G’day Colin,
I really enjoy people photography, but what I think is essential when capturing these kinds of images is to try and convey something about the person's environment. This guy might be lighting up for smoko but somehow I would like to know more about where he is, or the people he is with, or what he has been doing for a past hour or so.
The best way to learn all this information is to put away the telephoto lens and instead, reach for a wider lens.
More often than not this also involves getting closer to the subject. This can be intimidating to some people, but this is how good documentary photographers capture some of their best images.
My challenge for you, Colin, is to put away your telephoto lens for a while and to spend some time quietly photographing people like this using the standard lens on your camera.
One of the simplest techniques I have found when photographing people is to simply walk up to them and ask if I can make some photos. Usually they say yes, and shortly after I have thanked them I try and fade into the space around them with my camera quietly ready to capture the moments as I see them.
As I have mentioned, this
process can be intimidating but with the right demeanor and a quiet, courteous
attitude you will achieve photos that might surprise you. I really do believe we
should be taking more photos that tell the stories of the people in our towns
and cities!
Good luck with this… Image Doctor