinated by how much of a bonus that is with girls...and at concerts...and at the movies. Not so much on planes, though