Can a shy person like me indulge in photography?

I'm not exactly an introvert but I'm not an extrovert either. I'm just shy around people, even my relatives.So, I'm going to buy a Nikon D3100 soon and my mum told me that I have to be the one who takes photographs when there's a family event like a wedding or birthday or something. Obviously not professionally but I'm still nervous because I'm the kind of person who won't go around saying something like "okay you three, smile for the camera!" or going around taking photos of people. I prefer going out on my own or maybe with a small group of friends and take photos. What do you think about this?

Photography may help you change your nature. You may be more open towards people aftr you apt for photography. So go ahead. And dive into the world of SLR camera.congrats!

Well, One think I can guarantee you is, Weddings and family events. Put your camera around your neck there's no need to tell them to smile! Basically people will ask you "can you please take our picture!" And they will arrange themselves! The "OK, Smile" Thing only means your about ready to snap a picture! Personally I LOVE just to walk through the crowds not saying a word and snapping pictures that catch my eye! Natural pictures tend to come out the best! Try It! The cool thing is you can be your shy self and have fun doing what you like to do!

I used to be really shy as well and even though I do hobby photography, just for fun and enjoyment I still get really shy around people. I'm like you I hate having to walk around and say "ok you ready, smile" - but you know I found what really works is just carry your camera with you, go for walk even if it is just a family gathering and just take photos of your relatives ect. In natural settings. Natural settings are the best photos anyone could ever capture, it shows people doing things that they enjoy, if its the kids playing, or the relatives playing cards or a game, men cooking the barbeque or having a beer, women drinking wine and chamagne. People sitting around the table. When you stand around and organise people, they tend to fake a smile, or the little ones poke their tongue out at the last minute. And your standing their just trying to capture the perfect photo. Whereas if they are in a natural environment, you'll find that the photos that you take will be more natural, the people you photograph as well will have more natural expressions and facial expressions. Try it out and see how you go, I found it worked for me.

Practise makes perfect. All the best with your photography, hope you capture some lasting memories.

The best professional photographers covering events do not interfere with their subjects or proceedings. They move deftly without attracting attention and is usually ignored by most attendees. You won't know that your picture is being taken until you see the flash or hear the click. They make sure of it most of the time. During those rare times when they get caught are the times they end up with posed images.

MY BEST SUGGESTION…

go out of your way to find another friend who is interested in photography, or someone whom you can interest in photography, or someone who at least wants to help you by agreeing to be a subject, and go out shooting together.

take turns as photographer and subject.

the friend does not have to be an introvert or extrovert, but it might be helpful if both of you share the goal of studying and practicing both modeling and photography.

think about how you can learn from each other, and from just practicing.

talk a lot about their style of working, your style of working, how relating to your subjects affects the picture taking, what you are trying to accomplish or convey or communicate in your photos.

experiment, think outside the box, and take a LOT of shots of each other, some staged/planned and some not, and later discuss which ones you notice the most, what was going on when they were taken (technically and humanly), why you like or don't like them

above all, have fun, and good luck!

I learned from a really shy photographer (hey, Ron) back in the day. One of the first things I figured out was that it is easier behind the camera rather than in front of the camera. People who would otherwise not give you the time of day (doubly painful when you are shy) will stand patiently waiting your direction when you are shooting, (so there prom queens!) just relax and go with it.