Need help

[gsnts725]

Hello.. noobie here...

I was just assigned a photo project where I have take a portrait that captures the subject's personality. My question is... how do you approach a stranger to do this project? I've approached people for interviews no problem (I'm a journalism major), but asking to take photos of someone is a new ball game. Plus, it's even more of a challenge when I don't know the person and I have to capture their personality as well. Any tips on how to approach this?

 

[dots]

How can we know the personality of a stranger? Only behaviour and appearance can be photographed.

 

[Geaux]

Does the photo project even mention that it has to be a stranger? You didn't mention that in your first sentence...

If its just a photo of a subject's personality, just find someone you know.

 

[gsnts725]

well we are going to do this assignment twice, the first time i can do someone I know but the next one I have to do a stranger. Plus I want to try and get over my fear of approaching strangers lol

 

[Geaux]

Just go up and tell them why you're talking to them and ask if they would mind if you used them as their subject.

 

[MLeeK]

Why does it have to be a stranger?
I photograph strangers every day. It's a matter of talking more and shooting less.
Getting to know them and how they interact with them will bring out their personality. While you are chatting and their real self is beginning to show you can capture the most amazing portraits.

 

[DiskoJoe]

100 Strangers - a set on Flickr

 

[gsnts725]

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