Fashion Bloggers' Problem Solved - How to Respond to Rude Bystanders While Taking Outfit Pictures (Fashion Blog Post)

What on earth is that woman doing!?!?!?!?!

I'm taking outfit pictures for my fashion blog.

Leave! Me! Alone!

Luckily I live in a neighborhood where most residents are polite and nonjudgmental. When I take outfit pics outside, posing in unusual positions, neighbors leave me be, and try not to inflict embarrassment.

However, once in a while, I do get under-the-breath-but-loud-enough-to-make-recipient-feel-mocked sneers from bystanders.

As much as I'd love to say to them, "what the f*ck are you laughing at," I always hold my tongue.

There are enough problems in the world. I don't need to create more.

 

But hey. Here on my blog, a fashion blog, I can ask for sympathy.

Especially if you've dealt with the same problem with rude bystanders.

And if you have, perhaps you can use one of the responses below. I've created them especially for fellow fashion bloggers who received similar treatment during photo shoots.

Fashion Bloggers' Problem Solved - How to Respond to Rude Bystanders While Taking Outfit Pictures

1. Count, grin and bear it.

Breath, grin big, and count to 10 in your head.

Counting helps mute your surroundings. I use the same method in running, and it works like a charm. Whenever I feel like quitting, I count to a preset number in my head, and repeat until the finish line. A small mind game like this helps me stay focused through distractions.
 

 

2. Look away.

Don't look at the rude bystanders, and don't look at the camera either. Look away as if you're lost in a dream. Doing so helps you escape the present.

Also, side shots look great in photos.

 

3. The All-American Salute.

Warning! Do NOT do this if you aren't prepared for a fight. You should probably get ready for at least verbal assault. I recommend practicing cursing, as well as a fake New Jersey accent.

Try to pick the right opponents too. Preferably someone smaller.

Snobby lady across the street? Yes. Lanky teenager with "Nerd Pride" sweater? Bring it. Biker dude with skull tattoos? Don't even think about it.

 

In case you need a full-on description of the All-American Salute, here are the steps:

Your middle finger, that is.

BIG-HUGE-swing. Make it as dramatic as possible.

Keeps holding. And keep smiling too. Point is to make them as uncomfortable as they've made you.

 

4. Say hello and wave.

As the person passes by, smile, wave, and say loudly, "hey! How's it going? Good seeing ya. Enjoy your day!"

Pretend you are friends, or even cousins. Be as nice as possible, but speak loudly and firmly. (Doesn't work if you aren't confident.)

This is probably my favorite one, and one I practice the most. It's like calling someone out without getting into it, like saying "don't f*ck with me," but with a smile.

And they usually won't f*ck with you anymore.

 

5. Sign it.

Okay, this is a bit extreme. But a written explanation of your intentions satisfies others' curiosity, and hiding behind a sign makes you more comfortable.

 

Hey fashion bloggers, you got anything to add?

How do you respond to rude bystanders?