how and when to ask permission...

Depends on where you shoot and how.

I usually do candid stuff exclusively at crowded public events, like gay parade or jazz festival or something similar. It's expected there. Either public events, or popular tourist locations.

I hate telephotos for candid stuff. I can't show the person in context with a tele, so I usually use a 35 or 28. I just approach whoever it is, and once I get their permission to take pics I just stick around for maybe 10 mins taking a series of shots. People get used to the camera in less than 5 minutes (unless it's a headcase, which will won't let you take their picture at all)

I beleive lying about being a PJ for a paper can get you into trouble.

DocF

I firmly believe and hope this doesn't change here in the states is when your in "Public" your open season and have no rights to privacy. I agree when you ask and than take a shot, they always ham it up and it just takes away the natural look of the shot. I do realize that there are pervs out there that want to take pics of people and kids for some whacked out reason, but the few of them shouldn't stop the rest of the normal photogs from enjoying our freedoms, If your in a communist country, different ballgame, but here, I and my son have served in the military to preserve the right from freedom, not to give it up because our govt feels it's safer, because it will not make the world safer.

I will say mine:

I have been travelling for long with my camera and made loads of candid pictures around the world. I ALWAYS ask before taking a picture. I just approach, show the camera and say: "may I"?

BUT
it is ALWAYS better, if possible, to talk with the person you want to shoot...not only ask if you can make the photo, ask about the person...gaining experience I found out that the best solution in order to get a nice photo of a person is:

1 - keep your camera in your backpack
2 - start talking with the person, make questions, give answers, enjoy,
3 - when you feel the moment has come, ask, then take out your camera and shoot.

I understand that it is not always possible to do this, but for me it is the only way to get the picture I want.

Allow me to end this post with a story: a few years ago I was presenting a Voodoo ceremony in Benin, Africa. I got there with a local friend and he asked the priests if I could make photos during the event. The answer was straigh, no!

So I kept my camera on my backpack and spend time talking with the chief of the family responisble for the event, learning, asking about the ceremony etc. etc. I dind't raise the issue of photos again and kept talking with him about what was happening.

Half an hour before sunset he told me "better take your camera out now, soon it will be dark". I had the chance to take 3 pictures before sunset.

For me, more than anything else, a photographer is a person interested by its subjects. Photography is not only learning how to shoot, it is also learning about what you are shooting.

hey, just my 2 cents...
regards,
T.O.

Hello Everyone, I am new to Photography and thought long and hard about asking people if they mind me taking their pictures, I decided to try asking them first and most allowed me to do so, Some asked why and I told them truthfully that I was trying to capture today for the future, I have never had a refusal, however I have taken one or two shots of drunks and not asked permission.
In a crowd I just shoot without asking and have never been bothered by anyone
I dress tidily and being of the older generation I must appear harmless and acceptable
I am always polite and if I do get a refusal I will thank them and walk away
Also I carry some shots of local market stall keepers who have allowed me to capture them at work and show them to anyone who wants further proof,
I live in Yorkshire, England, and folks speak their mind bluntly here so i must be doing something right,
This is my first post so I would like to comment that I find this site very informative and friendly
May your lens always be clean,

Welcome to the forum. Happy Newjear and happy shooting.

This is an excellent topic. Some very sound and judicious replies as well. The more I come to this site the more I learn…