Just get a tattoo while you’re there! Lol Maybe of a camera!!

Just say you’re looking to build your portfolio. Tattoo artists will 100% understand because they start out the same way - by offering to practice or carry out work for free to build a portfolio

You should communicate this to the tattoo shop just in case (if you didn’t already). Just say something like “by the way, I did just want to let you know, I’m just starting out. If you’re still ok with me coming by, but I will understand if you’d prefer I not.” Or something like that.

“so who are you and why are you here?” and im just going to die of embarrassment

Why would you die of embarrassment? You’re the photographer there to take a few pictures. You’re gonna have to get comfortable being around strangers and making them feel like they’re your best friend if you want to do portraits

As long as you don’t misrepresent yourself or become a pest, you’ve done nothing wrong.

Yes this is appropriate! Many if not all photographers do this starting out - it’s called trade work. Just let them know up front that you’re currently a hobbyist looking to learn and build your portfolio (it’s not too late, you can just shoot them a reply with like a date and time confirmation, thank you, and your “disclaimer”). Offer free unedited digital jpegs in exchange for their time (don’t offer actual raw files), and best case scenario is that they love the photos, post them on Instagram, and tag you. Worst case is that they don’t like them and just don’t share them - they’re not wasting any money. Either way, you’re gaining experience in a really fun way.

I’d echo what someone else said about getting a signed model release from each person you’re photographing, though, if you plan to actually use the photos in your portfolio or post them on social media. You can print off releases on paper and have them sign in person, or use Adobe fill and sign to send them via email.

You never need an excuse to make art and collaborate with people :)

Just be upfront, flexible, but also have some idea of what you’re planning to do. “Ok, I’d like to take photos of each of you in x position, perspective, and here’s how much time I’d like to spend”. You don’t want to overcommit to anything and I’ll find the right balance with the staff. Believe me, anytime someone gets a chance to get free photos, they may be asking if you can do this again - totally up to you, also good way to get traction on a small side hustle.

Be sure to get a wind angle shot of the shop to set the story. Ask the customers if it’s ok to photograph them, maybe ask why they are getting a specific tattoo. Bring a small note book, take notes. Also, have a shot plan.

It’s appropriate, and even if your camera isn’t top of the notch or you’re not a photojournalist for a newspaper (i doubt many of us are) you’ll get some photos, and hey, some of them will probably be good.

Maybe not “I’m a full time photographer for Vogue” good but definitely “the tattoo shop can post this on their insta” good.

And we all have to learn somewhere. I recently shot a local TedX for free, my camera gear is definitely not on the level of being a professional conference photographer, but i had a lot of fun doing it and even got some photos good enough for their social media (and that’s with a Canon EOS 1200D)

It’s fine, fake it till ya make it! Have examples of other tattoo pics you like and start there. I bet they will love stuff to put on their socials while you practice.

All great advice here. Here’s a little more. Think through and prepare for the lighting. Stop in to check out the lighting and say hello.

Google planning a tattoo photoshoot and tattoo photography lighting. You don’t necessarily need equipment, but you do need a plan. The plan may be to shoot the subjects sitting by a window or it might be a cheap ring light, LED panel, etc. Be cautious with pop-up flash as the light can be a little harsh, maybe look at modifiers to soften the light a bit.

by the time you read these comments, you would be done with the photos. Dont suffer, enjoy photography at every chance you get.

just do it, you followed your guy and got permission. as long as you dont get in the way or do something malicious during/after its all good.

most likely you will show up and be asked exactly that, why? because not everyone is in the loop so you just explain to them show them the message exchange and done

ALSO
no one knows the cost of your camera, cost doesn’t necessarily mean good either.

I’d tell them that you’re starting a tattoo site or a tattoo IG page and its free advertising because you are starting out. Use the word ‘share’ a lot…! And take a lot of photos…

You should buy some off camera lighting if you’re going to keep doing these. Once they put the ointment on a new tatt it will shine up if you use oncamera flash. Aim it at the ceiling… Ring lights are cheap!

maybe yes, maybe no.

If you want to continue your photography, you have to learn that you to get denied every now and then. Only way to avoid that is being overly cautious, never getting those opportunities to photograph what you like.

If you show up with a 300$ camera, and show interest in the tattoos and the craft doing them and take your time to get good photos, they will feel lucky. Even if a flagship smartphone could in principle perhaps take (in some regards) better pics. If someone sees me, another non-professional photographer, using my camera, they often wonder if I am a pro (while I don’t even carry a backpack nor have other gear around me).