People Photography-How to Approach?

[polymerique]

Folks,

I am an amatuer photography hobbyist. I use Canon Rebel XTi 400D with
I) 18-55 mm
II) 50 mm
III) 70-300 mm Canon IS Lens.

I always want to take people photography at markets, shopping malls etc.

The question is how to approach them? When you take people pictures, do you ask for their permission?
Let me know.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.

saTeesh

[brian00321]

Depends on how and what you wanna' shoot. If you plan on taking 'decisive-moment' type pictures and doing the whole HCB-wannabe thing (nothing wrong with that--I do it all the time), then asking for permission and approaching them might not be your best best. (Waiting for that special moment or expression is, however.) But then if you do get a picture and they protest afterwards, even if you have a great shot, it might leave a bad taste in your mouth to where you wanna' toss it. Street and candid shooting can be pretty touchy, in this regard.

If you don't mind posed pics, then asking for permission should be the easy part if you're good with people. Just don't be all sleazy about it. (Like that one guy with a Leica, 28, and a flash on youtube. Can't remember his name.) Be carefree, and have some fun.

Btw, when it comes to people shooting, I find the G11 with the swivel LCD and near silent shutter really nice. Not even my E-P1 or GH1 can touch it, in this regard. (For the up-close and personal, mainly.)

[EdWood]

Many people don't like strangers taking their pictures. Unless you are prepared to get their permission, consider taking candid photos using a moderate telephoto and available light. You might want to start here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henri_Cartier-Bresson

[banpreso]

If you look like brad pitt you can get away with a lot...

[cacawcacaw]

We have a photography school in town and I've had several students take my picture and then ask for permission afterward. If I was an attractive female I would possibly have a different reaction.