Cameras As Conversation Starters
Are you the type of person who probably wouldn’t strike up a conversation with a random stranger, but isn’t upset if they initiate the chat themselves?
Carry a camera, especially one with a big lens, and I almost guarantee people will approach you with questions.
I’ve been taking pictures for a long time, so of course I’ve noticed this phenomena over the years. But it’s jumped out at me more recently, for instance when we were at Agua Caliente Park this past fall …
During the two hours or so we were at the park, I had at least three pretty good conversations that started with some version of
“What kind of camera are you shooting with?”
One guy proceeded to show us some of his pictures, and let us know about some of the interesting animals (bob cats for instance) that we might see if we came back closer to dusk or dawn.
That was a chat I probably would not have struck up on my own. But it definitely provided me with some useful information.
Then these past couple of days in Chicago, I didn’t even have a big lens with me, it was just a 24-70 2.8L, but I carried the camera pretty much constantly. I ran into a couple of from Michigan the first day we were at our hotel, and we had a short conversation about where we were from, and our new sailors that would be graduating from basic training the next day.
Then yesterday morning before we left, I ran into them again in the lobby.
They remembered me!
We then had an even longer conversation about cameras, photography, weather, travel, and a few other things.
I suppose if you are a gregarious, extroverted sort of person this probably sounds like no big deal. But for those of us who are used to just keeping to ourselves, having a conversation with someone, instead of just surreptitiously taking their picture can be a nice change of pace from time to time.
Your Turn:
What are some unexpected conversations starter that you’ve discovered in your own life and/or hobbies?
Til next time,
Todd
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I remember once in a café, a stranger asked me what book I was reading. That random conversation ended up with us living together today and we are now close to getting engaged, so you never know where a random conversation might lead you.
Great topic! In my 63 years of life, ~55 years taking photos, I have not experienced any random conversations with others out in the field. Not sure if I’m not approached because I look too “focused”. My reluctance to approach others is mainly based on personal safety and security.
This is why I had joined local photography Meet-Up groups and other photography events, as well as Scott Kelby’s worldwide photo walk. I recall great conversations, sharing of experience, and meeting lots of interesting people.
This is also why I like the photography “networking” opportunities on substack. Someone posts a photo, it shows up in my feed, I like and comment, and usually a great conversation is experienced.
I just wish Substack had an official group for photography. My attempt to follow/subscribe to other photographers, whether amateur or professional, has been random, based on what I see in my feed.
This was a great question! Thanks! I hope you enjoyed Chicago despite our arctic blast.