Vendors on markets, kids playing in the street, women working in the fields or men behind push carts or selling their crafts – all these are often picturesque scenes.
As much as we wanted to capture those extraordinary smiles and candid scenes with our camera but we just cant. There are always things and factors that we always need to consider.
Taking pictures of locals and asking for permission
The usual question that's being asked is whether we should be asking permission. This question has been circulating through time and it never had a perfect answer.
In cities, or places where people are used to photography, or simply don't care, you most likely won't have a problem.
When travelling in rural areas, however, you will often find that photographing people especially women is frowned upon and there are traditions that needs to be followed. It may therefore be wise to ask permission to avoid insulting somebody.
It may seem a trivial matter but don't forget to thank the person afterwards for having been allowed to take a picture. Showing that you didn't take this for granted will often gain you a lot of respect.
Takeaway
Asking permission always pays off. During a trip in Olango Island in Cebu, we came across with several kids playing in an abandoned boat while their parents were doing laundry.
We ask them if we could take photos of their kids, a bit hesitant but they gave us their permission.
Why does a person not want to be photographed?
Based on my experience, there are several reasons why there are people that do not want to be photographed.
- There are still people especially the indigenous tribes still believe that a photo will take their soul or spirit away.
- People are tired of having to pose for a photograph, especially on the streets and on the markets.
- There are cultural rules that must be followed strictly. Most of these rules are usually on women members.
- They think its awkward to pose in front of the camera.
- They just don't like to be photographed. Period.
Whatever their reasons are, always respect them and never attempt to capture photos of them secretly. The risk of being caught is high so don't take chances, consequences are usually severe.
Respecting their wishes not only helps your relationship with that particular person or culture, your respect will also guarantee future visitors being welcomed.
Takeaway
Just like anybody else, I sometimes tend to be a**hole sometimes and take chances on taking photos in spite being rejected of approval. With great deal of stupidity comes disappointing photograph.
Do you pay for taking a picture?
Whether or not to pay for photographing people is another never-ending kind of discussion.
Some people are tired of posing and figure it has become work. That laundry woman probably has had to pose dozens if not hundreds of times, depending on how popular her village is on the tourist trail. I know from personal experience that the first time somebody wants to photograph you is fun but the latter is tiring instead of the usual fun.
Some tourists pay because they are loaded and don't mind paying. Is this responsible tourism? Of course it's great for you personally to have gotten your picture, but what situation do you create for future visitors? Not to mention how throwing money around is likely to disrupt the whole social and financial structure of a traditionally-organised community.
Takeaway
As much as possible, we want everything free. During a trip in the northern part of Cebu, we chanced to passed by the town of Catmon and stopped by the row of rice cake vendors. There was one seller who was very jolly but when we ask her if we can take pictures of her, she instantly rejected our request.
Good thing one of my colleagues managed to convinced her.
How to make the best of the picture-taking moment
Some people are simply nervous about having their picture taken. Sometimes, when they hesitate and when you feel they'd like to say 'yes' but are afraid or nervous, you could opt to quickly shoot a picture. Don't bother trying to make the perfect picture, just take it and walk up to them to show it on the digital window.
Laughter is the most common reaction in my experience, at least with women and children. They generally don't mind, or even start insisting, to have more pictures taken – at times to the extent that you start worrying about your battery.
Last December, me and a couple of my friends did an outreach in the highlands of Cebu. What we had was a feeding session with the kids in the area. At first,we were turned down by the kids because most of them are shy but good thing we were able capture their hearts and we managed to win their smiles.
Takeaway
Don't show your camera when introducing yourself. Give people time to get used to you, for confidence to grow. This especially works in rural areas where photography is frowned upon or not common practice. Make friends and return later, or another day, with your camera and ask if you can take a picture.
Create a win-win situation when taking pictures of people
What can you do so not only you, but also they have a long-lasting, tangible memory?
- Bring a Polaroid camera and give them a copies of the photos you took. Just remember to bring as much print paper.
- If its a planned trip and if not an extra baggage, you can bring portable printers. Modern cameras can be directly connected to these printers which gives better quality pictures to hand out than a Polaroid.
- If you are willing to do the extra mile, you can tell the people you photographed that you will send the pictures once you get home. Just make sure to send them though.
There you have it guys, some basics to maximize your travel and photography experience. Though they may seem hard to remember but if they done right, it will be a travel and an adventure of a lifetime.
Until then!