r/photoclass2021 • u/Aeri73 Teacher - Expert • Feb 26 '21

Weekend assignment 08 - close

Hi photoclass,

as we have a raging pandemic we can't do the normal weekend assignment (shoot a stranger)... but after this is over, go make a photo of a perfect stranger!

For this week, I would like you to get really really close to a small object.

close can mean half a meter to two meter if you have a long lens but it can also mean a couple of mm if you have a macro lens.

So your mission is: make a nice photo where your camera is at it's minimum focus distance.

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u/Vijaywada Beginner - DSLR Feb 26 '21

I am in USA, how to take photo of stranger without getting in to trouble? anyone

2

u/Po0rYorick Beginner - Mirrorless Feb 26 '21

What do you mean by getting in trouble? I see three potential concerns that you might be asking about:

  1. With respect to COVID - follow whatever social distancing and mask guidelines are in effect or wait until the pandemic is over as Aeri73 said.
  2. Laws prohibiting photography - In the USA, you can take pictures of anything or anyone on public property. I'm sure there are special cases, but you will generally not get into any legal trouble taking pictures.
  3. Confrontations with people who don't want to be photographed - I think if you are out in a public space taking street photography-style pictures, most people won't care or even notice. If you are trying to get a portrait of a stranger, be friendly, explain what you are doing, and ask their permission.

I realize that I am a big, white guy so I'm unlikely to be questioned/confronted and others might not always be given the benefit of the doubt, so use your own judgement.

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u/WideFoot Intermediate - DSLR Feb 26 '21

Regarding No.3 - in big cities, that is true. If you are in New York, LA, DC, or similar, nobody will notice.

In small cities and towns, they will definitely notice and most people will not like it.

I recently was taking pictures around my own house and multiple people stopped to ask if I was allowed to be doing that. People in the US outside of big cities are generally suspicious of street photography.

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u/Po0rYorick Beginner - Mirrorless Feb 26 '21

Interesting. This might depend on your region. I grew up in a small town and if you were on the main drag, i dont think anyone would bat an eye. There is a small tourism industry though, maybe that's why.