Help on photo taking itself

Being a photographer you need to be outgoing or not shy of taking photos. Especially if taking photos of people. Just asking for any tips for people who are shy of taking photos.

Three fingers of bourbon usually does the trick.

If you are people shooting in the street I find that listening to an iPod helps.

Just be up front and ask people. Practice makes perfect. The more confident you sound the more receptive people are to you.

I'm confused by the question...

???

who says you need to be outgoing? If you want a portfolio full of fake pictures with big smiles, then sure, you need to be outgoing. My people portfolio consists of 99% candid photographs, no outgoing necessary.

Better to be surreptitious than outgoing...

I'm the same way as you, I always feel self-conscious about using my camera with people around. Especially when in crowds and you know full well that someone is commenting on you. I do my best to focus on what I went out to do, take the best pictures I possibly can. I often get so wrapped up in shooting that it pushes all that unimportant stuff out of my mind!
Today was actually the first time I used my camera in front of a very large group of people (football game). It took me a while to actually bring the camera out but then I started going over in my head how I should set up my camera, etc. I never looked back!