This is a new feeling for me...

[misstwinklytoes]

Shy.

Why do I feel shy or embarrassed when I'm out in public??? I am NOT a shy person? Is it ... what? Am I the only one who feels this way?

How do you get past it?

I'm confused.

 

[subscuck]

Are you talking in general, or when you have a camera around your neck, and a bag or back pack full of camera stuff, and maybe some other items that make you stick out like a sore thumb and you just know that everybodies looking at you, and what they're thinking? Nope. Never felt it...

 

[Overread36]

You need a bigger camera and a hat!

 

[misstwinklytoes]

Are you talking in general, or when you have a camera around your neck, and a bag or back pack full of camera stuff, and maybe some other items that make you stick out like a sore thumb and you just know that everybodies looking at you, and what they're thinking? Nope. Never felt it...

That, yeah.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Therapy.

 

[subscuck]

If you feel comfortable in your surroundings that goes away. I guess the only way to get comfortable is repetition. Some people, it comes easy. Others get a little self conscious when they know they're drawing some attention. I guess it's kinda the same as stage fright for musicians. The more you do it, the easier it gets.

 

[Stradawhovious]

Get a photographers vest, and a big cartoonish looking press pass to stick in your Stetson.

That will help.

No really, then instead of that creepy chick with the camera, you're just some kookie local.
People will still be looking at you, but they won't be hiding it anymore. It will probably loosen them up some too.

 

[rlemert]

You could take a lesson from the wildlife photographers and build yourself an urban blind. That way no one will know you're around, and they'll behave as nature intended.

You would probably get some great candids if your blind resembled either an ATM or one of those video rental boxes - especially if you forgot to put an "out of order" sign on it.

 

[Ginu]

I think people feel uncomfortable when someone is around with huge lens which tend to be intimidating. I kind of feel out of place when I'm the only one with a DSRL and a big lens attached at the end in a very public area.

Also whenever I see a photographer walking around with big cameras and lens, I always pay extra attention to where the camera is pointed and what kind of equipment the guy might be using.

 

[Geaux]

I've gotten ok with being out in public by myself shooting, but I get that feeling when I'm around friends who aren't into photography and I have that big thing around my neck. Adding my flash on top makes me feel even more ridiculous, especially when friends say stuff like "whoa, serious ..." or "That's a camera in that huge bag?"

 

[pharmakon]

I'm getting better with the whole camera stage fright thing. Most public places don't bother me any more, and that just comes with time like others said. I still feel awkward in some situations, like when I go to the pier to get some surf shots and people look at me like i'm some kind of creeper with a telephoto at the beach.

The tripod still does it for me too. I feel some self-conscienceness when I set up the tripod or some light modifiers because I look like i'm trying really hard to capture a photo of something half the people staring at me don't even notice.

Oh and I also don't like bringing my "big camera" out to places with friends or family in tow, because they are always in too much of a hurry to snap and run. But that's an entirely different frustration.