Telephoto Street Photography.

Whether or not the photographer uses a telephoto or a wide angle also depends on if they plan to ask the person's permission to take the shot. Chances are you are not going to ask permission with a telephoto because whatever inspired you to take the photo in the first place occurred at some distance from the subject. If you were inspired to get closer to the subject before taking the shot, then it doesn't matter what lens you used.

Shoot with telephoto 70-300mm @ India Street in Kuching.

 

 Many photographer and experts like to say that you should use wide angle lenses because they require being close to the subject. This makes street shooting a “fair” game. It seems dishonest to use a telephoto by hiding from a distance.However, we are photographers and our goal is to make great images. We are not in a contest with people on the street or with each other. The choice of lenses is governed by artistic considerations, feasibility, or convenience, not by some superficial notion of machismo.Often I use lenses from wide to short telephoto, including small zoom. On occasion I have fun with my  telephoto 70-300mm.

Shoot from distance using telephoto 70-300mm @ waterfront in Kuching.

70-300mm telephoto @ India Street in Kuching.

 

 Long lenses can flatten an image. The point of the candid shot it to invite the viewer into the reality of the subject. A wide angle draws the viewer into the photo and makes them almost a part of it. This is subtle, but can often be the difference between a good shot and a great one.

The boss reading newspaper @ old part of Kuching City shophouses..Shoot with wide angel lens from Lumix LX3.

 

 Use any lenses that you think are most appropriate for your situation.  Don’t concern yourself with artificial rules that many candid street photography experts try to push.
Happy Photographing....