I found a link to this article on street photography on the BBC website today. It's really interesting. There's also a link on it to a year-long project on street photography that anyone can contribute to. Plus, there are lots of great photos. :-)
Good article I read this on lunch, quite sad to think photography has taken this route and some out spoken characters on that forum, but in today’s society, I expect no different with people being weirded out by randoms taking their picture with no explanation at all.
More and more photographers are instantly seen as criminals until their work is checked and let along their way.
@azza_l So true! I've lost count how many times I've had people get right up in my face getting ready to lynch me, asking what I'm doing! Mostly I just say, "It's my job! I HAVE to take these photos here!" and hope it doesn't get violent. So far I've been lucky, but I hate to think I may one day have to use my heavy lump of a camera in self-defense!
And why is it that a dozen people can be snapping away with PAS cameras, but as soon as you take out an SLR people think you're some kind of threat to their very existence?!
I've never had any problems with taking pictures on a public street, but then again I have a small camera.
I think it has to do with common sense and respect. If you know someone doesn't want their picture taken, or if you even suspect they might not want their picture taken (if you are around a group of criminals, or people of a religion who don't like their picture taken, etc.), then don't do it.
Maybe legally you can take their picture, but you should remember that you aren't more important than the other person, and their feelings matter too.
i've just purchased a 'spy lens' from www.photojojo.com--it is an attachment that you put on the end of your lens with a movable mirror that allows you to snap photos less obtrusively. you point the camera in one direction, but because of the mirror the actual subject of the picture is to your side. so it is of value not only with street photography, but also with photographing children--if they are not aware you are taking their picture they will carry on more 'normally' and you can get a far more candid shot. i haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, but it came highly recommended.
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More and more photographers are instantly seen as criminals until their work is checked and let along their way.
And why is it that a dozen people can be snapping away with PAS cameras, but as soon as you take out an SLR people think you're some kind of threat to their very existence?!
Well, I'll stop ranting now. ;)
I think it has to do with common sense and respect. If you know someone doesn't want their picture taken, or if you even suspect they might not want their picture taken (if you are around a group of criminals, or people of a religion who don't like their picture taken, etc.), then don't do it.
Maybe legally you can take their picture, but you should remember that you aren't more important than the other person, and their feelings matter too.