Explaining yourself

FrankS

FrankS

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Photo students have it easy - you're a photo student on assignment from school. No problem.

Pros have it easy - you're a pro on assignment from x organization. No problem.

Amateurs/hobbyists have it harder. You are doing this just for yourself? That MAY sound sketchy.

How do YOU explain yourself?
 
sometimes i make up outrageous stories when in the mood...like...i'm just in from new york shooting a story for the times...i'm under cover for the cia, working with csis...i'm a private investigator and that guy is cheating on his wife...
 
haha, don't have any clue.

just a short time ago, i came into the situation to explain myself. just shot some landscape while taking a walk. unfortunately some idiot saw me and called the police, in the kind of "a guy is walking around here, taking photographs. he is spying out the aera for planing a bulglary."
i have to add it is a bit of suburban surrounding here, so a lot of bored and paranoid people here.

so the police came, and asked me what i am photographing. me: "the field." policewomen: "why?" me:"just a hobby." i felt like an idiot haha.
at least the policewoman was friendly and tried to say some nice words about my old film camera.

nevertheless it was a strange and for me unpleasant affair.

being creative without getting payed for it, and not just consuming things seems to be very strange and suspicious for most people nowadays...
 
Never came up with a satisfactory answer to that question to be honest. It only ever happens occasionally, and my laziness always seems to preclude me figuring out what to say the next time it may happen. I suspect having a business card on hand, even if just an amateur shooter, is the probably the most painless and effortless way to extricate ones self from these situations though.
 
I don't feel the need to explain anything, I'm documenting my vale of tears or of joy ... depending on circumstance, it is for other to find the explanation for it sometime later
 
I'm thinking more if one is confronted on the street, or questioned what one is doing.

Was hoping for something more eloquent, but not over the top, than: I'm just a hobby photographer taking pictures.
 
Have never been asked. But I do carry a set of cards with my photo website address on it just in case; I think the messy, gray hair and sloppy old man look would kinda rule out "terrorist photographer" in anyone's mind :D
 
Try to remember to have 'busness cards' in my shirt pocket.
However it's OK as long as I remember to take them out before the shirt gets washed!
Use a card as a bit of an ice breaker at the start of a conversation. People seem to like them - takes attention off me too.

jesse
 
How about, "My wife got grouchy and kicked me out of the house, so I have to do something. This is something."

Would that work?
 
FrankS said:
I'm thinking more if one is confronted on the street, or questioned what one is doing.

Was hoping for something more eloquent, but not over the top, than: I'm just a hobby photographer taking pictures.
Click to expand...

i explain that i am an amateur photographer and that i'm working on a project...i have these in case i need them...

8546422860_9f77514925_z.jpg
 
It is self explanatory when you have old-looking (or plain old) gear : you are a hobbyist.
 
FrankS said:
I'm thinking more if one is confronted on the street, or questioned what one is doing.

Was hoping for something more eloquent, but not over the top, than: I'm just a hobby photographer taking pictures.
Click to expand...

What is there to explain? I'm taking photos ... if I'm confronted I confront back
 
Peter_wrote: said:
just a short time ago, i came into the situation to explain myself. just shot some landscape while taking a walk. unfortunately some idiot saw me and called the police, in the kind of "a guy is walking around here, taking photographs. he is spying out the aera for planing a bulglary."
Click to expand...
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

I live in a rural area and carry cameras while out walking for exercise. Shot a photo of an old horse-drawn wagon put in a yard for decoration. An hour later, the home owner caught up with me on another county road. I explained what I was doing and he explained that he thought maybe I was "casing the joint." It ended nicely, but I thought his logic was poor (didn't say that to him). I'd have to be a pretty dumb criminal to walk around with a slr and telephoto zoom lens and call attention to myself.

If I were a thief, I'd use my eyes and record things I'd like to take with my brain. Nobody would know I'm any different than somebody out for a walk.
 
ahhhh, the easiest Way for Me
Let the Photo Draw You in, Capture You and Speak for Itself

Hopefully the Image has Enough Pull & Magic to Captivate...
who needs Words
unless of course its Coupled in an Article :D

as for Confronted on the Street...a Wink and a Nod and tell them how Good they Look / or how the Light /Contrasts are Purrfect
 
Frank, I offer a business card and promise a JPEG if they mail me. I have had a few takers.

For me that represents a little work, as I need to scan and fix up the image in PS, but I think it builds good will.

Randy
 
helenhill said:
ahhhh, the easiest Way for Me
Let the Photo Draw You in, Capture You and Speak for Itself

Hopefully the Image has Enough Pull & Magic to Captivate...
who needs Words
unless of course its Coupled in an Article :D

as for Confronted on the Street...a Wink and a Nod and tell them how Good they Look / or how the Light /Contrasts are Purrfect
Click to expand...

It's easier for you Helen, your a woman.:)
 
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