It’s usually a safe bet to assume that a person going on a volunteer trip abroad is a respectful person who is considerate of others.
Unfortunately, something strange seems to happens when many of these otherwise good folks get a camera in their hand abroad.
They tend to lose all sense of decorum and respect for others. It usually takes the form of pointing cameras in peoples’ faces as well as capturing private moments.
How can you be respectful of people while still getting some memorable shots to show off?
Tips for Photographing People Abroad
1. Connect First. Get to know the person before you take their photo. Don’t just shove a camera in someone’s face. For example if she’s a vendor at a market — buy something from her as you strike up a conversation. Talk about not just her shop but perhaps her family, kids, grandchildren, the town, the weather (it’s a universal topic!)
2. Ask permission. Even after establishing a rapport — ask the person if it’s OK to photograph them. I realize that there’s a saying, “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission” — but this isn’t one of those times to follow this rule. Be nice and ask first.
3. Pay them. This might seem strange, especially to those who haven’t traveled much. But keep in mind that for years foreigners have used photos of locals’ to make money via commercial guide books, prints, and websites — without any permission or payments to the locals in the photos. Locals have become savvy to this, so they don’t want anyone using their image without remuneration. So — offer to pay them. I’ve found that the going rate in most countries is about $1 US Dollar.
4. Respect Privacy. The Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world. Among other activities, locals hold funerals at the temple (on the banks of the Bagmati River) that are easily visible to the public. Foreigners just can’t seem to resist taking photos of the deceased and their mourners. Question: How would you like it if a stranger was standing graveside taking photos as you buried your grandmother? Just because something is publicly visible doesn’t mean it’s right to take a photo.
5. Offer to send a photo. After talking with the subject of your photography, offer to send them a printed copy(s) of the photo (either while you’re still in-country or after returning home). But don’t make a promise to them that you’re not going to keep! If you say you’ll send a copy, then do it of course. They’ll appreciate the gesture and likely tack the photo on their wall (especially if it’s a kid).