I believe that the answer to this question is complicated. I am not an exception. Despite making photographs regularly since October 2015, I still possess somehow the fear of creating pictures on the streets.
By taking photographs in the public spaces, I mean mainly the typical, mundane suburbs, districts full of blocks — for example, places without popular tourist’s destinations. There was a post that I mentioned that for me, one of the most feared things is to being suspected that I want to take photographs of children near schools, playgrounds, etc. When I am taking photos, I try to avoid walking near such buildings as kindergartens, etc. But, sometimes it is impossible not to go nearby such places. But, in general, I think that a lot of people have much worse fear regarding street photography.
I believe that most people afraid of making photographs of strangers.
Or, they are fearful of being robbed of their equipment. In general, I agree with these people. I would be a liar if I said that “I do not have any fears when I am taking photographs on the streets.” What is worse, I am sure that when we take pictures in public spaces, we feel that somehow we are stealing something from the people who live in the photographed surroundings. I often possess such feelings.
Nevertheless, when I am walking through the streets of Warsaw with the camera in my hand, I try not to think about all these issues.
I always try to imagine that I am here alone, and no one is observing me. What is most interesting, I often possess such feelings, because when I am on the streets, I think about many aspects of my life. I analyze and contemplate many things. For example, I think about my loved ones, about my website, art as a whole, or even some existential issues.
It is my recipe for succeeding in street photography. I try not to think about passers-by who surround me, and I pretend not to see them.
Thus, I am usually confident. I do not behave suspiciously. I believe that acting uncertainly while making street photographs like you were spying someone or looking for something, is somewhat a bad thing. Other people will immediately notice your strange behavior. Then, they will start to observe you with unhealthy curiosity. Maybe they will think that you are a robber or something like that? Thus, I recommend not to notice other people. I treat passers-by like a wind: I do hear them, but I do not see them. I am focusing on my passion, which is photography.
