If you take pictures in a private place like a shopping mall, they may ask you to stop or leave. I take photos out the bus window--I'm rarely noticed. But even if I am, I'm gone in a second. I understand the feeling of not wanting to thrust your camera in someone's face. I'm always afraid of getting slugged. But cameras are so familiar now that no one will notice you on the street. Anyway, taking pictures of people hurts no-one. It's just like looking.