Ask a Celebrity for an Autograph or Photo

Depending on where you live, a celebrity spotting can be a common occurrence. However, for the majority of us, spotting a celebrity might prompt us to act rashly, awkward, or shy. And, if it is a celebrity you are particularly fond of, you might be compelled to ask them for their autograph or take a picture with them. However, before you wander over to the celebrity, make sure they are alone, or at the very least, not busy with family or business matters. Once you approach the celebrity, always remember to be polite, direct, and conscientious of their personal space and time. If you can remember to do these things, then your dreams of having your favorite celebrity’s autograph or picture taken just might come true.

Steps

Assessing the Situation

  1. Don’t approach a celebrity when they are with their family. As a general rule of thumb, it is not the best idea to ask a celebrity for their autograph or a picture while they are with their family. Celebrities want to be able to spend quality time with their families. And, for security reasons, celebrities who are with their children generally do not want to be approached by the public. Therefore, your chances of getting an autograph or a picture are quite low if a celebrity is with their family.[1]
  2. Don’t interrupt a celebrity. Similar to the family situation, if you see that a celebrity is on a date, at an important business meeting, or having dinner, they generally do not like to be interrupted.[1]
    • If you have to, wait for them to finish what they are doing, whether it is eating or in a meeting, and then attempt to approach. Attempt to approach them only when they have finished signing their check and are getting up from their seat and putting on their coat.
  3. Plan what you will say. Plan ahead by knowing what you will say to the celebrity. Phrases that are appropriate are, “May I have your autograph?” or “I really like your work, may I have an autograph or a picture?”
    • Don’t say things like, “I really hate to do this, but may I take a picture with you?” or “I really didn’t want to bother you, but my friend wanted me to ask…” If you really “hated” it, then you wouldn’t be asking. It just does not seem sincere.
  4. Have your materials ready. No celebrity likes to be interrupted by a fan that is fumbling with his or her autograph paper and pen, or with their camera in order to get a picture. If you are going to ask a celebrity for their autograph or picture, commit to it by having your materials prepared beforehand.
    • Have your pen and paper sitting in your back pocket so you can pull it out swiftly if they agree to an autograph. Or, have your camera ready and on the correct settings so you can take a quick snap.[2]

Approaching the Celebrity

  1. Let children up front ask first. The chances are that you are not the only person who has spotted the celebrity from afar. Consequently, there might be other people, including children, asking for an autograph or a picture as well. Let the children go first. Don’t push ahead of them or shove them to the side so you can get your signature. The celebrity might find this offensive, and might not sign your paper or take a picture with you.[3]
  2. Be polite. When asking for an autograph or a picture, always be polite. Say “please” when asking, and say “thank you” when they have signed or after the picture has been taken. Remember that celebrities appreciate manners, too.[4]
    • Don't scream at them. You will probably scare them off if you do this.
  3. Don’t ask them to sign multiple things. Be aware that there are people out there who make money from selling pictures and signatures online. Besides your own memorabilia, if you are trying to get another autograph for a friend or a family member, then that is fine. But trying to get five different things signed seems greedy and suspicious.[3]
    • Try not to ask them to sign odd things, like body parts, clothing, toilet seats, and other unconventional things. The celebrity might find it offensive and you will not get an autograph.
  4. Be time conscious. If a celebrity agrees to take a picture with you, don’t turn it into a photo shoot. Be aware that celebrities have places to be, and that there are other people waiting to get an autograph or a picture, too.
  5. Respect their personal space. Don’t try to get too close or touch the celebrity when asking for an autograph or photo. For example, some celebrities are sensitive about their hair or their clothes. If you respect their personal space, and follow the celebrity’s lead on how to act around them, they will be more willing to acquiesce to your request.

Tips

  • Don’t interrupt celebrities if they look busy or preoccupied.
  • Act normal, and be polite and courteous.
  • Do not overreact if the celebrity says no. It might not be a good time.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.autographu.com/10-rules-of-autograph-etiquette/
  2. ↑ https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/01/15/how-to-take-a-selfie-celebrity-without-being-totally-awkward/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://38pitches.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/so-you-want-an-autograph/
  4. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/05/02/how-to-take-a-photo-with-your-favorite-celebrity-an-etiquette-guide/
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