I spot my target −my subject − a toy seller in a street of Kolkata. I aim my camera at him. He notices me and points his toy cap gun at me. A duel begins. Who will shoot first?

This photo is meant to be a metaphor for the relationship between a street photographer and his or her subject, for the discomfort or emotion the latter may feel, discomfort or emotion the former can understand and even dread, out of empathy. Does the subject experience the same unease I felt when this seller pointed his gun at me? Does he see in my camera’s gaze the malice I saw in the eyes of the street vendor? Does he consider me a threat, a predator invading his privacy, his personal life?

(As a side note, the toy seller shot first. I got hit with pieces of the projectile on my chest that really stung!)