What experiences with talking to and photographing people for a documentary project? How to get closed off people to open up more?
For a photographic project on masculinity and family.
Wanting to hear similar experiences and advice :)
Replies10
- @Oliver Clarke lots of long-form photojournalists spend extended time with cameras stowed. Otherwise, you become synonymous with the camera and it makes the process of documenting in an uncoloured way, almost impossible. If you are accepted as a person, the the camera is just what you do not who you are. Of course, this is difficult if you are on assignment but for personal projects it should be possible at least as an objective.
- @Oliver Clarke Anytime! Also, just having a conversation helps too
- @Andrew Rankin I agree I need more practice to define my own approach. I like your point about prioritising the sitter's worries, I get how being photographed can make someone feel vulnerable.Thank you for suggesting the subject writing their response to a question - I think that method will be very helpful in my project :)
- @Shay The Creative Helpful link! I watched this a few years ago thank you for reminding me about it :) Love Platon
- @Priyanka Pattni Thank you! The music is a nice idea, I know that would set me at ease :)
- @Justin Sutcliffe I think keeping the camera packed away is a good idea - a way to show you are truly listening and not just in it for taking a good photo
- In addition to what's already been said I think recognising the oddness of the situation can go a long way. You're the experienced voice when it comes to photoshoots so just explaining the process of the shoot can put people at ease - letting them know what's actually going to happen and how long you expect it to take . This has the added bonus of showing that you know what you're doing, which is very reassuring.Doing this also provides a space to find out about any concerns they may have, often I find there can be worries about time or presentation/posing, so take the time to work through these issues with them. Their concerns should take priority and be addressed as well as possible in the moment.In contrast to Justin I often get the camera out and set up early on. I like it being ready to go and visible as a reminder of why I'm there and so the subject can become acclimatised to its presence.I read about a photographer (unfortunately I've gone blank with their name) who had their subjects write down an answer to a question related to the project to get them into that mindspace before being photographed. Not talking at all can get interesting responses too.At the end of the day though I think your approach will go with your personality and elements of that will be visible in your photographs. So it's as much about getting yourself to the point where you feel competent and capable in these scenarios.
- Watch this:https://youtu.be/BDpqt-haLLM
- I agree, patience is key as well as respecting their boundaries. Having a few open-ended questions ready and then it can kind of flow from there but one thing i like to do with my models is putting some calming music, or music in general that they like so that they feel a little more comfortable and at easy.Ask the individual when they're ready and they are comfortable so you also get voiced consent and it's also respectful and it will be appreciated! Good luck, you got this!
- It’s a perennial issue. But my first suggestion is PATIENCE... keep all cameras visibly packed away until you have established enough trust.Demonstrate the fact that you are interested in their narrative.Even when you think you are ready.... try to spend as little time as possible actually taking pictures. Let your subjects know that their story and their personal comfort is more important than the photography. Over time, people will feel more comfortable with you and with the camera, and then you can be more instinctive.
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