How do you ask?

[sabrina860]

About street photography... how do you ask someone if you can take their picture without feeling or seeming like a creeper? What do you do? What do you say? Do you pay them? Do you give them a business card? Do you tell them that their photo will be on your site/flickr?

[RLucas]

It really all boils down to how comfortable you are. Some people ask, some people don't. There are quite a few people I am sure that will chime in and say that street is all about the moment, and that you want the subject to act as naturally as possible. Asking would detract from that, as they would naturally be a little more tense, and try and pose.
I haven't done that much street, unless it was at a festival or something. That is my comfort zone at the moment. I would like to do more, and when I do, I would probably fall in the category of "it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission".
I am sure you will have differing opinions regarding this, but it really just comes down to how comfortable you are. Good luck with it! It is quite a challenge!

[andyw]

Originally Posted by sabrina860

About street photography... how do you ask someone if you can take their picture without feeling or seeming like a creeper? What do you do? What do you say? Do you pay them? Do you give them a business card? Do you tell them that their photo will be on your site/flickr?

Hmmmm, politely is the only way you can ask.

I guess it really all depends on what you are wanting or trying to portray.
To me "street photography" is more about people NOT knowing you are taking their pictures and shooting for the expressions and actions going on around you.

If you are noticed and approached then I always have a business card and also release forms with me. I explain what I am doing and why. 99.9% of the time there is no problem. The 0.1% get an apology and if asked I will delete their image or let them know that I will not use it if on film.

If I want to get a portrait of a "character" and cannot get it without them knowing then I will approach them and just ask and explain as above.
Same goes if I take a shot and think it could be used somewhere a release might be necessary. I will get the picture, then approach them and explain what I have done and why and show them the shot.
If I am trying to get a release then I will tell them I will send them a copy of the picture.

[Chaotic Beds]

Originally Posted by sabrina860

About street photography... how do you ask someone if you can take their picture without feeling or seeming like a creeper? What do you do? What do you say? Do you pay them? Do you give them a business card? Do you tell them that their photo will be on your site/flickr?

I agree with not letting them know, and talking to them afterward, if at all - some people feel pretty strongly about this issue though, whether for or against.

More than anything, it's about confidence. Act like a professional, and you'll be treated like a professional. If you act afraid, they'll have a reason to think what you're doing is wrong. A person's internal state is usually fairly transparent and other people can easily pick up and react to it.

I haven't ventured into this territory yet myself, because I'm very shy and haven't built up that confidence yet. But I've thought it through a lot... when I do, I'd approach the person confidently, make sure to smile, shake hands (and not all grossly limp), be honest and genuine... Ask if they approve of me shooting them, give contact info and where I'll be posting them, thank them... Strike up a conversation if possible (although my conversation skills are lacking). Confidence, honesty, positivity, friendliness, etc.

I wouldn't pay them anything, though. Unless they specifically asked for bus fare or something.

[PowerPix]

Pick a person smaller than you....and shoot away!

I shoot without asking, it's all about the spontaneity. If you act confident about it..even if they see you...you will have no problems. Continue taking photos of the surrounding area as well, you will seem less "creepy" that way.

I don't care if the come talk or not. "I'm doing a photography project on the local area of XYZ"

[dbevisjr]

Here's what I do. I put my camera on the tripod or monopod, camera bag on my back and start walkin'. I stand tall, look confident and pretend to know what I am doing. I take pictures of trees, buildings, rocks, cars, motorcycles, alligators, birds, alligators eating birds and so forth. Eventually some outgoing person says, "Hey take my picture!" Viola! Piece of cake. Problem is that my people photography skills... (what's the nicest way to say this?)... my people photography skills suck. I really need to work on that.

[Henry Wilt]

I'm one of those that Luke is talking about who will say that "Street Photography" is about catching the moment, leaving the scene undisturbed and getting a shot that is as natural as possible so I would never ask. That said, if someone questioned me I would explain what I was doing and if they object I would just erase the picture.

If you feel you need to ask why not get involved in one of the 100 Strangers Groups/Projects on Flickr. 2 good reasons for this, first it gives you the excuse for wanting to take the picture and something to discuss with the subject and secondly you'll get the motivation and support from the others in the group.

[Izzy]

I think it is a matter of reading people. If they notice you and make an obvious comment to their friend while trying not to point at you, it will mean that they probably don't want you taking photos of them. Usually once I have their attention unobtrusively I point at the camera and point at them with a pleasant look on my face. Their response will tell you all you need to know.

Most of street photography is about hanging out and observing. If you frequent an area people will get used to seeing you and pay you no mind. I think the longer you work a scene in this environment the better it gets as people get used to you and go about their lives as though you were not there. They get desensitized to your presence.

Now I am a street photography "dabbler" so I am sure you will find opinions here that differ from mine. If mine has fatal flaws I am unaware of them.

[eagle1984]

It is not a great idea to take pics of the people.
in streets.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by eagle1984

It is not a great idea to take pics of the people.
in streets.

Why on earth not?

Much of the worlds good photographs would not be around if everyone had that attitude.