Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When I first started photography, I was terrified to even take my camera out of my bag.
That might be hard to believe now, after 20 years as a professional photojournalist, but in the beginning, photographing strangers in public felt incredibly intimidating.
One of the first things that helped me overcome that fear was building my confidence gradually.
I started going to big festivals — Chinese New Year, Diwali celebrations and other busy public events where there were crowds, music and lots happening around me.
And I quickly realised something: Nobody was really paying attention to me.
Being in a crowd gave me the freedom to photograph without feeling like I was under a spotlight. I could blend in, experiment and slowly become more comfortable with my camera in public.
Over the years, I discovered a number of other techniques that helped me overcome the fear of photographing strangers — and they can help you too.
I’ve put them all together in my new YouTube video which is now live on my channel. Watch it via the link ➡️ youtu.be/mJSUHLrJ4rI
Don't forget to give it a like and leave a comment and let me know your experiences, both positive and negative, taking photos in public!
When I first started photography, I was terrified to even take my camera out of my bag.
That might be hard to believe now, after 20 years as a professional photojournalist, but in the beginning, photographing strangers in public felt incredibly intimidating.
One of the first things that helped me overcome that fear was building my confidence gradually.
I started going to big festivals — Chinese New Year, Diwali celebrations and other busy public events where there were crowds, music and lots happening around me.
And I quickly realised something: Nobody was really paying attention to me.
Being in a crowd gave me the freedom to photograph without feeling like I was under a spotlight. I could blend in, experiment and slowly become more comfortable with my camera in public.
Over the years, I discovered a number of other techniques that helped me overcome the fear of photographing strangers — and they can help you too.
I’ve put them all together in my new YouTube video which is now live on my channel. Watch it via the link ➡️ youtu.be/mJSUHLrJ4rI
Don't forget to give it a like and leave a comment and let me know your experiences, both positive and negative, taking photos in public!
