While I share some captures from yesterday's walk, let me write some more tips and tricks that can hopefully make your job easier if you are struggling with street photography. It's the continuation from the previous post where I pointed out that number thing is to start taking many photos.
Actually even better mindset to have is that you are not "taking" photos and thus in a way exploiting other people, but rather "making" or "creating" something meaningful and they are helping you express yourself through this art form.
If you decide to do it, make sure to think about WHY you are doing it. That way, if someone stops you and asks why you are photographing them, you have a ready response. Honestly, this type of situation rarely ever happens but it's good to be clear with yourself and walk with confidence.
Here are a few general tips
Avoid colorful, bright outfits. Remember, you don't want to stand out but blend in with the environment.
If it's possible, use smaller camera, prime instead of big telephoto or zoom lens, minimal gear. People get spooked easier when there's big camera pointed in their direction, they might think you are from the media or following them. :D
Act as if you are making a video. Hold the camera high and walk slowly as if you are recording, while actually taking photos whenever something interesting comes along. People seem to care less in that case as they are not your main focus - a video usually means that there's no single subject but you are rather capturing the vibe of the city. You can even act like you are a tourist exploring a new place. Using LCD screen instead of viewfinder also helps to seem less like a professional.
Find a good location and start camping there. Set up a composition and wait for the subject. This is easier than walking to a subject because - it entails that you came to the location first and in a way "claiming" it as yours for the time being. So they would be interrupting whatever you are doing by walking past. Often times they will apologize or try to walk around you. There are tricks to prevent this but you'll have to figure them out with more practice.
Shoot from the hip. If you are just starting out and feel uncomfortable holding the camera high then you can try this. First, set up zone focusing on your camera, close the lens down to f/8 or more so that almost everything is in focus (obviously best to do it on a sunny day). Then hold the camera at your waste, preferably on the strap, and shoot the subjects as you walk by. You can do it blindly, and with practice one can compose almost perfectly every time. If you have the flip-out screen, then you can use it to look down and see the composition.
There you go, some things I picked up in the last four years since starting out. If you study the best street photographers that exist, you'll see they often look clumsy and confused, like they have no idea what they are doing and just learning to use the camera. While in reality documenting street life in a brilliant way.
Let me know if you try it. As promised, here are some captures from yesterday.
