Teachers at my daughter's school were explaining the "comfort bubble" to the kids (give others breathing room, which would probably not work too well in Asia). Thinking about this from a photographer-subject perspective prompted the post.
I previously mentioned the space relationship with the subject and these are further examples. If you have difficulty getting close to others, which is a very abnormal thing to do in public with a complete stranger, practice as I did today where there are people who expect to be photographed. These were taken this afternoon at Mt. Vernon, Virginia.
Luckily, we visited during a colonial market festival. Breaking the ice with the actors there was easy. Try it at Sturbridge Village (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Colonial Williamsburg (VA), Ouro Preto (Brasil), and the list goes on.
Remember, show interest in their wares or profession first, then slowly introduce the camera and ask permission to photograph. I have yet to be turned down.
If you have small children (big ones aren't interested, aren't cute anymore and run the risk of frightening the subject - unless that's the effect you're going for), have them participate; they usually will out of their own curiosity.
Don't overstay your welcome and ask for an email address to send copies to subjects. Not only will they appreciate your photographs but will be more open to having their pictures taken by others in the future.
Have fun!
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