Really interesting article - I have just joined Steemit and have been looking around for content on street photography (my favoured type of pictures) - pleased to have discovered you.
I am certainly a take the picture first, rather than asking - you lose the moment otherwise and as long as you smile and are open, I have never had much of a problem.
Great set of pictures - I actually really like the "shooed away" image!
RE: TAKING STREET PORTRAITS