Pay attention to detail

When you are out shooting images of the world around you with your wide angle vision, it's easy to miss the small things.  This might be especially true when you are out on the street shooting images of passersby and trying not to be too terribly obvious.  On this point I would like to say, if you are shooting pictures then that is what you are doing and you should not try to hide it.  It takes a little getting used to in the beginning as many photographers are shy and a bit uncertain.  When you're mixing in the crowd and putting a camera in people's faces, it can be a bit unnerving.  Do not try to hide the camera.  This will make people very suspicious of you as it implies that you are doing something not quite on the up and up.  Shooting from across the street with a telephoto lens doesn't work either.  Most people don't mind that you are making photos and if they do they will be quick to tell you.  If someone does not want their picture taken and they ask you  not to, then you should comply politely and move on.

When you notice detail that you want to shoot, such as this lady's feet, there is no getting around it.  There's no hiding or attempting to hide what is going on here.  If it seems appropriate, ask permission.  In this case I simply implied what I wanted to do by pointing the camera downward and saying "may I?"  She just smiled back and I bent over and made the image.  The photo was taken with a 20 mm lens so I had to be close.  In other words, to get the shot I had to interact with the person.  Also, as an aside, in my experience, people with body decoration or highly stylized clothing etc., really want to be noticed.   Taking their photograph is flattering.

Always be sure to interact with individuals and thank them.  A short conversation is frequently appropriate as well.  If they ask for a copy of the photo, get an email address and send them one when you get back to your computer.  It's only fair.