Using the LCD Screen on your camera

Using the LCD screen on your camera rather than the viewfinder can offer safety advantages, especially in street photography where awareness of your surroundings is essential. 

Here’s why:

1. Increased Situational Awareness: Using the LCD allows you to keep your head up, maintaining a broader field of vision. This awareness helps you notice approaching people, vehicles, or potential hazards in busy streets or crowded areas like Kensington Market.

2. Reduced Attention Draw: Holding the camera away from your face makes you look less like a photographer and more like someone casually checking their camera or phone. This subtlety can help you blend into the crowd, making it less likely that you’ll attract unwanted attention.

3. Non-Confrontational Approach: Shooting with the LCD instead of holding the camera up to your eye often feels less intrusive, especially in crowded areas. People may assume you’re simply checking your camera settings or reviewing photos, rather than actively photographing. This can help you avoid drawing attention, which is helpful if you want candid shots and also may reduce the chance of confrontation.

4. Reduced Fatigue: Constantly lifting the camera to your eye can lead to fatigue, especially over a long day of shooting. The LCD allows for different holding angles and lets you maintain a comfortable stance. This can also help you stay alert and agile, especially in a fast-paced or crowded environment.

5. Faster Reaction Time: With your head up and eyes scanning the scene, you’ll be better positioned to react quickly to dynamic changes, like unexpected movements or events. This also allows for quicker repositioning without taking your eye away from the action.

6. Safety in Unfamiliar Areas: In areas where you’re not familiar, using the LCD to frame your shot can prevent you from inadvertently wandering into unsafe locations or bumping into obstacles.

7. Improved Peripheral Vision: Keeping the camera at arm’s length instead of directly in front of your eye gives you better peripheral vision, helping you spot and avoid any sudden movements around you, which is valuable for both your safety and the security of your gear.

8. Avoiding Eye Strain: In bright conditions, the LCD can sometimes be easier on the eyes than the viewfinder, and it prevents the strain that comes from squinting through a viewfinder for long periods.

Would these approaches fit well with your street photography style, especially when covering festivals and events?