Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

So, I have the urge to snap pictures of places I have been to yet not taken pictures of. Kind of like, the daily life pictures that you send to your folks. Now completely normal to you, but very foreign to those unaccustomed to it. For example, my grandmother has never traveled abroad so everything is interesting to her. Often I would visit tourist attractions with friends, but during those times I find the time to take pictures often slips me by. Sure I'd take plenty of pictures, but there are many places I never took a single photograph of - like simple scenes of streets where people live, hallways where people shop... Everything is different in some way and that makes it worth taking a memorable picture. So now I'm taking the big bold step to go out and do it all alone. But why does this concept bother me so much? I guess, since I was a young boy I've always had a bit of a nervous disposition. One that is particularly difficult when attention is drawn to me. Taking pictures by yourself does tend to draw a bit of attention. But anyway enough of my woes, I'd like to know if anyone has some tips for taking on the world with a camera, by yourself. And also, breaking through that strange shyness I've had most of my life. Something you feel "comfortable" doing with others but very strange when doing it by yourself. Does anyone else have experiences like that?

[ciccone_youth]

I know where you're coming from, it's always a bit weird to to things on your own.

I always feel weird and stared at when I eat alone at restaurants or cafes- it's normal and frequent at home, but not in Korea.

I think you should go for it, that's a great idea. Things here seem normal to you, but yea, think about your grandma or some of your friends, they'll never get to see it, so it's a good project.

Many people in Korea take pictures, so it shouldn't draw too much attention. Either way, just do it... we already draw so much attention by being foreigners, so what's a little bit more? That's what I think when I'm sitting alone in restaurants and reading, I shrug it off.

Good luck!

[Samantha]

I almost always have my camera with me in my bag. I take a lot of pictures in vehicles as I'm traveling around town or up to Seoul. I have a great digital camera that does really good with moving pictures. I take a lot of the pictures from taxis and buses, especially of the scenery.

Most of my friends know that I have the camera on me most times, especially when we're out at the bar, I have taken so many photos at the bar of the different/weird things they do there, lots of dancing on the bar pics.

[Starla]

I'm like you. I don't like taking pictures when I'm out and about by myself...makes me feel like tourist, so self-conscious. It's cool when I'm out with friends but that's when I always forget that I have a camera in my bag and I'm focussing too much on my friends and our conversation to notice my surroundings. That's why I like going out with friends who love to take pictures of their own because they keep me focussed on capturing the things around me. Then we snap away together.

I suggest going out with a friend like that if you feel awkward taking pictures by yourself. In that one moment that you snap a picture, you are opening up not only family and friends but the world around you to something they may never see in their entire lives. Think of that every time you hesitate taking a photo.

[Spartacus]

Eating alone in a food court packed with Koreans was interesting. The second time it was a lot easier. I am white, I don't speak the language, I am expected to be different. I can do whatever the heck I want, really, and no one will care. It's pretty cool. I hope I keep that attitude when I go back home. There are a lot of things we'd all like to do - like simply take a few pics, or whatever - that we don't because we would feel awkward. It's silly and I don't like it.

[Pooty]

I can't take my camera to work because I work in an R&D center and cameras are verbotten...but I know where you're coming from...there are lots of times when I wished I'd had my camera with me - plenty of scenes I've missed because I didn't have it with me.