Fears About Going to Hutong to Take Photographs
  • Fear of being physically assaulted: I worry that some people might get aggressive if they don’t want their picture taken.
  • Fear of being perceived as “weird”: I feel anxious about how locals might think I’m strange for taking photos of them or their surroundings.
  • Fear of being yelled or cursed at: I’m concerned that I might face hostility or get yelled at by people who don’t like being photographed.
  • Fear of getting strange looks: I worry about attracting the attention of passers-by or locals and receiving judgmental or confused looks.
  • Fear of intruding on privacy: I concern that photographing strangers without permission could be considered disrespectful or invasive.
  • Fear of misinterpretation: I’m afraid that people might misunderstand why I’m taking pictures. They might think I have bad intentions, which is not the case at all.
  • Fear of conflict: I feel anxious about the possibility of having a confrontation with locals over photography. I don’t want to get into any arguments or uncomfortable situations.
How to Overcome My Fears

Fear of Being Physically Assaulted:

  • Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: I will be mindful of the environment and the people around me. If a situation feels uncomfortable and people are getting mad, I will prepare to explain immediately and apologize of taking photos about them.
  • Travel in Groups: I would stay with one or few of my friends for added security and support, which can help deter negative interactions.

Fear of Being Perceived as “Weird”:

  • Engage with Locals: Before I take photos, I can start chatting with people first. Getting to know them a little can help me feel more comfortable and make them more open to having their picture taken.

Fear of Being Yelled or Cursed At:

  • Be Respectful and Polite: I should always respect people’s boundaries. If someone looks uncomfortable, I’ll just apologize and move on without pushing it.
  • Choose My Moments: It’s better to take photos when people are busy doing something else. They’re less likely to react badly if they’re focused on their activities.

Fear of Getting Strange Looks:

  • Use a Small Camera: I’ll try to use a smaller camera or even my phone so that I don’t attract too much attention. This way, I can blend in better.
  • Blend In: I would dressing in a simple and stay in a small group, so I look like a tourist. If I act naturally, people are less likely to notice me as an outsider.

Fear of Intruding on Privacy:

  • Ask for Permission: Whenever I can, I should ask people if it’s okay to take their picture. Being friendly and respectful can lead to better interactions.

Fear of Misinterpretation:

  • Clarify Your Intentions: If someone questions me, I can explain my purpose of taking photos, which is a project for school’s photography class. Many times, being honest can help clear things up.
  • Share Your Work: I could offer to share the photos with the people I photograph. This shows that I didn’t offend anyone and just want to appreciate what I see.

Fear of Conflict:

  • Practice Conflict Avoidance: If things start feeling tense, it’s best to just walk away and avoid the conflict. It’s not worth getting into a fight over a photo.
  • Stay Calm and Polite: If someone confronts me, I’ll try to stay calm and respond politely. Keeping cool can often help ease the situation.