Street Photography for the Purist

I didn’t follow him and ask.
Asking.
That’s another thing I hear. How the fuck do you take pictures without their consent? Well, first off, I’m not using the photos in the context of a
commercial endorsement. I didn’t license the old guy in the street through a stock agent for use in a Herpes medication advert.
I don’t know every law about every country. I know that in the United States no one has a reasonable expectation of privacy in a public area.
No one.
Why do you think the paparazzi really rule the streets of Los Angeles?
Why do you think it’s a multi-million dollar industry?
Why does every Tom, Jose or Francois think they can buy some heavy glass, move to Los Angeles and stalk to their heart’s delight?
Because they can.
It’s legal.
If there are signs posted that say, “No photography,” then don’t fucking photograph.
I wouldn’t. I mean I wouldn’t put my camera to my eye at least! ;)
If you’re obviously pissing someone off, stop, pretend to not speak their language, pretend to be deaf. Whatever works.
Your purpose is to be an unobserved observer.
You should hone your skills as such.
It’s not about beating someone about the face with your rangefinder – even though you probably could and still make photos. It’s about making
photographs of the life that passes by ...
In all situations.
That said I am not above asking permission to making a photograph.