Street photography seems to be quite fashionable in some circles, judging from the heated debates about hipshooting, getting permission and using long lenses, that I occasionally find on the net. And when I look at some results of all these photographers who have overcome their fears, and proudly present their pictures, I see very little that was worth the trouble in the first place… I guess, with an urban mindset (whatever that is exactly) you can even do landscapes in street style (as the great Lee Friedlander proves), but otherwise the country boy/girl spirit will always show through in you images, most likely making them look like the day out in the big town that they probably are depicting. So the thing to ask yourself is: do I really want to confront all these people, what do I want to show… Not the pitiful homeless beggar again please. Or the living statue in front of that poster.
What is it that makes some street photographers (and wannabees) want to be invisible ? The thought would never have struck me, had I not come across this subject so regularly in articles and blogs lately. I don’t want to be invisible and it wouldn’t improve my photographs either, I think. If it is the fear of people reacting, well, that depends for the greater part on how you behave yourself. Even if you know you’re not doing anything wrong, does your body language show that your intentions are o.k.? Make sure you are self confident. Using long lenses and shooting from the hip is sneaky and makes you feel uneasy. In my book it’s a big nono.
Sorry, but you will run into the occasional paranoid nut every now and then. Be prepared. Invisibility is no part of that, I’m afraid.