shooting people in public

I have an ethics question and wasn't sure if this was the place to post it. I was walking around this small city near me yesterday with my new 50 1.8. There were surprisingly a lot of people walking around as well. I saw some great shots, like a couple holding hands walking down the sidewalk...things like that. I did not snap any because I wanted to know what peoples experiences are with shooting other people in public. Is it weird or considered unethical to photograph people? I see all these great photojournalist shots in the world and wondered if they got permission to photograph people or did they just shoot them. Anyway, I don't want to blabber about it...could someone give me some advice?

Shoot away. There is no expectation of privacy. Now, if you want to use an image you've taken for an advertisement, you'll need a model release.

You ever get strange looks from people?

Don't get scared or be uncomfortable, and certainly don't look like you are as it attracts even more attention (even if it's only your perceptions).

Shoot away and don't get in anybody's way. If you need some distance from people once in a while, frame the subjects in portrait orientation against the tall buildings on the side or bring the sky into the top of the frame.

I like my 85mm as it gives some more reach and works well in late afternoon light and even sometimes a 10-22 when walking around in crowds, so how you shoot the public in public doesn't always have to look the same as everyone else.

As for the street shooting ethics and photojournalism, I always think back to the 2001 documentary 'War Photographer' about James Nachtwey. He talks about how he blends in, doesn't draw attention to himself and shoots what's important to share with the world. At the same time, he acknowledges most civilian victims of war and atrocities innately understand the reason he's there as the situation is newsworthy, human and extreme. For that reason, I think it's important to be considerate when out on the streets at home; while there's no legal reason not to be there, everybody is just going about their general business and have a reasonable expectation not to be harrassed.

I think it's good that you're concerned. I think you should keep doing what you're doing if you enjoy it.

Thanks for the advise bdp23, it brings clarity to my conscience.