If you visit the Metrocentre at Gateshead to take pictures you will be approached by very polite security staff and told you need permission. All you do is ask for a permit at one of several information desks, give them a few basic details and they give you the permit. No hassle.
The last time I was there I was in the area outside Marks and Spencers taking pictures of the shop window dummies when a member of the mangement told me I couldn't do that. I showed him my Metrocentre pass and he said that didn't apply inside his store as that was not owned by the Metrocentre. I pointed out I wasn't inside the store but outside looking in and he huffed away without another word.
But I'm more concerned about the mangled use of the English language by those muppets at Milton Keynes who detained the photographer. A spokesman for Exscape told the photo magazine: 'At Xscape, customer service is paramount and we regret that a customer has a negative experience visiting our destination."

Translated I believe that 'means we were wrong and we're sorry.'
David

I'm a journalist, or I was until I retired. I was a wordsmith, not a snapper. I'm also an amateur photographer but I'm not a photo journalist because I don't do photo-stories for publication.
I don't see street photography as photo journalism unless it is done specifically to illustrate articles for publication in newspapers or magazines. Our street photography is not journalism.
What we call street photography would be better categorised as 'candid photography'.
David

Both are excellent, lovely subtle tones in each.
David

I think Alan is trying to catch us out. The picture most of us vote for will turn to be taken on a 1971 vintage Zenit which he painstakingly conveted to digital, working long nights on the kitchen table of his Leeds home.
David

#1, because I believe it's a better photo. The image has a quality feel to it and the composition is much more interesting. The detail in the rocks is fine and the rusty mooring ring adds foreground interest, although my one reservation here is that the ring should be more distinct.
#2 is pretty and the colours have immediate appeal but this picture wouldn't sustain my interest for as long as #1.

That sums up what street phtography is all about for me. Just snapping candids of people in the street isn't quite what it's all about. There should be a narrative to the image, telling a story, pin pointing some odd situation, absurdity, humour or poignancy.
David

#1 is the clear winner for me. The poster image of Nicholas Cage and the passing youth are both looking in the same direction. Its a great juxtaposition shot.
David

There's always a bit of hit-and-miss with focussing action shots which is why it's good to have the camera on drive and focus on continuous. The second picture is the most successful from a focussing point of view, it looks pretty damn sharp to me.
David

I take your point Tim but I still think the repetitive pattern of the lobster pots is better served by a wider shot than a square one.
David

Gareth: The first shot is a mooring bouy on the quayside, taken on my K10 with Sigma 10-20mm lens at 10mm. All the others are on the K5.
Gary: The second shot is blown up quite a lot. I liked the colour and shapes of the fishing vessel bows and I was too far away to fill the frame with the composition I wanted.
Tim: Got to disagree on the composition of the lobster pots. Its a full frame image and I went for the classic intersection of the thirds layout. For me the focal point is the gap, almost diamond shaped, between the stacked pots, 2/3rds top left.
Thanks for all your comments,
David