Best thing about photographing wildlife, they never want to talk with you.

David I agree--introverts make awesome photographers. I am an introvert. At its core, introversion isn't a matter of shyness--which I have successfully mostly overcome. It's all about where you "charge your batteries". Introverts must have the alone time to recharge. You are also correct that pushing yourself out of that shy comfort zone so that you are able to make basic communications with others in the discharge of your duties will result in more success as a whole. You can still retreat to alone time to recharge. And, it's a journey. We introverts need to quit putting ourselves into or out of the boxes of "I can" or "I can't". We're awesome photographers, well-suited to the craft.

@DavidBergmanPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Well said. :)

As an introverted autistic photographer, pretending to be someone else is the best method, I literally count in my mind 3 - 2 - 1 ACTION: - OMG, such a pretty dress, you look beautiful in it, where did you get it? I am interested in their stories and I really like to know about my clients, but I have to put that mask on and then as you say, recharge, listen to music, take a time to be myself or it will lead to a meltdown.

@GrymmsPlace

3 жыл бұрын

Add to that all the second-guessing, the 'am I being too 'over directy' of the model', etc. expecially with accomplished models. Maria. That is so accurate: 'putting the mask on'. Thank you for saying that as it really helps hearing it. For me, this is likely one the most helpful photography videos I have ever watched. For me, this video filled so many 'tick boxes' that have created giant stumbling blocks. The number of times that I have under-charged simply because I had mistrusted my own skills. Thank you.

I am an introvert and one of the genres that I find more intimidating is street photography :)

I am very introverted and cripplingly shy. I use photography as an excuse to interact with people, to bypass my social anxiety. It works!

As a hobbyist photographer, I didn't feel from the title I would like the video much, but I always like David's videos. I am so glad I watched because those were helpful points. My occupation requires me to BE the extrovert even though I am an introvert. Thanks for spending time on the topic.

I have some anxiety and PTSD I can tell you it's hard to get out sometimes. I have to force my self to just leave my home at times. After I get out or with client in studio I'm alright. It's just the first step that's the most difficult.

All of this! That's exactly why I shoot gigs, sports & events! Let them do what they want & just document it! :-)

Wonderful, valuable piece. Thank you.

Great video! Didn't expect that one coming! I was introverted back then but since I got my camera I feel much more confident specially when people doubt me I take shot edit em n after they are amazed pd what I can do with just a camera one lens plus an iPad pro for the editing. When shooting I am the man in charge cause I'm the one directing the people. Photography opened me to the world

Sounds like good advice, David. I always enjoy your straightforward approach to answering these questions. Take care!

Being an introvert does not mean being shy! I'm an extreme introvert but I'm extremely loud and like being around certain people for a time. That's the key...how much time. And, I have noticed that many photographers are introverted. It must be a job that's perfect for those who are introverted. So I choose to keep any photography shoots to a maximum of 2 people. Senior shoots, engagement shoots, couples in life environments, candids, etc. Thank you for doing this KZread. I brings awareness to introversion and photography.

Thank you, David. The struggle is real. What works for me is to remind myself about the end goal - seeing the final images, delivering images to a happy client, getting that feedback from a model or makeup artist. I always find an extra boost of mental energy knowing that end result is going to be so worth it. And of course, that downtime is critical! Give yourself permission to step away and recharge those mental batteries. Your next project will all the better for it.

Sean Tucker offered a much deeper advice than this although this is still a good opinion. Visit his channel and look for the video regarding as being an introvert and a photographer. He's an obvious introvert and genuine yet successful. Basically he is advocating to play to your strengths. Pretend only if necessary. It's toxic to the self pretending.

Wonderful Question and Answer

Photography is literally the biggest form of therapy for my introversion

I agree, for sure. Thank you, Mr. Bergman! 🙂

Well you just burnt my last excuse as to why I haven’t pushed my photography to the next level David. I really feel like I need to just get after it. Cheers.

Shooting FOOD is my happiness ^^ Especially the after work :D

I think it does not matter whether we are an introvert or extrovert or in between because the camera is an extension of one's own self quality and mind. It brings out and organized the quality of a person. A camera is also a good self organization and developmental tool. It is many different thing to different people, different photographers, and it makes a person special, be it introvert or extrovert.

I'm pretty introverted, landscape photography can be the perfect pursuit when you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of real life. But on the flip side, I also LOVE gig photography - it's noisy, a lot of bustle especially if you're in the action upfront, but it's like you create your own little bubble of reality around you. I'd say go for it!

Liked the advice

People are scary to me. It is why I pick subjects such as landscape, macro or wildlife. I also go windsurfing and photograph that too, but it is a solo sport. At school I did everything I could to avoid team sports. Even when out shooting wildlife or macro I put my camera away when other people are around. I always feel there may be questions or confrontation. It has lead me to missing many opportunities but also allowed me to find places where others are too lazy to go to.

I'm an introvert but I had to PRACTICE extroversion in my job as a corporate trainer. Like learning any new skill; practice, practice, practice

I have definitely used the camera as a buffer/excuse to talk to people. Nothing has been scarier in life for me than to approach a total stranger unless I have an actual defined purpose. I LOVE street photography and photojournalism so I love to be out and about with my camera. When I share pics online, I feel the caption is an important part of the presentation. If I see a street performer juggling on a sidewalk, I would much rather have a caption like "Jason from Santa Monica shows off his juggling technique, a hobby he's had his entire life" as opposed to "Man juggles near the street". Only way to get that info, whether I liked to or not, was to talk to them. The camera has really helped me get more comfortable talking to strangers.

Yes, and the pandemic has worked in my favor.... Hiding behind the camera really helps..

as an introvert and a photographer I have to force myself to get out there. Oddly enough though I dont have an issue with going to conventions. I can still be by myself in my own space while in that large crowd... I do have a issues one on one like I saw the great David Bergman at a PhotoPlusExpo but couldnt bring myself to go up and say hello big fan yada yada

@DavidBergmanPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Ah I don’t bite. Next time come say hi!

A great book Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking. by Susan Cain I highly recommend this book.

@EstablishedHeritage

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Oh man... this thumbnail! I know it is supposed to convey “introverted” but all I can think of is this would’ve made perfect album art for an 80’s balled covers album.

@DavidBergmanPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

My quarantine hair adds to the 80s vibe too. :)

Landscape photography is great for Introverts, alone in the landscape suits me down to the ground but agoraphobics dont apply

@EstablishedHeritage

2 жыл бұрын

Just looked up what agoraphobia is. Lol. Learned something today. Where can I start with Landscape photography? 🤔

@AGENT-J-bt2mm

Жыл бұрын

@@EstablishedHeritage find a landscape 😂 wow. Just typing that drained my energy.

I was a very successful salesman. Had a huge customer portfolio. And am an introvert. Defies common logic what a salesman is, I know. But most good sales people (my experience) are introverts. And I suspect so are portrait photogs.

I'm an introvert but put me in front of a class or a model and I switch into "acting mode" straight away and take control!

Deep

I am introvert and I am not that bad. The people who had shootings with me, were mostly happy and I am more sensitive and work more with feeling instead of technology and rude, direct behavior, most of the new insta photographers do today.

Yes.

How did I not know about "From the Vault"? Goodbye Thursday afternoon... ;)

@EstablishedHeritage

2 жыл бұрын

What's that?

I remember a Participant at one of my Portrait-Workshops. He asked me, how i "create" that expression in the face of my Clients. I answered him: I dont create that, i only let the room, that it may happen. Sorry, english is not my nativ speech. I am from Germany.

For the Miami Herald huh? How's your Spanish theses days? Asking as a friendly Miami local 🙂

@DavidBergmanPhoto

3 жыл бұрын

Meh, not very good. :)

i was terminated on msc for being introvert only 1 day in a gala night

Shy is not the same as being an introvert.

Easy answer: Yes they can.

Im sorry; your title is a bit click-batiy Introvers tend to need time away from people, you are talking about shyness or social-anxiaty.