Photography etiquette is something that you don’t hear about too often, as photographers are usually concerned about the latest shooting technique to get the best-looking photos and taking care of their digital cameras properly.

Of course, the purpose of photography etiquette is ensuring that you don’t needlessly hassle or otherwise inconvenience people while you’re shooting on location. Some of it is based on common sense; other aspects of it require a bit more thought.

Truth be told, though: unless you’ve experienced what it is to be around an inconsiderate photographer, you probably don’t have much use for photography etiquette.

The purpose of this article is to sound the clarion call for basic etiquette, even if you’ve never been inconvenienced by a pushy photographer. Those around you will thank you during your next shoot.

Try to Blend in With Everyone Else

This goes to intrusiveness. When you fail to blend into the environment around you seamlessly, you run the risk of making the event all about you – even if you’ve been invited to photograph it! The point is that there are still ways you can take pictures at an event without intruding on the people there.

Let’s say that you’re taking shots of a banquet or a reception. You could always yell, “Alright, people, let’s pose for a few shots right now!” or you could simply let them naturally and organically mingle (as they normally would) as you snap images of them without bothering them.

A great case can be made that going with this approach will even heighten the effectiveness and appeal of your shots because you’re photographing people in a more relaxed situation.

Be Courteous and Actually Warn People!

Sometimes, a small warning goes a long way. That’s especially the case when it comes to photography and making sure that you don’t needlessly disturb folks, if you can help it. It’s amazing how giving them a short, quick warning can work wonders. It’s not like it’s difficult or time-consuming to do so!

A prime example relates to a shoot around people who are working. If there’s one thing that people can’t stand, it’s being disrupted while they’re working. If you realize that you’ll disturb them somehow, just give them a warning in advance. This can come through an email, a sign a day in advance, or even leaving word with their workplace.

When shooting at an impromptu spot, try your best to warn those in the immediate vicinity once you’ve decided on a specific shooting location.

Permission: Get It!

Nothing makes people cooperate with your reasonable requests like asking them permission beforehand. Ask people’s permission because you take pictures of them.

One of the traps that many photographers fall into – especially amateurs just starting out – is that they believe having a digital camera is some sort of license to just take everyone’s picture. Well, guess what? It’s not.

If you fall into the habit of taking people’s pictures without their consent – whether that’s among your circle of friends or strangers at an event or get-together, you’ll sometimes find that some folks will put up resistance. Not everybody thinks they’re photogenic, and some don’t like to have their privacy intruded upon.

At any rate, you might even engender hostile feelings against you down the line, especially if you have to deal with the same people again. To avoid this, just ask their permission, and, naturally, respect their wishes if they decline. Take solace in the fact that many will still give their consent!

Think Carefully About What Gear to Use

This piece of advice ties in with basic considerateness so much that it’s amazing. The type of gear you use for any given shoot at any given location has an impact on how people in the area feel about you and the shoot itself. In other words, always think about whether or not you have a less intrusive option among your equipment choices.

Let’s say that you’re taking photographs in a bustling work setting. Well, in this scenario, using strong lights like strobe lighting isn’t the most considerate decision. Yeah, you need lighting, but maybe there’s something less glaring that you can still use during the shoot.

You obviously can’t please everyone all the time, yet you can cut down on how irritating you as the photographer are to people who don’t necessarily want to deal with you at that given time.

Be Engaging

This could possibly be the most important tip here since it helps to boost your chances of getting cooperation from people whose pictures you want to take. Just as with any other social situation, being engaging can move mountains because it relates to people in a personable way.

You can engage with those whose pictures you want to take in any number of ways. Some surefire approaches include:

• Expressing a sincere interest in what they’re doing.
• Starting off with a casual greeting to make them feel at ease.
• Talking to them in a non-formal and approachable way.
• Getting them to converse about topics they’re interested in, like their friends, family, hobbies and interests.

The great thing about being engaging in this manner is that it lowers people’s suspicions and defenses, allowing you to make a good impression. And when you make a good impression on total strangers, they’re a lot likelier to go along with your request, like taking their photograph.

Common Sense Mixed in With Customer Service

Look at these photography etiquette pointers as a mix of common sense and customer service. Although you’re not running a business, you’re trying to sell yourself as the photographer in these situations, and the people caught up in that commotion are like your customers. Please them and put them first, and you’ll get great cooperation and much smoother shoots.

Sometimes, it’s stunning to realize how many photographers won’t trouble themselves to incorporate at least some of these best practices. As you can see, they’re not hard to do or remember. The next time you’re on a shoot, try out these tips to see the positive reactions you’ll get.