Years ago at family events [children's birthdays] my mother-in-law and sister-in-law would tell me not to take their photographs. Later when the film was processed they would complain to the ex [we were married then], that there were no photographs of them. I would get in trouble with the ex. So for one of the birthday parties I convinced the ex to be out of sight but within ear shot when I approached the mother-in-law and sister-in-law. The ex heard them say for me not to take their photographs. The ex stepped out and chewed them out. I never got any grief from the mother-in-law and sister-in-law after that.
I get the same shit from the relatives. I photograph 'em anyway. They can put their hands up in front of thier face, make nasty faces, wave me off...I just move in like a photo journalist. I just photograph them as they are. Later they can see what a royal f%*ing pain in the ass they are. Such is life.
Yeah well, I was not saying anything like that.
Just commenting on the irony of all the digital Video and Pictures that have been taken, and then shared and passed around via email these last few years.....and everybody is thrilled with that.
But.....i snap 7 frames, with a circa 1990 Canon Sure Shot, loaded with expired color film, and all of a sudden people are annoyed with the concept.
If a smart phone pic makes them look ugly, it's because of the smart phone camera, and everybody knows it. If they look awful on a photo taken with your "big" camera, then ... and that's why they hate your camera.
Does anybody have family that likes your film endeavor? My fam are all about me and my big, dumb cameras. I make prints for them, they ooh and ah and hang it on their wall. Sounds like ya'll need some new family
I suspect the whole problem can be summed up in one word.....relatives.
I learned a long time ago not to ask anyone, just shoot, and do it quickly. You have to go into invisible mode, and if someone objects, just make eye contact and smile.