First order of business – if anyone has a better name for this thread, please do suggest it.

Second order of business – I have decided that this summer I will get over my shyness to take public photos once in for all.

I am a really shy guy in real life. :- ( Do not know why – just am. Throughout the years though, I have really been pushing myself to talk more and become less shy. Even a few years ago, with some people words will come out of my mouth but the sound will not follow and I was mortified by the idea of talking to some people like my boss! Today though, I have substantially progressed in my shyness but I have never been able to fully get over my shyness of taking photos in public – especially of people in urban settings.

This is a problem because it limits my creativity and I am unable to take all the photos I feel I should. Now, I know I am not the only guy who faces such a daemon. So this is the creation of the SSC Public Photo Taking Support Group (the Canadian Division :D) Together we will team up and forever take control of these daemons!!!

So, this summer, I Ashok, will overcome my fear of taking photos in urban public setting - making a commitment online means I have to do it and there is no escape around it! :cry:

I would love for you guys to share your experience – even if you’re the guy who is not shy. I would love to hear especially from those who are shy, and those who used to be shy.

I was exceedingly shy at first, but you get a bit brazen when you push yourself somewhat. Many of the really excellent "candid" streetscape photos we see posted are taken comfortably from a distance, with a good telephoto lens. I just can't get over my reluctance to walk right up to people on the street and rather obviously snap their photo. I can do it for general sidewalk shots, but can't single anyone out for a close shot.... just seems too rude, and if you are photographing them for being a bit odd it can make them feel embarrassed or self-conscious. I've missed a lot of good photos simply because I couldn't bring myself to raise the camera and shoot.

However, having said that, it is EXCEEDINGLY easy to do it at public parades and events. People become attention-whores when a parade is on and practically beg
you to take their photo.

This weekend is the St Paddy's parade here, and next weekend is the one in Mtl. I might just be able to catch both!

Yeah - I always thought pointing the camera and singling a single person out is rude - and also illegal in Quebec. An restaurant is fine but I have to work on that. I will go take some photos now actually, it is nice out.

Wish me luck.

How can it be illegal to photograph anyone, or anything in the public realm?
I have never heard of that before. In most western countries you are allowed to photograph what you want as long as it is outdoors in the general public.

I take photo's of people walking away, I'm still a bit shy snapping faces.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2108963387_c32b1ef11e_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/350746751_c56f393041_b.jpg

So today was a success! It was not too bad - I was in my own world talking photos, I will eventually come post it. :-) I think Taller, Better has the point - if I keep pushing myself, it will become very normal and natural.

I take photo's of people walking away, I'm still a bit shy snapping faces.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2108963387_c32b1ef11e_b.jpg


Imagine if she turns around! lol - but that is a really nice photo Andrew.

ashok, I'm still interested in your statement that it is illegal to single out members of the public in Quebec for photos. What is that all about?

In all provinces but Ontario, you can't take photos of people where they alone are the primary subject of the photo, and then publish that photo, without their permission. Only Ontario follows the US example of "if you're in public, people can take a photo of you".

Basically, this kind of photography:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2885405226_5204b8abeb.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7823190@N03/2885405226/)

is illegal in Quebec. It isn't really enforced, but if that was taken in Quebec, and that woman saw that photo published somewhere without her permission, she could sue the photographer for "using her image without permission", and possible "invasion of privacy".

There is also a principle of "reasonable expectation of privacy"; it is illegal throughout Canada to take a photo from outside looking into a building or private vehicle. Taking photos of things on the other side of a window is technically illegal, but store front windows are sometimes OK since they're meant to be seen.

The whole thing is a grey area, really.

Wow, I had no idea that there was that type of restriction in any Canadian jurisdiction, and a bit disappointed, too. I truly believe that anywhere in the public is fair game for taking photos.

I am not cocky enough to feel flattered if I am photographed directly in public - I would most likely feel erm ... violated. Maybe violated is a strong word, but I will feel a bit uncomfortable - so the law does makes sense.

Canada, like Europe, places more emphasis on personal privacy than freedom. Basically, the point where freedom of expression crosses the line into violation of privacy in Canada is much more strict than it is in the US, where individual freedoms trump personal privacy.