I’m guilty of photographing New Yorkers all day long as they are, and rarely have asked for permission. Recently a woman in San Francisco visited the new Garry Winogrand exhibit and was left feeling that Garry had crossed “many lines” and was in need of a reprimand 29 years after his untimely death. A fairly well known photo critic agreed with her and would like street photographers to explain themselves and that’s fine. If one likes portraits, then by all means, explain away. The truth is that I occasionally operate too aggressively, and come off poorly when out and about with my camera. I have been yelled at and threatened too many times to count and I understand both sides of this argument better than most. I don’t need to bring up how important “Street Photography” is to the history books in terms of recording modern life, which is constantly in flux. Many others have already belabored this point. It really comes down to how important is art, and is it worth pissing someone off to achieve it on a very rare basis. Everyone who practices or even enjoys street photography knows that 99% of it is not going to qualify as a total success. That a really great picture is so hard (Almost impossible) to achieve, is what makes the art of street photography such a challenge, and also so rewarding.
I have upset way too many people to totally disregard the arguments for more civility and better manners. I just find portraits boring 90% of the time. I don’t own any books by Richard Avedon, while I own every single book published of Garry’s work…
To each his own.
Black and White Street Photographs of New York City by Matt Weber 
My limited understanding of media law is that you’re allowed to photograph people in the street…. The press do it all the time, with very little issue, it seems. So, as an artist, working in the area of street photography I see no issue with it either. (And there’s a whole range of other issues: In the UK these days there are CCTV cameras pointed in every direction covering all the major cities. Where do those images go? How have they benefited the community? Check the stats to see how many crimes are successfully prosecuted due to CCTV evidence and it quickly becomes apparent that there are a major waste of time.) As you say, there are long, important arguments about the value of street photography in documenting social affairs – without even getting into the realm of fine art and aesthetics and what an important set of visual issues it also encompasses.
If it’s a good image, I push to get it. (Sometimes crossing the line….). If it’s a so-so shot, then maybe I don’t push so hard..
Thanks…I’m aware that street photography is much harder in some countries, especially France where one could face legal actions. I agree with you and was just saying
what has already been said by countless others. I feel that most of my encounters are forgotten about within minutes, and hopefully I will continue to take a few good pictures
without ruffling too many feathers….Soon Google Glass will make SP seem quaint and old fashioned!
When you’re taking picture in a city, the streets are there, the buildings are there, the sights and rush of the city – It’s all fair game, imo. When you start trailing someone for multiple shots or get in someone’s face to snap, that’s crossing the line, tho. If they’re in a wider single shot, it’s their fault! Your nervous system will tell you when you’ve transgressed, or they will!