Not that easy. Nowadays way to many unpredictable people. My worst story was when I saw this guy sitting on the bench, and decided I wanted a pic of him. I came up behind him and could tell he noticed me by the way his eyes were turned to my side. Right as I hit shutter he knew it and quickly turned around was was able to grab part of my hoodie. I luckily torn it away from him and preceded to get away from him as he began to chase me nearly 3 blocks before he gave up. My equipment after that was way more important than just carefree shooting. Street photography can be unsafe at times depending on who you shoot. Also I'm a firm believer it depends on who's shooting male or female, old or young, and the equipment you use will determine their reaction based off those things