How to Overcome Fear of Street Photography: 5 Tips for Shy Photographers
Taking pictures of people, places, and things out in public can be incredibly rewarding for photographers.
However, many of us struggle with feeling shy, nervous, or self-conscious when trying to capture images while others are around and watching.
The fear of being judged, feeling awkward, or dealing with confrontations can prevent shy photographers from taking the kinds of pictures they want to take freely.
Feeling apprehensive about public photography is very common.
Fortunately, there are effective mindset changes and practical exercises you can try to overcome this fear.
Here are 5 helpful tips that have allowed countless photographers to build more confidence and feel comfortable photographing in public spaces.
Tip 1: Try the 10 "Yes" and 10 "No" Street Photography Challenge
Approach people and ask them to take their photo until you get 10 "yes" responses and 10 "no" responses.
Sound scary? That's the point!
This street photography exercise forces you to build resilience to the sting of rejection, while also proving over and over that most people are willing to let you take their picture if you ask politely.
Each "yes" is a confidence booster, while the "nos" help you get used to being told no sometimes.
Ultimately, you realize that getting turned down occasionally during street photography is no big deal.
More importantly, you get comfortable with the process of approaching and talking to total strangers - a core part of being a street photographer.
For more tips on street photography gear, check out my guide on top street photography cameras.
Tip 2: Create a "Photographer Persona" to Reduce Shyness
Here's a fun mind trick.
Create a "photographer character" and pretend to be that person when you go out for street photography sessions.
Wear a particular outfit or accessory that makes you feel like you're playing that role.
It may seem silly, but temporarily separating the pretend photographer identity from your everyday shy self allows you to tap into bolder, more outgoing personality traits.
It's almost like permitting yourself to act more confident and social for a few hours at a time.
Over time, continuously pretending to be that photographer's character helps it feel more and more natural until those confident behaviors become second nature.
You'll slowly find your shyness melting away as your photographer self takes over.
Tip 3: Be Inspired by the Krispy Kreme Donut Story
In his popular TED Talk, Jia Jiang shares how a visit to Krispy Kreme on Day 3 of his "100 Days of Rejection" challenge flipped his perspective on rejection.
Despite expecting to be told "no" to his weird request for Olympic symbol-shaped donuts, the employee named Jackie instead enthusiastically took on the challenge and creatively made his dream a reality.
This heartwarming story reminds us that putting ourselves out there for street photography can lead to awesome surprises and human connections we'd never experience otherwise.
The worst that can happen when we take a chance is being told "no".
A temporary setback that's not as bad as the rejection of the lifelong fear can cause.
Tip 4: Remember Most People Don't Notice or Care About Photographers
At the end of the day, we often blow out of proportion in our minds how much attention our public photography efforts will draw.
The reality is most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to scrutinize and judge every person they see doing street photography with a camera.
Those people who you think may be judging you might not even know who you are, so you shouldn't care.
When traveling to new places for street photography, you have the freedom of being a total anonymous photographer, without any social pressures.
Any brief embarrassment or awkwardness you may feel is temporary, while the photos and memories you create will last forever.
Isn't that worth embracing a few moments of discomfort?
Tip 5: Adjust Your Perspective on Street Photography
The biggest barrier to freely photographing in public is often the self-imposed fear and assumptions in our own minds.
Once you adjust your perspective and expectations, you'll realize street photography is far from the catastrophic experience you built up in your head.
So go ahead.
Pull out that camera without hesitation!
Pretend to be your photographer character, build up a resistance to rejection, and remind yourself that others likely aren't paying much attention anyway.
These intentional discomforts will pay off and you'll create incredible memories.
That's what being a passionate photographer is all about, isn't it?
If you're interested in monetizing your street photography, check out my guide on selling prints and digital copies.
You might also want to explore stock photography as another avenue to showcase and sell your work.
I hope these tips help you overcome your fear of street photography.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you get out there, the more comfortable you'll become.
I hope that helps.
-Hakan.