People And Cameras

It is hard to say what side of the lens is better, behind it or in front. To me it is really a matter of personal preference. I prefer to be behind the lens, taking the photos, much more than I enjoy being photographed. I tend to have an unnatural look in front of the camera. Often time, I don’t get nervous as mush as I just behave as though I’m know I’m being watched, witch is an unnatural manor. I believe that to be in front of the lens you need presence in a portrait, a point of view for a document, and newsworthiness to be a story. So in some sense it can be easy to be in front of the lens, per say a lavish photo shot for a big star. On the other hand not so easy if you’re a war victim like in Muniz’s “Memory Rendering of Tram Bang Child” where the subject is a child in horrid pain and anguish. So I believe that it really depends on where, what, who, and why a subjected is photographed. The reason for photojournalism.
So once again I’ll state that I believe I am best behind the lens. One of my advantages is that I am a personable individual. Until this class I didn’t take photos of strangers. In my most recent photos I ask some people to take their picture. Here is what I do. First as I approach the subject I make it clear that I am heading towards them and look like I have something to say. Then I approach them, as I reach them I introduce my-self with a proper handshake, or other appropriate greeting. I explain I am doing a report/story for a class and I’d like to use them as a subject. First, I let them know what will be used for, and then I explain the shot I had in mind, and also tell them that they can see the photo after it is taken. As long as you don’t come off as a weirdo, most people are quite willing, and often times it make them happy that someone wants to take a picture of them. From my experience people are pretty comfortable if you keep them in their normal environment and within their normal public behavior (comfort zone). What I find funny is that after a little explanation about what your looking for then they usually get in front of the camera and usually even willing to take directions.