Everything Street Photography

Here's another shot of mine. I tried to go all BW for a day but went back to color part way through. I do like the shots in BW.

I'm new and looking for honest criticism. I took this in Hollywood on a Saturday and was amazed at the gentle way this guy worked with his balloons. I have to say I'm shy about getting in peoples faces with the camera. It's hard when half the people in LA seem to think you should pay them if you take a picture on the sidewalk. I'm not talking about posing someone with zorro or or batman, just shooting life as it unfolds. Any advice? I do smile and wouldn't dream of being rude.