When You’re Too Scared To Take Photos…

[@liuberphotography]

I'm a street photography hobbyist and also a licensed psychiatrist. That being said, I am a person that gets anxious easily when I feel like someone is judging me. I find your tips on dealing with anxiety really useful, and somewhat similar in my everyday clinical practice on patients. Forcing myself to go out to take photograph and being mindful of the anxiety inside myself is my way of self healing and perhaps that is what brings my work, my hobby and myself all together. Thanks for the great video Faizal!

[@切腹-h1u]

this is really cool to read, thank you for sharing that. Im a psychology student, found myself relating a lot to this.

[@kurtpleavin]

I honestly feel that a genuine smile and a kind nod goes a long way to building trust in an unspoken way

[@jayfloresdigital]

Taking a friend with you can also help a lot.

[@aaronedgeart]

"Comfy being uncomfy"... dig it. Thank you Faizal.

[@danthegeetarman]

This is very reassuring to hear. As a beginner, I often think about this - so it's reassuring to know it's not just me

[@streetphotographyguy]

Thank you Faizal for this great video. I think being very open with you being a photographer is the thing which is most beneficial. Even if you get into some stressing or intimidating situations on the streets, the likelihood that you get out of it stronger and with more self esteem is high. So using every photo walk as a small confrontational therapy helped me personally a lot. Don´t hide - it's nothing wrong about being a street photographer. Even the people who might be skeptical at first will be the ones who will like your photos if you are just open about your photography and show them your work.

[@justnegrito_]

The handshake photo is INSANE!!! That moment was really fast, hard to capture. 🐐

[@AlexOnStreets]

Great advice! Best one, "understand the situation."

[@IntrovertAmateur]

This video really helps and I will put it into practise when I head out again on the streets. But the truth is as you said the fear won't go away. I just have to learn like you how to be comfortable to be uncomfortable on the street. I got approached a few time this year and it really hit me, when me call me out, are angry etc. When it happens my mood is usually gone for the day and being an introvert unfortunately my mind can't let go of that moment. But I'm doing my best to get the reps in to get more comfortable on the streets and avoid such situation by reading bodies as you said. Awesome video as always! And sorry for the autocorrection facial :P :D

[@RolandKaufmann]

It’s funny that I gravitated towards street photography because the act is very much out of character for me. That anxiety you described is like a baseline for me in social situations. For some reason the addition of a camera brings me to a different place mentally. A scenario that would normally freak me out becomes oddly calm, and even exciting. The camera gives me a reason to be there.

[@StoriesbyShihab]

I thought I started watching a film. Big fan of your work, Mr Faizal Wetcott. From Bangladesh

[@tonymartens2332]

Thanks Faizal for a great video. For someone who is in their 60's and just starting out in street photography it's encouraging to know it's ok to be a little weird.

[@meirsolomon5626]

Great video. Thank you for posting it.

[@avdidit]

god damn the production of this one is too good

[@danicee]

Good video! I’ve been taking photos for 16 years and the best tip I’ve learned is when I feel anxious or nervous I start walking. This tip isn’t ideal on transit like when I’m on the train but it’s great whenever I’m out and about, exploring and taking photos while running errands. When I have something to focus on it takes away the fixation on what I was doing, it’s basically redirecting my attention on something I’m more confident/certain of.

[@juandelcairo]

Dude, I loved this content. Actually this is a great sponsored video, I was just vibing with the jazz you chose. I was looking up to start working on my stuff playing music similar to this one because it got me inspired. Never thought it was sponsored until I got to that part of the video

[@simon359]

All good points! The biggest thing is just to get out there and shoot more and within a couple of years, it just won’t bother you about it much anymore. At least most of my fears basically went away.

[@jimschmidt7303]

faizal, as always I enjoy your photography, videoography, your skills to deliver a concept and to teach, and definetly your choice of soundtracks.

[@Loekie-de-leeuw]

I am 6’7, and although I very much like it, it also means it is very hard to be sort of incognito in public. Potential subjects often look/stare, which sometimes is an advantage but also makes it a little awkward to take a picture. This helps in getting accustomed to NOT trying to be incognito and just go with the flow. Thanks!

[@DanHintz]

Seems that people erroneously think that street photography means taking photos of people. If you feel uncomfortable taking photos of people, then take photos of clouds, or cars, or something that does not make you anxious. I shoot a lot in NYC, and I'm obsessed with the geometry of buildings mostly, so I feel almost no anxiety when I am out walking around shooting. That said, twice on photo walks in the last five years dudes tried to punch me, both times when they thought I was trying to take their photo when I was not. In both cases, my boxing training as a kid auto-kicked in, I ducked, and their punch missed. But the main thing is this: don't assume you must take photos of people. If you do photograph people, great, but be en garde. If you don't photograph people, no problem--just shoot whatever you want.

[@pverdicchio]

Thank you, Faizal... always enjoy your videos!

[@Ship-2-Shore]

Cheers Faizal, much taken on board from the video.

[@dkhromeev]

А никакого страха и не было, лишь стремление и усердная работа! 🤝🏼❤️‍🔥😮‍💨

[@tikapture]

Much needed tips. Thanks!

[@ral.isthere]

this is so well shot

[@KeinBierVorVierAlter]

Hey Faizal what flash are you using (4:45)? I got the Reflx Lab Mini Flash that is about the same size but mine has only one button on the back. Loved the vid, keep it up!

[@stefanmaass7053]

LightPix Labs FlashQ Q20II for sure - it has an integrated wireless trigger receiver so you can use it on and off camera.

[@juliewerner1553]

Thank you so very much, Faizal. You had plenty to say in a short amount of time. That's not easy! ❤

[@bene7174]

What camera and lenses did you use to shoot this video? The exterior shots look gorgeous.

[@seeyouaroundtown]

Great Winogrand at 0:40 😅 I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the subject as it affects everyone differently. Great video too, tally-ho from London!

[@eirethecapybara]

I'm a beginner street photographer, with only months of "experience" nowadays I just pull the camera out of my chest bag whenever I feel like it. Before I hesitated too much and lost photos out of fear. I won't lie to you, I don't get close enough to people as a precaution, but I feel like I've made a lot of progress in gaining personality on the street. It helps a lot that my xe3 with the 35mm f2, both black are relatively small. Unfortunately in this hemisphere of the earth it is not so easy to carry a camera in your hand or hanging from your neck all day. So it should be put away and taken out depending on how safe the place you are photographing feels. You also can't take pictures of anyone since there are many people who are very defensive, sometimes dangerous people. I could still just not risk it and leave the camera at home, but what fun is that? Greetings!

[@alanmonkartist]

I think it helps to do street work in a larger town/city as you can move around in the shadows, less visible to the masses who tend to have a lot of things on their mind and don't really notice a photographer snapping them. I mean that's the last thing they suspect. But if you shooting in a small town/village then you will stand out like a sore thumb, so you need to adapt to the different situations in how to go about snapping pictures. Maybe use a compact camera like a GR or even a Sony ZV1 if on a budget. Try to read people and don't be frightened to walk away from not getting the shot, knowing it's better to not get the shot over getting punched by some hothead on the street.

[@JamminJim42]

Really like your style Faizal, thanks so much for your videos. Cheers.

[@ByFoul]

Loved this. I dont express it, but introspectively this is me

[@alessandrocitterio]

I’m not a psychologist or so, but based on my experience, if someone experiences anxiety at doing something, probably doesn’t enjoy doing such a thing. I mean, when I go out and shoot, I want to be sure to not invade other’s privacy, but that is not anxiety. Having anxiety for something you should enjoy doing, isn’t a sort of alarm? I had anxiety when I was working in an office, or doing exams. But doing photography? Uhm, maybe street photography isn’t the right path to follow if you (in a generic way) have anxiety. Idk, it’s just a personal observation, but maybe something to take in consideration 🤔

[@nicolasguillenc]

the setup at 1:47 is cleannn

[@winslow_j]

Great video man! I relate a lot as an anxious person, so many good tips

[@65WZ]

Around 5:00 , I'm not used to that many people in one area 😅 Well, may be near the canteen back at school (70's)

[@deadmanraging8864]

I recently came back from a trip to Japan and while I was there I made the intention to kick fear to the curb and ask a person that I find stylish or cool to take a picture of them. I saw one really cool and slick gangsta looking dude in Osaka, I walked up to the dude and smiled, said he looked cool and asked I could take a picture of him and.....the dude was really offended and a bit aggressive saying No, why you do you want to a picture of me!? , no, no picture 😡". That kinda put a damper on me wanting to take pictures of strangers during the trip 😢.

[@Chockadlad]

5:35 Big fan of both you and Paulie B! Would love to see a walkie talkie with you on his channel :)

[@johnlarsson4437]

This was a fantastic insightful video. You provided things to consider which I’ve never even thought about before. Besides being insightful this was a fun trip with your thoughts as a photographer.

[@jaredpoole8136]

I found this so relatable I got anxious.

[@furkanozcan77]

Compliments for the thumbnail. Looks like a frame out of a movie. Good cover for this good production.

[@thisricardopalma]

Great video man! You don’t have to be a trained “anything” do give your perspective.

[@beingfilipinoiscool]

another fantastic video 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@matsefcik]

This one got me feeling all fuzzy inside

[@MohsenMS8]

What is the camera you are shooting with on 6:40 ?

[@nynikkz]

LOVE THIS!

[@matshagonius6022]

You made my day..... 🥰🥰🥰

[@KillerTacos54]

Fantastic video as always

[@Vishalbaharani]

thanks for this video!!!!! Awesome!!!!

[@samuelandro8015]

amazing video mate.

[@Joewufoto]

Faizal speaking wisdom

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

I hated the feeling from coming home empty handed...that was enough to light a fire under my a$$.

[@M_Teeboo]

I think if some shouted "show me now!" like that, I would go home.

[@pancakification3610]

@@M_Teeboo saaaaaaame! I’d be so embarrassed.

[@iainmacdonald7034]

🙏🙏

[@brianhinesley]

faizal why do you look so damn nervous during the train shots? LOL acting for the camera?

[@FaizalWestcott]

LOL yes hahaha

[@Sarah-qi5kw]

Be thick skinned, live in the moment

[@PumaM90]

I'm gonna make it awkward af if i meet a street photographer 😂

[@luuvuh]

Those nods in the markets made those ladies hearts flutter. ❤ "Handsome!"

[@wilburyuen]

I'm weird

[@neilparry9511]

Murderers row out there. Sheesh.

[@pk_fauxtaux]

🫶