The biggest superpower in street photography isn’t a technique, a camera, or a piece of gear.

The most important thing, beyond getting out and shooting, is being a goober on the street. Maybe doing a little acting.

When I see other photographers shooting, everyone looks so serious. Why? Having a smile on your face can turn a random interaction into a great memory and maybe a great photograph.

You become part of society in that moment. You’re no longer just an observer. You’re contributing something.

Maybe I’ll get a shot of these guys. Let’s go, boys.

You’re making someone’s day. You’re having a good time. That person might go home later and say, “I met the biggest goober photographer today. He was talking to me about nothing.”

I was photographing some hats the other day. The guy running the stand was there. I told him, “These hats remind me of the female version of me because I’ve got no hair.” He started laughing.

Little comments like that lighten the mood. Then I tried to make a photo of him. It’s not my best photograph, but moments like that happen because you’re having a conversation and enjoying yourself.

If you’re not naturally outgoing, work on your acting skills. Act like you’re outgoing.

When you’re in a crowded space and it’s obvious you’re photographing people, there’s no way around it. Walk around like a goofy tourist.

“Yeah, I’m just taking photos.”

That immediately eases the tension. You go from being a serious photographer to being a guy having a good time.

I think Gary Winogrand did this. The whole confused-guy-with-a-camera routine made him look a little foolish, but it got him the shot.

Then something cool happened.

I spotted a pelican with bright yellow coloring on its head. I’d never seen that before. It looked like a dinosaur.

I started getting closer and closer. About a foot away. The pelican wasn’t afraid.

“I’m not going to hurt you, dude. I’m not going to hurt you, bro.”

He let me get close.

That’s the goofy tourist method again. The pelican knows I’m no threat. I’m just a guy trying to get a photo.

Look at those feet. Such a cool bird.

To get close, you need good energy.

This is one reason Santa Monica is a great place for street photography. There are moments like this everywhere.

At one point the pelican flew off because some tourists walked by. I joked that he didn’t like the Spaniards’ energy.

Then I got back to my point.

Sometimes you have to act happy.

If you’re not naturally outgoing, pretend you are. You’ll get closer to moments and closer to people.

A perfect example happened right afterward.

There was a woman talking on her phone, and I could see what I think was her dad’s face on the screen. At the same time, the pelican spread its wings.

Because I had been outgoing and friendly, the tourists felt no threat from me. They felt like I was part of the scene instead of an outsider.

That allowed me to step into their space and make a photograph.

The photo showed the woman, the dad on the phone screen, and the pelican all together in the frame.

A really cool moment.

I only got it because I was approachable.

If you’re not outgoing, sometimes you have to turn the charm on. Be an actor on the street.

I don’t do it all the time. Most days I’m walking around, observing, doing my thing.

But I go through phases where I feel more outgoing, and those phases often lead to different kinds of photographs.