I tell them why I want to take the photo. “Do you mind if I try to catch the sun in your cigarette smoke? It looks really cool.” “You’re framed really nice between those lamps.” “Could I try to bounce my flash off that wall and onto that sketch you’re doing? I think it’d make a great picture.” It helps me in my intention and puts them at ease knowing my intention isn’t, ya know, sketchy. For candid shots though you just have to do it. Some days I’m too anxious. But if I can get in the zone and just shoot it’s a good thing.
Exactly. That’s the idea. To let them know I’m a photographer with the intention of making a photograph, not a weirdo that wants to just look at them forever. If it’s less about them and more about a photo, they’re more open to it. They’re helping me make something and it doesn’t take much effort on their part. So I usually avoid anything that could be construed as a compliment. “The sun looks really interesting through your hair” > “Your hair looks really pretty with the sun shining through it.” Sometimes a compliment is the right way though. My gut usually tells me what’s appropriate and most advantageous.