Photography Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know

Like with many things in life, etiquette applies with photography, as well. And quite frankly, photography etiquette is something that is not usually discussed when it comes to this art. In this article, we share about everything you need to know about good photography etiquette.

Having a camera on hand comes with an obligation, especially when being amongst a crowd. It is not a license to snap random images of people, as not everyone is keen on having their photos taken by a casual photographer.

So unless you’re a professional or you’ve been described as that “annoying” shutterbug, you probably aren’t aware that much about photography etiquette. So read on and keep these pieces of information in mind the next time you take on the role of official photographer, whatever the setting is.

Play it discreetly

Many photographers seem to have the wrong idea about their role in certain situations. They tend to forget how their subjects should be the center of attention, not the shots they end up taking.

Sure, capturing that perfect image of the bride and groom’s first dance is a testament to your skills as a photographer. But ultimately, it is still all about the moment and not ruining it to get that shot that you want.

Try to be more discreet when taking photos. After all, the more candid the shot is, the more natural the picture will turn out to be.

Pick the right moments

The birth of the camera did allow us to encapsulate a particular moment in time and immortalize it through a still image. It also birthed this whole new attitude of wanting to document everything and not living in the moment.

With the risk of coming off as too preachy, life is meant to be enjoyed at the moment, and not through the lens of a camera. It is acceptable to snap a few shots from time to time, but these handful moments need picking.

So the next time you’re at your favorite band’s concert or on a road trip, put the camera away once you’re done taking your photos. You owe it to yourself to enjoy the more significant majority of the experience first-hand.

Seek permission

This applies both to taking a person’s photograph and posting it online. Since the dawn of social media and smartphones, the dynamic of sharing photos dramatically changed, and nowadays, these can be life-changing.

It all goes back to being considerate with people, as not many of them enjoy having their photos taken, let alone having them be seen by thousands of people they don’t even know. So make sure to ask their permission first to avoid any possible conflicts.

Engage

As a photographer, you’d still want your subjects to be in their element to exude a more natural overall feel. And being more engaging with them can very well help you in achieving this.

You can do this in many different ways like being genuinely interested in what your subjects are doing at the moment or breaking the ice with some casual conversation. These will help them feel more at ease and act effortlessly around you.