This fear no longer exists like how it used to. Digital has changed that, cameras are ubiquitous and not just for tourists. This has also changed how we partici

This fear no longer exists like how it used to. Digital has changed that, cameras are ubiquitous and not just for tourists. This has also changed how we participate, people record important events and watch through the lens rather than live for the moment. There was a time when you could have a very large event, e.g. an 'illegal rave' and, despite hundreds attending, there would be no evidence of the event ever happened unless someone was a keen photographer and happened to attend. Back then people who took a lot of photos were sort of social misfits that could not enjoy the 'now' properly, as if they had to freeze in time some definitive proof that they once had fun. The taking pictures took them out of being a participant to being an observer. Cameras on phones has blurred that distinction, it is okay to take pictures of stuff. Of people, it is how you do it. I think that the actual technical parts of photography and getting things like timing right can be done using animals as test subjects. Birds fly away, big animals like cows can make unwelcome advances. You can snap away knowing that no animal is going to be offended. Then take photos the same way but nearer to town. Keep going and then you can take pictures of people in the city without feeling so awkward about it as you are used to people seeing you taking photos and are happy with that part of it. Also, with countryside snaps it is clear that the subject is the view rather than those people walking through the field. Those people are assumed to be in shot rather than the subject. It is all easy in the world where everyone has a camera.