Beginners should not approach people. Work the scene, do not work the people.
The people teaching you street photography online are full of it. Especially the ones who say if it is not good enough, it is because you are not close enough. That phrase came from a war photographer. Capa. In war, get close. In street photography, while you are learning, do not approach people.
Same for the purists who insist it is not street photography unless you shot it at 28 or 35. They are full of it too.
The long lens is your friend. Shoot from a distance. Let the lens take the shots you are not ready to get close for. It does not matter what lens you use. Is the result not the key?
Here is the demo. I found a scene fifty feet away. Light, shadow, tree shadows on cement, a doorway. I sat with a longer lens, the 28 to 70 zoom, and let subjects cross the frame. No chasing, no apologizing, no pressure. Not one of those people knew I was taking their picture.
On the fear of confrontation: do not confront. If somebody asks, I say yes, I offer to show them the photo, and they are usually fine with it. Or I offer to delete it. But here is the lesson: no person has a reasonable expectation of privacy while in public. It is legal and it is ethical. You have cameras on you all day. Why is this one bothering you?
People think you are cheating with a long lens. I do not feel like I am cheating at all.
You do not have to get close to get a good shot. The long lens is your friend. The mindset is work the scene, not the subject. Over time you will naturally drift from the 70 end of the zoom toward the 28 end.
Next videos will cover more technique and mindset. Gear comes last, because the gear does not really matter.
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