Shooting People without being a creep

One of the reasons you establish yourself as an ok guy is cops get to know you.
If your a trouble maker don't expect any breaks, leeway, or those cool cops eating donuts shots.
Who knows maybe that old lady was some bangers' favorite grandma?

What goes around, comes around...

sjones wrote in post #9576833
The point with Meyerowitz is that as close as he got, most of the people didn't notice, or at least they didn't care. And if they did mind, at least he is there to address their complaints, as opposed to someone hiding behind a car across the street with a 200mm.

Maybe it has something to do with the size of the camera he is using. It looks like a Leica rangefinder which is probably a bit less intimidating than a large camera/lens.

LOL, this thread really exploded. It seems that the majority of POTN are very familiar with creeping random people on the street. I've decided that telephoto would be my solution. I mean, it's the best way to get a "natural" shot, as opposed to a "posed" shot that you would get if you approach them.

nicksan wrote in post #9576780
I'm surprised he hasn't gotten his ass kicked for doing something like that. Maybe he picks on people smaller than him or something.

Some more of Bruce Gilden's work:
http://inmotion.magnum​photos.com …ster-types-and-tough-guys

Not as much in your face on the street, but I like these photos more.

Tom JK wrote in post #9579120
Maybe it has something to do with the size of the camera he is using. It looks like a Leica rangefinder which is probably a bit less intimidating than a large camera/lens.

Yes, both Gilden and Meyerowitz are using Leica rangefinders. During the past five to six decades, the rangefinder with a wide angle or standard lens has gained a reputation as being the ultimate tool for street photography.

I use a rangefinder, and I prefer it to a bulky DSLR for candid street shots.

The 50mm is the classic length for street shooting.
Not always the best length; the 70-200 f/2.8 on the MK-3 grabs the most for me except in low light.

Provoking action by annoying peeps deliberately though is harassment.

blackhawk wrote in post #9580729
The 50mm is the classic length for street shooting...

Currently, I only use a 50mm lens, but I will be picking up something wider in the near future. I don't have any desire for anything longer than 50mm.

Yeah, I like both my 50mm and 100mm(previously 135L) for street shooting.

As for Gilden, I was specifically criticizing his approach in that particular video. I just think that's a bit disrespectful, that's all. I shall say no more.

Longer lengths allow for interesting angles and reduce posing.
Many time peeps once they know your there and when they see others smiling or laughing will chose to go about doing what they normally do and ignore you if you aren't in their face.

Don't stand in one spot too long, and don't goof up vendor's street or carnival business with your shooting by loitering.

Never harp on one person too long unless invited; don't overstay your welcome or the peep's good will.

Hmm... just had a thought that the thread title "Shooting People without being a creep" would sound woefully strange, to say the least, anywhere else other than a photography forum

A number of street photographers have done just fine without a longer lens and without annoying pedestrians. Longer lenses allow you to distance yourself from the subject, and they're great for street portraits, but they also increase the chance of obstructions, like other people or vehicles. Moreover, the distance one might need to step back might not be available, as busy streets or buildings tend to get in the way in an urban environment...I've encountered this problem even with a 50mm on a film camera (full frame).

Plus, if you are trying to avoid looking like a creep, your subject might not notice you, but someone passing by you and your long lens will likely think the worse. Then you have to ask yourself, does that really matter? F' the judgmental bastards, right?

Also, I've found that standing on a corner for awhile, observing patterns and such, can be beneficial. Most everyone else is in transit, and thus they don't know how long you've been present, and more importantly, don't care. If you have a small camera, they often won't even know you're holding one.

Again, what is the objective; to record life and its surroundings or to make friends? I've already made it clear that I have my personal limits, Gilden has his. In Japan, I caught a couple of youths taking snaps of me, usually with their cameras at chest height. I only noticed, because I was checking out their cameras, something the average human probably wouldn't notice. Anyway, I didn't care…security cameras catch me a lot more.

I have two approaches when shooting street candids..

One is to go in like a storm trouper, shoot everyone and everything that moves..

Second is hang back and watch.. Watch what people are doing as they go about their business.. Have your camera on full display so all can see.. People will get use to you being there are will possibly ignore you and go about their business.. Then I like to pick off interesting subjects..

I prefer the second approach which works great in markets, busy down town areas etc..

Thank you for the informative thread. I haven't attempted street photography as yet but am now looking forward to it, for the experience. The comments here will help me, and hopefully my subjects, to have a good experience. I plan to take a 50mm one time, a 70-200mm the next, on a crop camera, and see how it goes. I won't block movement, startle, shoot flash in faces. I'll carry myself lightly and smile a lot. I won't be looking for "peeps", but fellow humans, and will prefer to record them at their best. Carrying a camera and calling myself a photographer won't excuse me from kindness and courtesy.

I usually just stand on a corner or sit in a chair in a park with a telephoto lens and shoot anything that catches my eye.

Really great responses in here, I'm thoroughly enjoying this thread...My question is, when you guys go out and have the intention to try and catch something, do you guys have your camera out and at the ready? or just keep it in your bag and take it out when u see something you wanna shoot? So far I have just been keeping mine in my bag until I see something that catches my eye, but that seems to hinder me as I might miss the shot while I unzip my bag to take out my camera...So just wanted your guys opinions, thanks