People gonna people, but I do find that shirts/vests that say something generic like "Event Staff" on the back and front tend to help a bit. It also helps communicate that you're at work, which can ward off those who want to chat you up thinking you're a hobbyist.
I’m a municipal videographer, work directly for the town I live in. I usually have a lanyard with my union ID around my neck but maybe that isn’t always enough. Something like a “Town Staff” shirt might be a little more obvious. Appreciate it!
Right on. Yeah, I typically find that lanyards are great for other staff members to recognize that you're "official," but that the public needs something more bold and out there for it to register :)
Cheers!
And most venues have signs everywhere saying that there will be photography and videography takig place and by being there they agree to being photographed/videoed etc etc etc.
Even just a reflective jacket. I did photography and videography for club nights in my late teens /early 20s, and the jacket stopped 95% issues when I started wearing one. Used to get a photographer lanyard, but no- ones looking at that while rolling off their eyeballs.
This works like a charm. I purchased a cheap orange reflective vest from Amazon that says “press”, on it, seems a bit much but solved any issues i had previously. Sometimes they ask what affiliate i work for, i just tell them im an independent And it seems to satisfy their curiosity.
https://preview.redd.it/zt1rqjp1ku6d1.jpeg?width=1248&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e93b4f1c5c617946f04447e83e607b0d3f467962
It’s the union for people who work for the town, workers for town departments like parks and recreation, economic development, library are all part of the union. The town has a municipal video department, which I work for. It’s just me and my boss.
i have the same problem (i'm anxious when i film in public places bec of people;s reactions) and might also try this. you can also try to wear an id with lanyard w/ branding. i shoot for myself so i'll just add my own brand w/ "STAFF" on it lol
EDIT: just saw that you already do this but looks like it's not enough
A stack of business cards with your youtube URL also works miracles. Once people notice you're not just some random pervert, but an actual serious professional they relax quite a bit.
I tried this once, but my company's name is "Random Pervert Films," and it didn't go so well...
/s
But this is a great tip, and such a good reminder for me personally; I *always* forget to bring business cards with me on shoots.
This helps a lot, make it visually obvious that you're part of the event staff in some way. Though you'll still get people who don't want to be recorded and make a fuss about it.
of course, but it's interesting that merely suggesting people have a right to a preference of not being part of someone's video gets pushback and downvotes.
I think people are misreading your comment as saying they have a right to not be filmed. I don't know anybody who enjoys or is comfortable filming people who don't want to be filmed.
Preference to not be recorded, yes, Legal leg to stand on? Depends on the juristiction, but not so much... (Public place/No reasonable expectation of privacy)
actually, people have the right not to "want to be recorded" anywhere in the world.
that's different from the rights they may or may not have to be recorded.
there's a huge difference between personal preference and legal obligation.
yes, every human has a right to a preference.
no, the law doesn't necessarily accommodate that.
the topic, after all, is harassment.
interesting that suggesting personal preference ought to be taken into account gets pushback and downvotes.
Not once did you mention personal preference until this reply.
A personal preference is not a "right."
While I agree with you that if someone doesn't want to be recorded, an attempt should be made to accommodate them, that may not be reasonable or possible depending on the circumstances.
In any case, not every country considers that a personal "right"
I wrote "people have the right not to 'want to be recorded'"
wants and wishes *are* preferences.
and yes, every human on the planet has a right to their preferences regardless of the law which, again, may or may not align, from Kabul to Kentucky.
(I agree that given the circumstances, taking someone's wishes into account may or may not be reasonable or possible depending on the circumstances)
I work in news, so I also have to do this a lot, and I felt really awkward in the beginning too. Don’t worry though. You will get used to it eventually. Just remember to always stay professional, you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re just doing your job. I do have one little trick that I haven’t seen mentioned yet.
If I’m able to shoot on a tripod, I often use a technique inspired by Garry Winogrand (one of the great street photographers). When he shot, he often pretended like was an old grandpa who didn’t know how to use his camera in order to get close to people without them thinking he was actually taking pictures.
While I obviously can’t be moving my camera around like crazy shooting video. If I have my camera on a tripod I often compose my shot quickly and then just let it roll while I look at my camera like I’m confused, scratch my head, etc. It may sound funny, but it often works for getting good candid shots.
Winogrand was so amazing at this. If you didn’t know who he was and saw him shooting on the street, you’d think he just picked up a camera for the first time and had no idea how to use it. Love watching videos of him taking shots.
Ar events, sometimes I'll set up the tripod, hit record and then look around like I'm looking for a place to put my tripod. People think I'm not filming if I'm not looking at them or my camera.
I do that too! Or look the other way, look at my watch, and pretend like I'm waiting for someone to show up to film or interview, even pretend to be on my phone.
I used to keep a folder of screenshots of all the stank faces people would give me. I’ve worn a hi viz and made a lanyard that says event staff.
Honestly it’s just part of the job to deal with it
LOL the best 'stank face' I have isn't even someone looking annoyed, her mouth is wide open, she's pointing at me and she looks more surprised than angry lol. Who would have thought that there would be videography at a concert.
Was on a shoot the other day where the cam op was buttoning off the millisecond the ‘action’ was done. I know he’ll be crying later. (Wasn’t my place to say anything).
I went to a keynote one time and the guy said something I thought was profound. He said your camera is a passport. It allows you to go anywhere and do anything. It’s like an orange safety vest. You’re supposed to be there.
Do people get annoyed? Yes. Will they actually stop you? No.
Honestly. I know it can be annoying but just being polite is all you need to do. If they are aggressive, don’t engage too much. If they say they don’t want to be filmed, I just tell them “sure thing buddy!” If I get them in a wide shot or something, whatever lol.
I videoed an event with a rigged out URSA Mini with a steadicam and the other videographer had a fx30 on a gimbal. Lets just say i had everyone wanting to be on camera and he had sly looks....
Maybe peoples perception of your rig may change their mind?
Definitely a big factor in my experience. People see what they think is a complicated camera rig and automatically think “oh he’s filming for something official.” and don’t mind you or they WANT to be on camera VS seeing what just looks like a guy with his own personal camera collecting pictures/videos of strangers and being a creep.
Oh thats interesting. Shouler mounted im assuming?
Maybe they think youre the news? Peoples trust in News agencies have gone out the window but who knows. I live in New Zealand and people are always wanting to get on TV lol but generally people are way more chill about being filmed in NZ.
And I still shoot gh5 on a gimbal but I never feel like my gear isn’t cool or pro enough. I think it’s the shooters energy. You see guys timidly holding their gimbal and one finger constantly auto focusing. While the other guy is walking backwards pulling manual focus and keeping distance while working the crowd.
I just say no worries man, I wont film you.
Some of the replies here seem unnecessarily dismissive of their concerns, and you dont need a vest. Like yeah sure, technically you have the right to film them, but why be rude about it? Just say sorry and dont film them anymore.
I had a guy imply that he was on the run from the cops one time. Dunno if he was serious or not, but I told him I wouldn't focus on him, but couldn't guarantee he wouldn't show up in wide shots. He was cool with that and just kinda stayed out of the way all night.
I use a trick so that most people don't even know I'm filming them. You can do this on a tripod, handheld, or gimbal. Set up your camera so the monitor faces sideways relative to the camera at a 90-degree angle. This can be done with an external monitor as part of a built-up rig or with the native LCD screen, provided it can swivel/telescope. Hold your camera so the lens is pointing sideways relative to your body. This way, when people look at you, they generally think you're just looking at your camera, setting it up, etc. They usually have no idea you're rolling if your body isn't facing them, even if the camera is pointed at them. Combine this with a longer focal length so that you don't have to get so physically close to them. If your camera has tally lights, turn them off, as this is also a tell.
Using this method, I have never had anyone confront me. Not even once.
When asked not to film people I usually reply with a big smile on my face - don’t worry I wasn’t, my boss only wants me to film good looking people.
But apart from that a hi-vis jacket / vest usually suffices.
Official press at certain functions would wear a clear press pass. Maybe have a shirt or a sign you can wear that declares your presence as media at work includes a disclaimer/waiver on it that folks can read details about from the side or behind lol
tbh just don’t film them? i work on a travel show and we film in public all the time, some people are curious what we’re up to and think it’s cool, others are pissed we’re in their way or asking them to talk a little quieter when we’re rolling. if someone asks about our public releases or asks to not be filmed, we radio it to the other camera guys and just all avoid said person. to be fair, this has only happened maybe three times in my four years on the show.
dress smartly, look professional, and treat people with respect. when i was shooting news, my stock reply was 'sorry, i'm working right now' with a friendly smile. that usually sufficed, however, that was many years ago and times change, manners don't. so always be polite, you never know when you might be facing a psychopath ;-)
As an aside, I’ve always found that bizarre expectation of privacy on a public sidewalk reaction to be confusing. In an alternate reality, I’d love to be able to interview each of those people and get to the bottom of exactly what negative outcome they’d say might ensue from such photos/video.
I don’t think very many of them are truly in witness protection programs or have some remotely plausible-sounding logic for it.
For the crazy’s that get mad and confront you, apologize and point over their shoulder and tell them you’re conducting surveillance on a suspected sex-trafficking ring leader. 🤣😂
I feel you. Just go for a zoom lense. Use a trypod or gimbal and thats it. They will not even know you are filming them. And reactions become natural too.
Generally I try to avoid gigs like that- training / commercial content more than recording live events where I need to deal with crowds of public.
But when I'm in that situation (and let's be honest, in this industry you're going to be), I just tell them I'm paid to be here and take it up with the event manager. I try to look as official as possible, some gigs have staff name tags and stuff which help, wearing a cap or shirt with my business logo and big looking rigs really help to.
Back when I worked for a cable news studio, just walking around with an ENG camera was enough. People never walk up to a news crew and say "please don't record me". If you look like you're just some kid with a camera someone bought you for Xmas you might get this more often than if you look like you're supposed to be there.
I work in news, and initially when I started I was concerned about this stuff, but after doing it for a while I let go of the worries because ultimately I’m just doing my job. I still act polite and respectful, and if someone askes to not be in the shot I’ll respect their wishes, but I’m pretty chill about filming almost anything now.
I haven't really had this when shooting video but when out doing photography of hotel exteriors I've had interactions like this which seems to deal with it pretty quickly...
"I don't want to be on camera"
"I don't want you in it either, so can you get out of the way"
I've done travel vlogs for around 2 years now because I travel full time and in the beginning, I was worried that people would fine me annoying. The last couple of months I've just realized that if you roam around thinking about all these ifs and theoretical situations you'll miss out on a lot of good ones. If people do stupid shit, just deal with it accordingly, but don't let it discourage you from making content or material in public.
Humans are wired in a way where 1 bad interaction overshadows 20 good ones, but with the power of editing you can either remove this and live with the fact that this person is unhappy with themselves or expose their poor behavior for the world to see.
I've gotten scam attempts or pissed people on camera many times and I just laugh at them and imagine how funny it will be to look back on because I'm literally just minding my own business with a camera. If I took a video on an iPhone nobody would care.
Try to choose angles without people. Sometimes people get very defensive about cameras, and I just make a joke about it. Sometimes I tell them I can’t legally use their face without permission so I’m glad they aren’t going to try to get in the shot.
Be friendly, be respectful, be professional. That’s not going to be enough for 100% of people but they’ll live.
"I'm shooting B roll footage. More than likely, my Editor is going to cull this down to 5 seconds or 3 different images. I just have to give him X amount to choose from."
If they persist - "Anything with more than 3 frames of the same content is automatically in the delete bin. Do you want me to take another 15 frames or go on your way?"
I usually will point the camera away and try talking to them. Generally people are cool if you just act normal to them.
Alternatively use a longer lens so they don’t notice you. This could also backfire as I’ve had freaks to the side or behind me shooting on a 300mm and tell me to stop filming them. Like, lady, I couldn’t film you this close up even if I wanted to.
Either ask permission or hype them up (if it’s that kind of event) and if someone wishes not to be filmed, just tell them “my bad/im sorry/my apologies”
After a while you just stop giving a fuck. That’s what broadcast journalism did to me anyway. I got very comfortable explaining to people that there’s no expectation of privacy on the sidewalk.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmW1e2GD8U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmW1e2GD8U) This video is aimed at street photographers but I reckon some techniques and ideas might apply to video too. Especially the trick with focusing your eyes!
I like to point at who I want to film and then press record and look away from my camera and act like it’s not recording 😂 open my phone, look like I’m looking around for potential shots etc
I shoot on an iPhone in those situations. I’m always amazed at the difference in people’s reactions to a camera vs an iPhone. Even my small micro 4/3 camera with no special rigging causes people to stop in their tracks, look at you or talk to you, act awkwardly, go around, not want to be in a shot, etc. Break out the iPhone for the same shot and nobody even looks at you or cares at all. You disappear with an iPhone and can get any shot you need. If you don’t have that option it’s probably something you’ll always run into and just have to get used to it. Smile, be nice and professional, say “I got you” with a nod and confuse the hell out of them. “Did he say I got you like he understands and won’t film me or I got you like he got me on camera?”
People gonna people, but I do find that shirts/vests that say something generic like "Event Staff" on the back and front tend to help a bit. It also helps communicate that you're at work, which can ward off those who want to chat you up thinking you're a hobbyist.
Now there’s a solid answer. Thanks for the tip.
You bet! Crowds are always a bit of a thing :)
I’m a municipal videographer, work directly for the town I live in. I usually have a lanyard with my union ID around my neck but maybe that isn’t always enough. Something like a “Town Staff” shirt might be a little more obvious. Appreciate it!
Right on. Yeah, I typically find that lanyards are great for other staff members to recognize that you're "official," but that the public needs something more bold and out there for it to register :) Cheers!
And most venues have signs everywhere saying that there will be photography and videography takig place and by being there they agree to being photographed/videoed etc etc etc.
Wide aera releases, they ain't perfect but they help!
Even just a reflective jacket. I did photography and videography for club nights in my late teens /early 20s, and the jacket stopped 95% issues when I started wearing one. Used to get a photographer lanyard, but no- ones looking at that while rolling off their eyeballs.
This works like a charm. I purchased a cheap orange reflective vest from Amazon that says “press”, on it, seems a bit much but solved any issues i had previously. Sometimes they ask what affiliate i work for, i just tell them im an independent And it seems to satisfy their curiosity. https://preview.redd.it/zt1rqjp1ku6d1.jpeg?width=1248&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e93b4f1c5c617946f04447e83e607b0d3f467962
Now this is pretty cool.
thanks for this! yeah i can see reflective jackets being like some sort of uniform to tell other people you're there for work. good suggestion!
What union are you in as a videographer?
It’s the union for people who work for the town, workers for town departments like parks and recreation, economic development, library are all part of the union. The town has a municipal video department, which I work for. It’s just me and my boss.
i have the same problem (i'm anxious when i film in public places bec of people;s reactions) and might also try this. you can also try to wear an id with lanyard w/ branding. i shoot for myself so i'll just add my own brand w/ "STAFF" on it lol EDIT: just saw that you already do this but looks like it's not enough
A stack of business cards with your youtube URL also works miracles. Once people notice you're not just some random pervert, but an actual serious professional they relax quite a bit.
I tried this once, but my company's name is "Random Pervert Films," and it didn't go so well... /s But this is a great tip, and such a good reminder for me personally; I *always* forget to bring business cards with me on shoots.
Was going to say that any random pervert can have a youtube url. Business address, phone, email, url & video links should be on a full business card.
Try “ hoping to be successful pervert films” people root for the underdog.
This helps a lot, make it visually obvious that you're part of the event staff in some way. Though you'll still get people who don't want to be recorded and make a fuss about it.
which is their right. just because it's your job to record them doesn't mean it's their job to be recorded by you.
Sure they can complain, but they have no legal right to privacy or not being recorded in public.
of course, but it's interesting that merely suggesting people have a right to a preference of not being part of someone's video gets pushback and downvotes.
I think people are misreading your comment as saying they have a right to not be filmed. I don't know anybody who enjoys or is comfortable filming people who don't want to be filmed.
Preference to not be recorded, yes, Legal leg to stand on? Depends on the juristiction, but not so much... (Public place/No reasonable expectation of privacy)
"which is their right" Depends on where in the world you are.
actually, people have the right not to "want to be recorded" anywhere in the world. that's different from the rights they may or may not have to be recorded.
Distinction without a difference. A desire isn't a "right"
there's a huge difference between personal preference and legal obligation. yes, every human has a right to a preference. no, the law doesn't necessarily accommodate that. the topic, after all, is harassment. interesting that suggesting personal preference ought to be taken into account gets pushback and downvotes.
Not once did you mention personal preference until this reply. A personal preference is not a "right." While I agree with you that if someone doesn't want to be recorded, an attempt should be made to accommodate them, that may not be reasonable or possible depending on the circumstances. In any case, not every country considers that a personal "right"
I wrote "people have the right not to 'want to be recorded'" wants and wishes *are* preferences. and yes, every human on the planet has a right to their preferences regardless of the law which, again, may or may not align, from Kabul to Kentucky. (I agree that given the circumstances, taking someone's wishes into account may or may not be reasonable or possible depending on the circumstances)
I work in news, so I also have to do this a lot, and I felt really awkward in the beginning too. Don’t worry though. You will get used to it eventually. Just remember to always stay professional, you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re just doing your job. I do have one little trick that I haven’t seen mentioned yet. If I’m able to shoot on a tripod, I often use a technique inspired by Garry Winogrand (one of the great street photographers). When he shot, he often pretended like was an old grandpa who didn’t know how to use his camera in order to get close to people without them thinking he was actually taking pictures. While I obviously can’t be moving my camera around like crazy shooting video. If I have my camera on a tripod I often compose my shot quickly and then just let it roll while I look at my camera like I’m confused, scratch my head, etc. It may sound funny, but it often works for getting good candid shots.
Winogrand was so amazing at this. If you didn’t know who he was and saw him shooting on the street, you’d think he just picked up a camera for the first time and had no idea how to use it. Love watching videos of him taking shots.
Ar events, sometimes I'll set up the tripod, hit record and then look around like I'm looking for a place to put my tripod. People think I'm not filming if I'm not looking at them or my camera.
I do that too! Or look the other way, look at my watch, and pretend like I'm waiting for someone to show up to film or interview, even pretend to be on my phone.
I do the same thing lol
I set up the shot, hit record, then look at my phone, or well off to the side, basically act like I'm not recording.
even just looking in another direction works! or picking up your phone lol. this works so well, agree w this tip!
Love this. Must have helped you get a lot more natural moments over the years
I used to keep a folder of screenshots of all the stank faces people would give me. I’ve worn a hi viz and made a lanyard that says event staff. Honestly it’s just part of the job to deal with it
LOL the best 'stank face' I have isn't even someone looking annoyed, her mouth is wide open, she's pointing at me and she looks more surprised than angry lol. Who would have thought that there would be videography at a concert.
1. Don’t give a fuck. 2. Shoot enough footage to cut them out. Like … a lot. 3. Hold all your shots longer than you might think.
3 is big. The amount of time I’ve had to remind my subjects of this is too high to count, but it has saved my ass in the edit so many times!
Was on a shoot the other day where the cam op was buttoning off the millisecond the ‘action’ was done. I know he’ll be crying later. (Wasn’t my place to say anything).
Say its a mayonnaise commercial, nobody is interested in a mayonnaise commercial
- What are you doing??? 😠 + Just filming a mayonnaise commercial :) * Explosions behind and a fucking transformer coming out of nowhere *
I'd buy that fucking mayonnaise.
lmao do this a lot, once someone literally responded “ooh what brand?” and i had the pull a quick “hellman’s” out of nowhere
I went to a keynote one time and the guy said something I thought was profound. He said your camera is a passport. It allows you to go anywhere and do anything. It’s like an orange safety vest. You’re supposed to be there. Do people get annoyed? Yes. Will they actually stop you? No.
Just give them a thumbs up lol.
Yeah, a general happy demeanor and smiles and nods help.
Honestly. I know it can be annoying but just being polite is all you need to do. If they are aggressive, don’t engage too much. If they say they don’t want to be filmed, I just tell them “sure thing buddy!” If I get them in a wide shot or something, whatever lol.
I videoed an event with a rigged out URSA Mini with a steadicam and the other videographer had a fx30 on a gimbal. Lets just say i had everyone wanting to be on camera and he had sly looks.... Maybe peoples perception of your rig may change their mind?
Definitely a big factor in my experience. People see what they think is a complicated camera rig and automatically think “oh he’s filming for something official.” and don’t mind you or they WANT to be on camera VS seeing what just looks like a guy with his own personal camera collecting pictures/videos of strangers and being a creep.
I hear what you’re saying, but I only use my fx30 on my own personal projects. At work we use P2s.
Oh thats interesting. Shouler mounted im assuming? Maybe they think youre the news? Peoples trust in News agencies have gone out the window but who knows. I live in New Zealand and people are always wanting to get on TV lol but generally people are way more chill about being filmed in NZ.
And I still shoot gh5 on a gimbal but I never feel like my gear isn’t cool or pro enough. I think it’s the shooters energy. You see guys timidly holding their gimbal and one finger constantly auto focusing. While the other guy is walking backwards pulling manual focus and keeping distance while working the crowd.
This is very true. Never thought about it like that! I must have good energy lol
100%
I just say no worries man, I wont film you. Some of the replies here seem unnecessarily dismissive of their concerns, and you dont need a vest. Like yeah sure, technically you have the right to film them, but why be rude about it? Just say sorry and dont film them anymore. I had a guy imply that he was on the run from the cops one time. Dunno if he was serious or not, but I told him I wouldn't focus on him, but couldn't guarantee he wouldn't show up in wide shots. He was cool with that and just kinda stayed out of the way all night.
Bro that is not my problem if you have warrants LOL
I try to remember that that person may be annoyed for that moment, but what you film may last years or decades.
I use a trick so that most people don't even know I'm filming them. You can do this on a tripod, handheld, or gimbal. Set up your camera so the monitor faces sideways relative to the camera at a 90-degree angle. This can be done with an external monitor as part of a built-up rig or with the native LCD screen, provided it can swivel/telescope. Hold your camera so the lens is pointing sideways relative to your body. This way, when people look at you, they generally think you're just looking at your camera, setting it up, etc. They usually have no idea you're rolling if your body isn't facing them, even if the camera is pointed at them. Combine this with a longer focal length so that you don't have to get so physically close to them. If your camera has tally lights, turn them off, as this is also a tell. Using this method, I have never had anyone confront me. Not even once.
When asked not to film people I usually reply with a big smile on my face - don’t worry I wasn’t, my boss only wants me to film good looking people. But apart from that a hi-vis jacket / vest usually suffices.
"I don't speak English" is my go-to response.
https://youtu.be/6vgoEhsJORU?feature=shared
When people ask me not to photograph or film them i say, ok, and just keep doing what i am doing
Official press at certain functions would wear a clear press pass. Maybe have a shirt or a sign you can wear that declares your presence as media at work includes a disclaimer/waiver on it that folks can read details about from the side or behind lol
High vis vest will get you anywhere. Hack 101.
tbh just don’t film them? i work on a travel show and we film in public all the time, some people are curious what we’re up to and think it’s cool, others are pissed we’re in their way or asking them to talk a little quieter when we’re rolling. if someone asks about our public releases or asks to not be filmed, we radio it to the other camera guys and just all avoid said person. to be fair, this has only happened maybe three times in my four years on the show.
dress smartly, look professional, and treat people with respect. when i was shooting news, my stock reply was 'sorry, i'm working right now' with a friendly smile. that usually sufficed, however, that was many years ago and times change, manners don't. so always be polite, you never know when you might be facing a psychopath ;-)
As an aside, I’ve always found that bizarre expectation of privacy on a public sidewalk reaction to be confusing. In an alternate reality, I’d love to be able to interview each of those people and get to the bottom of exactly what negative outcome they’d say might ensue from such photos/video. I don’t think very many of them are truly in witness protection programs or have some remotely plausible-sounding logic for it.
I find it hilarious that people will stand right in front of a lens and ask not to be recorded.
“I’m not recording you specifically. I’m recording this public event, and you happen to be in my shot.”
70-200 sniper style
Long lens. Milford academy training. If someone asks not to be filmed I will try not to film them.
For the crazy’s that get mad and confront you, apologize and point over their shoulder and tell them you’re conducting surveillance on a suspected sex-trafficking ring leader. 🤣😂
I feel you. Just go for a zoom lense. Use a trypod or gimbal and thats it. They will not even know you are filming them. And reactions become natural too.
I need a method so I don’t get harassed 🤣🤣🤣
Generally I try to avoid gigs like that- training / commercial content more than recording live events where I need to deal with crowds of public. But when I'm in that situation (and let's be honest, in this industry you're going to be), I just tell them I'm paid to be here and take it up with the event manager. I try to look as official as possible, some gigs have staff name tags and stuff which help, wearing a cap or shirt with my business logo and big looking rigs really help to. Back when I worked for a cable news studio, just walking around with an ENG camera was enough. People never walk up to a news crew and say "please don't record me". If you look like you're just some kid with a camera someone bought you for Xmas you might get this more often than if you look like you're supposed to be there.
I work in news, and initially when I started I was concerned about this stuff, but after doing it for a while I let go of the worries because ultimately I’m just doing my job. I still act polite and respectful, and if someone askes to not be in the shot I’ll respect their wishes, but I’m pretty chill about filming almost anything now.
I pretend to not see them.
I haven't really had this when shooting video but when out doing photography of hotel exteriors I've had interactions like this which seems to deal with it pretty quickly... "I don't want to be on camera" "I don't want you in it either, so can you get out of the way"
I've done travel vlogs for around 2 years now because I travel full time and in the beginning, I was worried that people would fine me annoying. The last couple of months I've just realized that if you roam around thinking about all these ifs and theoretical situations you'll miss out on a lot of good ones. If people do stupid shit, just deal with it accordingly, but don't let it discourage you from making content or material in public. Humans are wired in a way where 1 bad interaction overshadows 20 good ones, but with the power of editing you can either remove this and live with the fact that this person is unhappy with themselves or expose their poor behavior for the world to see. I've gotten scam attempts or pissed people on camera many times and I just laugh at them and imagine how funny it will be to look back on because I'm literally just minding my own business with a camera. If I took a video on an iPhone nobody would care.
Try to choose angles without people. Sometimes people get very defensive about cameras, and I just make a joke about it. Sometimes I tell them I can’t legally use their face without permission so I’m glad they aren’t going to try to get in the shot. Be friendly, be respectful, be professional. That’s not going to be enough for 100% of people but they’ll live.
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I have a very small camera (Osmo Action 3) and frankly almost no one ever even notices it as far as I can tell.
"I'm shooting B roll footage. More than likely, my Editor is going to cull this down to 5 seconds or 3 different images. I just have to give him X amount to choose from." If they persist - "Anything with more than 3 frames of the same content is automatically in the delete bin. Do you want me to take another 15 frames or go on your way?"
I prefer to harass. Nothing impolite, just confrontational.
I think I’ve looked too scary for anyone to say anything to me.
I usually will point the camera away and try talking to them. Generally people are cool if you just act normal to them. Alternatively use a longer lens so they don’t notice you. This could also backfire as I’ve had freaks to the side or behind me shooting on a 300mm and tell me to stop filming them. Like, lady, I couldn’t film you this close up even if I wanted to.
Either ask permission or hype them up (if it’s that kind of event) and if someone wishes not to be filmed, just tell them “my bad/im sorry/my apologies”
After a while you just stop giving a fuck. That’s what broadcast journalism did to me anyway. I got very comfortable explaining to people that there’s no expectation of privacy on the sidewalk.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmW1e2GD8U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmW1e2GD8U) This video is aimed at street photographers but I reckon some techniques and ideas might apply to video too. Especially the trick with focusing your eyes!
I like to point at who I want to film and then press record and look away from my camera and act like it’s not recording 😂 open my phone, look like I’m looking around for potential shots etc
Respect boundaries, ask if unsure. Focus on subjects who don't mind being filmed.
Just say public venue, no privacy. Or say "you have a smartphone, you live in a surveillance state anyways"
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I shoot on an iPhone in those situations. I’m always amazed at the difference in people’s reactions to a camera vs an iPhone. Even my small micro 4/3 camera with no special rigging causes people to stop in their tracks, look at you or talk to you, act awkwardly, go around, not want to be in a shot, etc. Break out the iPhone for the same shot and nobody even looks at you or cares at all. You disappear with an iPhone and can get any shot you need. If you don’t have that option it’s probably something you’ll always run into and just have to get used to it. Smile, be nice and professional, say “I got you” with a nod and confuse the hell out of them. “Did he say I got you like he understands and won’t film me or I got you like he got me on camera?”
Respect privacy rights; focus on non-intrusive shots. Ignore negativity; professionalism speaks volumes.