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Photography Tip: Video Q & A
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I love getting to give your a photography tip through these video posts. It is like we get to chat over coffee (or tea because I don’t drink coffee) and talk all things photography!

Today’s question comes from JourneyK and she asks:
“I would like to broaden my horizons by doing more of a “photojournalist” type of work; can you tell me how you get over pulling out your camera in public? I always feel like a “weirdo with a big camera”, and never know when an appropriate time is to photograph an event.”

Such a great question and one I think we have all wondered when trying to truly document our lives.

How did you get over your fear of pulling your camera out in public?

17 Comments
  • Amy
    January 22, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    Just wanted to let you know that I love these video Q&A’s and always look forward to the next one! I am still a bit hesitant sometimes getting my camera out in public, but one thing that has really helped me is the 100 Strangers project — it isn’t even documenting our life, so you’d think that’d be worse, but just making myself approach complete strangers in public for a photo has been such a good experience for me!

    • Courtney
      January 22, 2013 at 10:27 AM

      Thanks!! I am so glad you are enjoying them!! They are so fun for me to do :) What a great idea to do the 100 Strangers Project!! That would definitely get you over your fear of documenting strangers! I have only asked a stranger twice to take their picture but it is so fun! Thanks for sharing!!

  • sojourner (Journey) Killingsworth
    January 22, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    Thank you SO much Courtney!

    I feel a little better, and I am going to try to be less embarrased about my “big old camera”- :-)
    Amy-I am not quite ready for a “100 strangers” project now, but that really sounds awesome- talk about Photojournalism?!
    <3

    • January 22, 2013 at 1:44 PM

      Courtney, you know this video was for me….ha ha. You’ve set me straight a couple of times on my “issues” with feeling embarrassed. You’re the best! And I LOVE your hair all curled and flippy….so cute!

      • Courtney
        January 26, 2013 at 4:06 PM

        Ha! I did think about you when I was making it because I know how self conscious you can be :) Come Jen! You can do it!

    • Courtney
      January 26, 2013 at 4:05 PM

      I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the video!! Be brave :) Just do it!

  • Jan
    January 22, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    i love these videos! what lens do you recommend for taking pictures in public? i like my 50 because it’s small but sometimes feel like a zoom would help a lot…but i don’t own a zoom. i’d love to hear your thoughts on this :)

    • Courtney
      January 26, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      That is completely up to you! I know a lot of people like to start with a 50mm because it is smaller and less obvious. You could start their and then move up to a zoom :)

  • January 23, 2013 at 12:22 PM

    Hi Courtney…Thanks so much for these great video Q&A’s. I just emailed you a question that I hope you’ll be able to cover at some point.

    • Courtney
      January 26, 2013 at 4:07 PM

      Thanks! I got your question! I’ll add it to the list! So glad to hear you are enjoying the videos!!

  • January 23, 2013 at 3:06 PM

    I love these Q&A’s, looking forward to the next one!
    The first time I took pictures in a really public area was on my university campus and I was taking pictures of the rain drops – At the time I felt comfortable because it felt like no one was watching/paying attention as they all had their heads down and were hurrying to get out of the bad weather. Later that week however, my teammate asked me if I’d recently been out taking pictures of the rain. Turns out in her dorm she’d been asked a few times if she knew the crazy girl in a rowing coat that had been taking pictures in the downpour… Oh well! I got a really cool picture and I realized I’m okay with being the crazy girl standing in the rain that people smile and roll their eyes at. It’s kinda fun.

    • Courtney
      January 26, 2013 at 4:08 PM

      Ha! I love that you got busted :) Too funny!! That is me. I’m sure my neighbors think I’m a nut job crawling around in the grass to get “the shot”. Thanks for sharing!

  • January 23, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    Great question! I definitely struggle with the whole feeling silly in public thing. I even feel pretty shy about taking pictures of friends when they are visiting or at their homes. Guess I’ll just have to try and get over it.

    Did you post your 365 project anywhere?

    • Courtney
      January 26, 2013 at 4:08 PM

      You should definitely do it more often :) I did have a blog for my 365 in 2010 but I took it down. I promise, you don’t want to see those photos :)

  • Kristen
    February 4, 2013 at 1:25 PM

    Hey Courtney! I haven’t been by in a while and I wanted to say that your blog is looking great!! I love the new font and layout :). I’m so impressed by how hard you work at your blog. I love this new (maybe it’s not new….I’ve been out of the loop) video Q & A. You are a rockstar, mama! I miss you :).

    • Courtney
      February 6, 2013 at 2:58 PM

      Thanks! It is a new look…just launched last week :) I’m so glad you enjoy the Video Q & A. It is fun to do! You are sweet, friend :)

  • March 28, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    I just started a 365 project and am definitely feeling these “weirdo with the camera” moments. Thanks for the encouragement to, well, get over it :-)

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