[AutoEccentric]

I had an idea to make some business cards up and go around town, mainly at the local mall or some of the parks around my area and take some shots of people around there and give them a business card where they can come see or download the pictures of them.

I though this would provide a few benefits for me. I could get some practice shooting people as both portraits as well as candid shots plus get my name out there and also use it as a tool to work with people a little better.

What I am curious about is the etiquette it would require to do it. Should I ask if it is ok to shoot them first? I think that would eliminate a lot of the candidness of it but at the same time I don't want to cause any trouble or complaints about a weird guy taking pictures of people.

What would you do?

[Rupert]

While you may not be required to ask, I think it is a good idea and in particular if you are going to print some kind of literature with their photo on it. I just call it common courtesy, and always ask unless it is just a very candid street shot.

I shoot a lot of strangers where I eat lunch every day, and almost always ask if they mind......they almost never mind at all. Sometimes they are a little shy...but I can quickly overcome that.

Here are a couple of guys where I didn't ask.....
[IMG]<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35763648@N05/3485615951/" title="109143872.bh7jBunU.IMGP0473800 by Rupert2009, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3485615951_5ff933e840.jpg" width="500" height="401" alt="109143872.bh7jBunU.IMGP0473800" /></a>[/IMG]

And one with a shy girl, where I did...
[IMG][IMG]<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35763648@N05/4687716905/" title="IMGP9233-800A by Rupert2009, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4687716905_71f6ce670b.jpg" width="401" height="500" alt="IMGP9233-800A" /></a>[/IMG][/IMG]

Regards

[alohadave]

Fixed that for you.

[Nowhere Matt]

I had an idea to make some business cards up and go around town, mainly at the local mall or some of the parks around my area and take some shots of people around there and give them a business card where they can come see or download the pictures of them.

I though this would provide a few benefits for me. I could get some practice shooting people as both portraits as well as candid shots plus get my name out there and also use it as a tool to work with people a little better.

What I am curious about is the etiquette it would require to do it. Should I ask if it is ok to shoot them first? I think that would eliminate a lot of the candidness of it but at the same time I don't want to cause any trouble or complaints about a weird guy taking pictures of people.

What would you do?

I had a brief internship where we did this sort of thing for a local newspaper. I think it served a few purposes. We had assignments to go to local events, approach subjects, photograph them and give them cards directing them to the newspapers website to view the images. I always included candids and soft photojournalism in the albums I created. You get use to people's suspicions and resistance quickly.
You might think about teaming up with a small local business and have some discount coupon also printed on the other side of the cards. Something not in competition with what you hope to achieve but might prove of value.

[John Poirier]

I had an idea to make some business cards up and go around town, mainly at the local mall or some of the parks around my area and take some shots of people around there and give them a business card where they can come see or download the pictures of them.

I though this would provide a few benefits for me. I could get some practice shooting people as both portraits as well as candid shots plus get my name out there and also use it as a tool to work with people a little better.

What I am curious about is the etiquette it would require to do it. Should I ask if it is ok to shoot them first? I think that would eliminate a lot of the candidness of it but at the same time I don't want to cause any trouble or complaints about a weird guy taking pictures of people.

What would you do?

I suppose the etiquette depends in part on local culture. In Texas I'd be concerned about someone shooting back.

Seriously, it sounds like a pretty good project. Whether you approach people first depends on the feel of the situation. In any case, it's good to present a friendly and open demeanor. It might be easier to shoot at public events where there is a lot of shooting happening anyhow. It might be helpful if when presenting your business card you also show people their pictures on your monitor.

[yeatzee]

Here are a couple of guys where I didn't ask.....


And one with a shy girl, where I did...
[/IMG]

Regards

When linking from the new flickr you:

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3. Down below the size option click BBcode

4. Copy and paste the provided code.

Done

[Rupert]

Thanks guys, I never did figure it out...thanks for the fix and the information!
Only other comment....Nah! People in Texas are generally very friendly and don't shoot back.....

There may be exceptions , of course......turn up the volume before playing.
Texas | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Best Regards!

[AutoEccentric]

I suppose the etiquette depends in part on local culture. In Texas I'd be concerned about someone shooting back.

Seriously, it sounds like a pretty good project. Whether you approach people first depends on the feel of the situation. In any case, it's good to present a friendly and open demeanor. It might be easier to shoot at public events where there is a lot of shooting happening anyhow. It might be helpful if when presenting your business card you also show people their pictures on your monitor.

Thats a good Idea, I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions. I had thought about doing it at maybe a sporting event or something, but I am not sure what the policies are as far as people peddling in the area. Granted I am not really trying to "sell" anything other then my name. But you never know these days.

[icywarm]

I had a small photo printer (well large enough) and I took donation on my website for this... I had a little prop of a fake mustache and it was for Movember... it worked well...

[Mike Cash]

I'm certain you have enough sense to do this without being told but I'll mention it anyway. If you do this at a mall be sure to get the blessings of the mall management first.

I suspect you'll have a lot of fun, get accosted by police/security, get a punch in the nose, or some combination thereof.

[adwb]

I carry cards made with my name and a mail address on it with a logo and text to saying I am a freelance photographer.
I take shots of people and peoples sport and given them a card and ask them to email me and I will send them their picture FREE.
Most do and have some have given me more work. Nobody has ever got upset this way.
If asked why I say I am doing a project on a subject that suites their inclusion.
have a smile face on, greet the subject, introduce your self even grump looking people ususlly open up, after all most are flattered you want to photo them, obvious exception are gangs of kids, cops , security guards, drunks,ect.
Alistair