Many shutterbugs go to a street event acting like a stalker or paparazzi. Armed with a long lens, they mistakenly believe that ambushed shots of startled people are candids. They’re not. You are not covering a war zone or disaster area.

I prefer to do street photography in a non-predatory manner. I talk to people. By engaging your subjects, they feel more at ease when you photograph them. If someone is not comfortable, you move on. Don’t steal and publish a shot knowing that the person is not willing. The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a happy occasion and your pictures should reflect that.

This roast chestnut (buah berangan) hawker was telling me how he got kicked out of Chinatown and how he now survives by selling his stuff once a year to regulars. He was so engrossed with his story that he didn’t even pause to see the spectacular dragon prancing behind. You can see the enthusiasm in his eyes.