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Scared to even go out

A TLR with waist-level viewfinder is one solution. Although people will see that you have a camera on you, you can make it less obvious that you are actually taking pictures with it.
I currently have a yashica d, it's been a lifesaver because most people relax when they see a vintage camera.
 
How do you like the northeast? I loved visiting the cities up there and even portsmouth was very interesting.
 
When I was young, we had no Walmarts, nor did anyone else. However things have changed and a family in Bentonville had a lot to do with that. I have not been there but have been east of there and remember clear, fast running rivers (photogenic), mountains, valleys, all sorts of things. You could have it worse, like if you lived in a big city and feared for your safety at the hands of thugs. Use a tripod and really blow the passerby's minds. Yours is a familiar story to a naturally shy person.......Hang in there!........Regards!
 
How do you like the northeast? I loved visiting the cities up there and even portsmouth was very interesting.

Love New Hampshire. It’s a lot like the Ozarks but milder summers, lower humidity, and even the snow is nice. There’s even a fair share of rednecks up here but with a funny accent. Cost of living is higher tho.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather be in the Ozarks and near family. But there's no work back home for the type of stuff I do for my day job. New Hampshire is the next best thing.
 
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I currently have a yashica d, it's been a lifesaver because most people relax when they see a vintage camera.

jcooke0113
i think you figured something out that is extremely important
the point is to be non threatening .. vintage cameras help that...
one thing that i found helpful is if you see a property / thing you want to photograph
go upto the person who is giving you the look introduce yourself and ask them about what it is you want to photograph
even ask if they want to have their photograph taken .. people are always flattered about that sort of stuff
and it usually is a good ice breaker ...
i sometimes have a few photos in my car and a biz card i give out so they know who i am and what i am about...
website on my phone is helpful too ...
being a known quantity, someone people see doing your/his/her thing is also important ...
not sure if you have found him or not .. there is a photographer here named colin corneau
https://www.photrio.com/forum/media/users/colin-corneau.23083/ who lives in canada
who has been photographing his town/city for years. he's a fantastic street/street candid portrait/ photojournalist/portrait/atmospheric/sense of place /photograph interesting people and stuff / fill in the blank
photographers you will ever see.. i'm always in awe of his work because he makes it look so easy
have fun and to quote bill murray in what about bill .. baby steppin' ...
john
 
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I currently have a yashica d, it's been a lifesaver because most people relax when they see a vintage camera.
So true. And with a camera such as the Yashica D, it is unlikely anyone will assume you are some sort of investigator collecting evidence.
 
I'm no good at lo profile, maybe because I can't resist asking people whazzup, even if I'm afraid. I didn't start out that way as a kid, but I discovered that it pays off. I'm still afraid sometimes but the upside is always there. The payoff is that everybody has an interesting story about themselves, or thinks they do.

Nobody ever asks me what I'm doing because it's obvious. As an aside, nobody knows what's "vintage" unless they're into cameras but a big camera on a tripod gives you some dignity (or sez yer nutz).
 

Not only do you get interesting stories, but also when security people or alike get an eye on you, I found it beneficial to approach them before they approach you.
 
Not only do you get interesting stories, but also when security people or alike get an eye on you, I found it beneficial to approach them before they approach you.

Well, this is if you are a social person. If you are not social, then you don't like to talk to people, you just observe. The social talkers will have an easy time with street portraits and asking permission.
 
So true. And with a camera such as the Yashica D, it is unlikely anyone will assume you are some sort of investigator collecting evidence.

Not always the case. I used Widelux at a Catholic street fair a few years ago and they threatened to call the police if I didn't leave. I was taking photos of kids. I had not learned as yet a man taking photos of stranger kids is a pedophile in societies eyes.
 

Yes, never argue. If people want to talk, that is fine. As long as words do not evolve into actions. Once there is an issue, walk away.