Saw the shot and...did nothing

[Drewus]

One lesson I've taken from studying the work and work ethics of master photographers is to respect my subject.

I'd agree here. I find if you act like a creep trying to get some candids then you're going to get some hostility. If you put a smile on and talk to your subject, you're going to get a much nicer reaction.

Usually i'll move into position and take a shot, and THEN say something to the person/people. Comment on how you like their hat or something, showing that you're genuinely interested.

Showing some level of respect is a good thing. Put yourself in that persons shoes. If someone came up and took my photo, and then whisked off to escape, i'd feel kind of violated to be honest.

Also, i'll always sacrifice a nice shot if it means I get to retain some level of decency. If it feels wrong for me to take a particular photo, then I won't do it. No photo is worth it.

 

[clayne]

I regularly watch photographic moments occur and just observe - with and without camera. I regularly just let shots go - knowing that I don't have to have every shot out there - that's not even the point in the first place.

To your original issue, I think you've already planned it out a bit too much and the photograph would have represented that in a way.

Things need to be organic, not arranged, not pondered on - and never planned.

Visceral. It needs to be a visceral reaction to what you see - feeling with your eyes.

 

[Daneinbalto]

As this thread seems to be petering out (last post 2 days ago) and I'm the OP, I'd like to thank all those who contributed. You gave me a lot to think about.