I agree with a lot of the thoughts that have been said. As to my original statement, I was merely stating the legalities of the situation. In my own documentary work, I typically either ask permission or give a nod or something to make sure it is OK. I feel it is best to get as close to the subject as possible, and I don't mean with a long lense. I am doing a story right now on domestic abuse, and the women I am working with know that I won't take their picture without their permission. I have gone in and spent a lot of time with the women, and they have now all agreed to let me photograph them even though they did not at the very beginning. Because of the time I have spent with these women (and their children I might add), they all feel very comfortable around me and have opened up. I now can go about doing my own thing and get candid, natural moments. After time, they forget about your presence. If you want to truly capture a subject, it is necessary to spend time with the subjects and allow them to get comfortable with you. I was there for a full week and a half before I took any pictures. Now I am photographing them and their children. But, I guess I am what is called a "concerned" photographer, and this type of photographer needs to get close to the subjects and really get to know them and their situations. I don't think this advice could hurt the street photographer either. Leslie Spurlock <A HREF="http://lesliescottphotography.com/";>Leslie Scott Photography</A> <A HREF="http://www.lesliescottphotography.com/phototours.htm";>Leslie Scott Photography and Tours</A> 1-888-381-0854 lscottpht@aol.com
