I apologize for my late response.
To all those who did respond, I appreciate your efforts. The poll is now locked. Because I didn't want to influence the vote, I didn't vote. But if I had voted, I would have voted
Generally No.
By way of background, I am just an amateur photographer who has tried street photography. I learned that I lack the confidence to carry a camera and point it at strangers without their permission. So I admire those who do and even more those who can win over their subjects' trust. I understand, of course, that the magic of street photography is that often the subject doesn't even know that his or her image is being captured.
I also understand that in the U.S. and many others countries, even if the subject objects, the photographer has the right to capture and publish the image. There are exceptions, of course, such as in the province of Quebec. Please see Canada's Supreme Court decision here:
Aubry v. Éditions Vice-Versa inc., [1998] 1 S.C.R. 591.
Could I use a long lens or drive-by with a photographic rig, including a flash, to snap pictures of unsuspecting people? Yes. But that, to me, seems somewhat predatory. Even if the subject were to realize that his or her image were taken, there is absolutely no opportunity for the subject to voice his or her concern. Even worse with the drive-by shooter, the subject might even be startled or alarmed by the flash. Somehow that doesn't seem fair.
Given what I just wrote, why didn't I vote "No, definitely not!?" That's a hard question to answer. But I could easily imagine a student (or anyone) who took pictures from a train or subway. She is "driving by", though probably without a flash. This photographer is just capturing images as she goes about her daily life. I contrast that example with a person who rigs up his vehicle with camera and flash and zaps unsuspecting people as he drives by. I am unable to articulate why I am okay with one and not the other.
I know my general feelings on the matter. I was curious if others shared my views. From the very small sample that responded, I see that I am my views are not extreme and are shared. However, given the small sample size, I am reluctant to draw any conclusions.
I realize others have different views on this subject. And I realize that this subject can easily draw passionate responses. I have zero desire to go there.
To all those who read and responded to my survey, thank you.