Why would people object to having their photo taken?

Why would people object to having their photo taken?

Maybe there are several reasons the first thing comes to mind is they have a criminal background. Apart from that maybe another reason is the embarrassment, but one thing not thought of is safety. Maybe someone is working on electricity cables or in a hazardous situation that need complete concentration and along comes a tog distracting the person from what they are doing.

Just something to ponder on before taking photos of people

Bazza

Because most people are self-conscious, and to a degree, don't like how they look so much.

It's irrational.

I think for a lot of people it's simply the principal.

Think about the word - photograph 'taken'. Even if somebody has no 'reason' to object, the simple act of having their image taken without consent is a violation of sorts.

I think it's parly embarrassment, but also some suspicion, people don't want 'strangers' taking photos of them, they don't want to give a stranger an image of them, any more than they would give other 'personal' details to a complete stranger.

...take a group of workmen in the street, people are looking at them all the time as they pass, some interested in what they are doing, looking at the hole they are digging, maybe they say 'awright Mate!'...if you look like Joe Punter and point a camera at them generally they will start doing poses and putting their arms round each other for a laugh. If you are dressed in a suit and look like you are from company HQ or the council they will carry on working, heads down maybe asking who you are. If you point a camera at a police officer in the street, or the council litter warden, someone who perceives themselves to be 'authority' they are immediatly suspicious and start asking what right you have or use their powers to turn it against you. The average person in the street will feel puzzled and irritated they are the focus of your attention, 'what's it for?', 'why am i being photographed?', 'can they do that?' are questions asked in the head and may or may not be vocalised. Some of course will be more extrovert or not worry about it. I think it depends on your nature, what job you may do, who you are with (!), are you on your own or in a group etc. how you react.

Of course sadly in the big brother state the UK has become in the last 10-15 years, we are photographed and recorded by other means pretty much constantly. CCTV everywhere, car numbers recorded, what emails you send and which web sites you visit, plotting the location of your mobile phone 24 hours a day to name but a few...and that's just your average family adult who hasn't actually commited any crime.

Agree totally with the above posts - especially BC's. I feel terribly nervous taking photos of strangers. It's an area of photography I'd love to explore - but hell - I am terrified taking photos of people I know without asking their full consent, let alone people I don't! :/

xx

I hate having my photo taken, unless i have arranged to have it taken, so my hair is perfect, makeup is right etc... i always manage to get out of shots when i am not prepared for them.

It`s not irrational Azz, I look like a right horror and I know it all too well, I detest photos of myself, it`s bad enough accidentally catching a glimpse in a mirror without anyone freezing my image in a photo, bleuch

I agree with much of what has been said. I don't get asked to have my picture taken too often nor do I see people snapping shots of me, but naturally I am reluctant.

When shooting, I am so paranoid that I ensure that I'm not taking a photo of anybody. Sometimes though, I do - but I make sure they don't see me.

It's just instinct, I guess.

It is strange but I hate being photographed but have in the past been a model and been paid for it but somehow it seemed ok when it was a job but for someone to unexpectedly wave a camera in my face and I head for the bin bag.