Photographing strangers is one of the most challenging aspects of street photography.
Most frequently street photographers aim for candid shots; pictures taken without the subject’s knowledge, and quite often they are presented with a difficult decision whether to ask for permission, to secretly photograph people or maybe find some compromise between the two.
Most photographers will develop some method or another to deal with this challenge in a way that works best for them.
1) Some photographers choose to secretly photograph people; Walker Evans employed this method while photographing people in New York City in the 1930’s and 40’s hiding his camera under his coat and capturing his subjects through a buttonhole. After talking to many street photographers through emails and blogs, I find that many of them often choose to photograph people using this approach and though I’m not a fan of this method, I recognize why many photographers will choose to be unseen as it gives them a truly candid and authentic looking photos.
They will typically take pictures using automatic compact cameras or even telephoto lenses so they can photograph their subjects from a “safe distance”.
2) Other street photographers believe that sneaking on people is morally wrong and therefore should be avoided. They rather ask for permission before taking pictures of strangers, arguing that even if not candid, engaging with the subject will always yield better results. And sure enough this method works just fine sometimes and I agree it can actually be rather fun, not to say interesting, to meet and learn something about the people you are photographing. However this technique is certainly not always practical and speaking for myself, I’m not always in such a frame of mind to stop and chat with everybody I photograph.
3) Finally there are those street photographers who simply opt for the “fast shooter” method which consists of making quick snaps without attempting to hide or be unseen. This method can produce candid photos however eliminate the creepy factor. I know it because this is how I shoot for many years now. People simply don’t get offended or annoyed just because you picked up your camera and took a picture.
You are in public and taking pictures in public is legitimate and most people get it. But people get awfully suspicious and even angry if they notice you sneaking up on them like you’re doing something wrong. As a “rule” I avoid photographing people who don’t want to be photographed. It’s their right and I respect it. Now, if I was secretly photographing them I would have taken that right away from them. Though I have to mention that at times I take pictures of someone, who, for various reasons, just doesn’t notice me, but as I don’t take compromising, offensive or questionable pictures to begin with, the risk of ever upsetting anybody is quite minimal.
If you really think about it you will recognize this method of capturing street photos makes a lot of sense because it demands that you adjust to the energy of the streets; quickly recognize your potential scene and grab it.
With some practice you’ll be able to make your picture just as you imagined it and before the scene changes forever. You’d be surprised how positive people’s reaction can be in the face of your confidence and candor.
And it won’t hurt employing your cute smile as well