How should I explain that I'm photographing in public just to practice or test gear?
Asked 9/6/2019
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2 answers
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When I'm taking photos in a public place for practice or to test equipment, people sometimes ask what I'm shooting and why. A blunt answer like “I'm practicing” can sound awkward or invite follow-up requests, such as asking me to photograph them or explain technical details they may not care about.
What's a polite, simple way to explain that I'm practicing or testing gear in public without sounding defensive, arrogant, or overly technical? Ideally, I'd like to keep the interaction friendly and positive while making it clear that I'm not necessarily shooting for social media or taking requests.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
15
I just literally tell people what I'm doing, though I remove any potential for suggesting I'm currently incompetent at my task.
"I'm testing this new lens in low light" or "I've got this new lens & I'm seeing how it looks"...
You really don't need to be very specific - keep the details very light. I'd avoid just saying "I'm practising" or that I'm testing a new ND filter, because they won't understand. Telling them it's something 'new to you' will cover the amount of interest most people actually have & everybody knows what a lens is. Also 'testing' sounds better than 'practising' though no-one will spot precisely what you said. If you get someone who is actually interested, or another photographer, then the conversation rapidly changes direction anyway.
If a vaguely interested non-photographer wants some pictures of them in that situation, I just take them. Get them to pose, feel like they're participating, show them how you'd talk to a model to get them to do specific things. "Push your chin forward, it makes you look slimmer. Don't lift your head, just push… that's it."
They learned a new trick & you only wasted 5 minutes max.
If they want copies I get their email address, but they don't get mine. I don't get a release [that would change the casual nature of the episode*] & I don't use the material. I also say as I'm just experimenting with the 'new toy' I'm not sure there will be anything worth seeing. If there is, I might send them one or two shots, low qual jpgs. The chances of me sending them are inversely proportional to the chances of them wanting to strike up any kind of relationship that doesn't involve them paying me for my future services.
*Always having releases in your pocket allows you to change your mind at any time during this 'free 5 mins', if you think you're actually going to get something usable from the chance encounter. Don't burn your bridges ;)
Addendum:
To be honest, a lot of this is just 'people skills'. Figure out what they actually want & deal with it appropriately.
45-year old bloke whose dad once had an instamatic: Give him more details than he can cope with & he'll go away.
Gaggle of teenage girls: Make damn sure they're properly & decently clothed & take a few snaps. Send them one for Instagram.
Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user57929
6y ago
0
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Keep it simple, friendly, and non-technical. A straightforward explanation like “I’m trying out a new lens” or “I’m testing how this camera works in low light” is usually enough. Most people understand “new lens” or “trying out some gear” better than “I’m practicing,” and it avoids sounding self-conscious.
You don’t need to over-explain. A light, honest answer works best, and if the person is genuinely interested, they’ll ask more. If not, they usually just wanted a quick, polite explanation.
If someone asks you to take a photo for them and you don’t want to, a polite decline is fine: for example, “Sorry, I’m just testing some settings right now.” That keeps the tone positive without getting into details.
In short: be honest, brief, and casual. Framing it as trying out or testing equipment is often clearer and more socially comfortable than saying you’re practicing.
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