People Photography, ask or not?

[Picture2Perfect]

Hey guys, i am very interested in starting to shoot some photography aimed more at people, however i am not sure how to go about it. I have some ideas for some great spots around my area, however do you have to ask the people first, or not?
I am worried that if i was to notify someone i was going to take their picture it would not reflect the true reality of the picture and perhaps not capture the emotion involved.

Is it rude not to ask?
Just want to know how you guys go about it, ask or not?

Will.

 

[fletch5]

bit of a minefield there.
legally, on public property, you dont have to ask, and nothing anyone can do about it, unfortunately a lot fo people will tell you that it is illegal. if you going to do it, doing ti with a p&s will drastically reduce any problems you will have

 

[hepburn]

I tend to ask if i'm close enough to talk with them. If i'm zooming in from a distance I don't bother unless i've attracted eye contact (and then I hope she's pretty and single ).

 

[mattyh]

Just do it... I've never asked permission when on the street.. my results aren't mind blowing, but they're not bad.

I've used lenses from my 70-200 to my nifty 50, so results can be had from any kind of lens

 

[Chappers]

If it's stall holder or similar then I think it's polite to ask. I normally ask if I can photograph the stall and then get them to stand in the picture. If they don't want to that's fine. Nothing lost.

On a street or similar location normally I don't ask. I've never had any problems.

There's a technique you can use if you think the subject may be self consciouses. Give the impression you are just composing the picture by moving the camera up to you eye and away, fairly quickly, several times. During one of these movements take the picture.

 

[Jayst84]

There are a thousand and one threads on here dealing with this and similar issues, I'm sure a good look around will answer a lot of your questions.

I do a lot of 'street' photography, and rarely if ever ask, because as soon as you do, it becomes a completely different photograph. Just put yourself in a situation where people expect you to be taking pictures, appear confident and happy and I'd be surprised if anyone was really bothered.

I've taken portraits on the street without asking and without being noticed, using a 10mm lens, its not as hard as you think really.

 

[Forbiddenbiker]

I don't ask in general, 90% are composed via miss directing the aim of my shot so the person doesn't notice... other than that I like to be polite and not get into peoples personal space to forcibly.

IMO Its not rude not to ask in the majority of captures...its your artistic right.