How do I become invisible?

I'm not sure if there is a better place for this to be...

I have had my RebelXT for about 3 months now, and really enjoy shooting with it. Coming from film I am learning the technical aspects quickly with the instant feedback that DSLR provides (Now I gotta work on compostition, etc.) What I need some pointers on is how to blend in while shooting. It seems like every time I bring the camera up everyone scatters, or gives the big cheese, or hides. I usually wind up with some good candids by the end of the night, but a whole lotta missed shots 'cause of the above mentioned issues. I was also at an informal "Jam" session at a local cafe and I felt like I was getting in everyone's way as I maneuvered around the crowd.

For those that do a lot of candids (street, wedding, parties, etc.) give me a hand...

Thanks in advance
Michael

Welcome to POTN.

There is a thread about street photography (I'll see if I can find the link) with lots of tips. In the meantion I am moving this thread to "Talk about photography".

Here it is

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=155169

Hi

In general wear quiet clothing, you don't want to stand out in a crowd, that tends to mean slightly darker than the main tone of the crowd, but not so much darker that you now stand out again.

Keep your arms tucked into your sides, don't flap them about and make all your moves gentle and unhurried looking, even when you're hurrying remain smoothe.

Hold your camera cupped in your hands with hands tidy. Watch how beginners hold their cameras, fingers all over the place and sticking out, it draws attention to you taking the photograph.

Behave as though you have a right to be there. If people notice you, give them a smile and keep on moving gently, don't keep darting your looks all over the place as that also draws attention to you.

Work close to the people that you want to photograph often they think, "he can't be photographing me, he's too close". Just be quiet in your demeanour and avoid staring at anyone, the casual look is OK.

Probably the main trouble that you have at present is that you feel shy and it is odd how that draws attention to you. It is also best if the people have things to interest them to make them even less aware of you.

It's not a particularly striking example but I was perhaps three feet away but they were so engrossed that only the bird knew I was there.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

Leave your camera at your side or in your bag and just observe for a while. People settle down after a while.
I have my camera with me wherever I go and everyone that knows me is used to me clicking away so they don't even realise that I'm taking pictures of them these days.