daldds Loc: NYC

There have been a lot of posts during the last couple days on street photography, so I decided to start a different thread about technique and shooting strangers. I’ve been doing it for about 15 years now, and I am completely comfortable with it, which is exactly the opposite of when I started.
If I see someone who looks interesting to me, for any reason…hair color, clothing, action, I never ever just start shooting. I do not want to grab a shot and run. I want to be able to “work the scene.“

I start a conversation with my camera over my shoulder, that conversation begins with something about the person. I engage the person so that he/she/they know that they are being heard. Only then do I express my interest in photographing them. Many times they will ask why I want to shoot them, and I answer with one of several stock replies: hobby (true), camera club (true), taking a photography course (sometimes true)…you get it.
None of the four images here is the first shot. Nor are any of them wall hangers. I just want to show that even in a city like New York, perfect strangers can we models.
Do I ever feel threatened? No, because I don’t wander around in areas that are threatening. Also, at nearly 87, I don’t think I look threatening either, nor did I when I was in my early 70s.
If any of you hogs would like to share your experiences on learning to be street photographers, and show some examples, feel free to put them in this thread.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Very nice!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Flyguy beat me to it, but I'll use it anyway.

Very nice.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I don't do much street photography - but when I do I always ask permission.
Nice shots!

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

For me, it depends on how far away I am. If I’m across the street, then probably not. But if my potential subject has an interesting face, then I always ask. I’ll confess that I’m a sucker for older men with fluffy white beards! I’ve only been turned down once.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

"Shooting strangers on the street"
Didn't they just arrest a guy in D.C. for doing that?

FrumCA

Shooting street scenes is difficult genre. To me it's one of the most interesting and challenging to do well. I particularly enjoy seeing photos of people living out their daily lives. Thanks for sharing these images and explaining your methods for getting them.

BebuLamar

The tittle of your post is quite scary. "Shooting Strangers on the Streets"

daldds Loc: NYC

At least I am not.

BebuLamar

These days there are enough people who do shoot strangers on the street with a rifle.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Fine work! The Old Soldier is a wall hanger.

johnec Loc: Lancaster county, PA

Great tips. Thank you.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The last one by far is my favorite.

mvetrano2 Loc: Commack, NY

Interesting approach, and very nice shots.

rdemarco52 Loc: Wantagh, NY

Great shots. Especially like the last one.