Getting the names...

The biggest challenge I'm facing so far in learning photojournalism comes down to a very basic skill: introducing myself. As a language major, this surprises me. After all, "Hello, my name is ____," and "what's your name?" are phrases I've had ample experience saying. Holding a camera, however, I experience a strange reticence to approach those I'm photographing. 

I think that because I'm recording the situation, I'm reluctant to disturb it in any way, to add myself to the mix, to change the story, perhaps. Obviously this is a skill I need to develop: approaching subjects without causing them to put up their guard. 

The other aspect to my problem has to do with time contraints. On Halloween, I was ostensibly working, handing out candy during the parade, not photographing it. I was able to get some pictures; however, I did not get names...