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Travel photography question: Portraits

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kdern

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When traveling, how do you take portraits of strangers? Do you use a zoom? Ask permission? Just smile and hold up the camera?

I don't want to insult anyone - I'm taking a photo because they're interesting looking, but I don't want someone to think I'm taking a photo because they're so odd or unusual.

What works for you? I'm going to Mexico soon and would love to take some portraits!
 
Take a look at Jeff's images from Oaxaca. Pretty impressive. He also talks about his 'experiences' shooting the Federales. Me personally, I use long focal length lens, the longer the better. Somewhere between 200mm and 300mm seems to be optimal.

--
Steven
GMT -8
 
kdern said:
When traveling, how do you take portraits of strangers? Do you use
a zoom? Ask permission? Just smile and hold up the camera?

I don't want to insult anyone - I'm taking a photo because they're
interesting looking, but I don't want someone to think I'm taking a
photo because they're so odd or unusual.

What works for you? I'm going to Mexico soon and would love to
take some portraits!
Click to expand...
Depends.

Depends on the culture and the circumstance.

I'll often use a long lens and just shoot since what I want is non-posed, candid shots. If I get "caught" I'll smile, walk up to the person and show them the shot. I've never had anyone object when I've used that routine. Especially if I indicate that I think they made a good picture and that I'm happy with it.

What often happens is that I then get invited to take more pictures.

In some cultures I won't use that technique. In traditional Muslim areas I won't shoot pictures of women without permission.

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
I started photographing people in the Orient (shy people) when I was in the military during the Korean campaign, in Japan, China, Phillipines etc. I travelled around with a TLR Rollie F2.8 and got into the habit of photographing people at a 90 degree angle so they didn't know I was photographing them. I still use that practice today...My Dslr doesn't have a swivel LCD (wish it did) but if your sneaky you can catch people in their natural state instead of freezing at the sight of a MK11 with a bazooka lens on it. I have an angle finder but not as convenient as a grouns glass.
--

' You don't have to have the best of everything to get the best out of what you do have'.

 
Hmmm........200 to 300mm

My last trip was to Yemen......200 to 300mm does not keep you out of range of AK47's

I find that if you ask first....90% of people will happily say OK and you can get some good photos of relly serious guys with big automatic guns :0)

Plus, the less tourists in a country the more the people will want you to take their photo.
 
kdern said:
When traveling, how do you take portraits of strangers? Do you use
a zoom? Ask permission? Just smile and hold up the camera?

I don't want to insult anyone - I'm taking a photo because they're
interesting looking, but I don't want someone to think I'm taking a
photo because they're so odd or unusual.

What works for you? I'm going to Mexico soon and would love to
take some portraits!
Click to expand...
I have been to Mexico three times and never had a problem photographing whatever I wanted to. But I followed these guidelines:

1. Always ask before taking a close up picture.

2. Always tip. Children $.50, Adjults $1.00 (It has been over six years since I was there and these amounts may not be appropriate now).

3. Remember that in third world countries it is not uncommon for people to believe your camera will "capture" their spirit. This could be a big problem.

4. Remember that the value of your camera equipment may be more than the the people make in a year. Keep an eye on it. For example we stayed in a hotel in Cancun for $200 per night. The maid that took care of our room made $20 PER WEEK (8 years ago).
 
Bill Randall said:
kdern said:
When traveling, how do you take portraits of strangers? Do you use
a zoom? Ask permission? Just smile and hold up the camera?

I don't want to insult anyone - I'm taking a photo because they're
interesting looking, but I don't want someone to think I'm taking a
photo because they're so odd or unusual.

What works for you? I'm going to Mexico soon and would love to
take some portraits!
Click to expand...
I have been to Mexico three times and never had a problem
photographing whatever I wanted to. But I followed these guidelines:

1. Always ask before taking a close up picture.
Click to expand...
And you don't need to speak someones language in order to ask their permission. A gesture with your camera (with a smile) gets the message across.
Bill Randall said:
2. Always tip. Children $.50, Adjults $1.00 (It has been over six
years since I was there and these amounts may not be appropriate
now).
Click to expand...
Please don't.

Travel photography is not about hiring models. It's about interpersonal interactions. It's a "I find your country and you interesting and would like to take home pictures for my memories.".

You are screwing things up for the rest of us.

Paying for pictures has just ruined some places for people photography.

In parts of Kathmandu you get people dressing up as holy men just to make a living posing for clueless tourists.
Bill Randall said:
3. Remember that in third world countries it is not uncommon for
people to believe your camera will "capture" their spirit. This
could be a big problem.
Click to expand...
An old worn-out myth.

You do want to be aware of the dislike of cameras in the areas outside San Cristobal de las Casas. But that has nothing with soul stealing.
Bill Randall said:
4. Remember that the value of your camera equipment may be more
than the the people make in a year. Keep an eye on it. For example
we stayed in a hotel in Cancun for $200 per night. The maid that
took care of our room made $20 PER WEEK (8 years ago).
Click to expand...
Yes, people don't make a lot of money. But that doesn't destroy their morals.

You're at a much greater risk, IMO, in greed-driven parts of our country.

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
My wife and I have traveled throughout South America as well as Mexico. Since my wife speaks spanish, and we have traveled not only the tourist places but the backlands as well, we have gained insight into the cultures that many people are not exposed to.

While I agree that tipping does have it's drawbacks, it is very difficult for me to ask someone who is extremely poor to enhance my vacation experience, by allowing me to take their picture with my expensive gear, without providing them with a token to enhance their life. There have been situations where I did not tip. Instead I bought them a drink of some kind or a donut, etc....

In regards to "An old worn-out myth" concerning the capturing of one's spirit, it thrives in the more rural areas, or it did 8 years ago.

I did not make a blanket statement that the morals of the Mexicans would be changed by one's equipment. I thought I was pointing out something that should be very obvious: When around people who are concerned about where their next meal will come from there is an added risk from some desperate people.

In regards to the risk one takes in this country (USA), you may be correct. The risk in this country seldom stems from the absence of food, but as you say from greed, drugs, etc....
 
Here's the sort of phony-baloney get-ups you see when people start paying for pictures. (Ever see the "Indians" in plains Indian war bonnets posing at roadside stops in the southwest years ago?)



Here's how some of the Nepalis feel ...



If you feel that you should give (and good for you), you might do as some do and donate some money to organizations that work to make conditions better.

That's not to say that I don't feed someone who is apparently hungry from time to time. But I don't like turning locals into 'paid to pose' workers. And I really don't like following behind those who have created a westerner = cash machine culture.

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
In regards to your second picture, I agree with you and the sign. As a general rule, begging should not be rewarded.

When you ask someone to pose for a photograph they are performing a service (one you requested), much like a model. Why is it wrong to compensate them? Especially in a somewhat rich country, which Mexico is, with very poor people.
 
Bill Randall said:
In regards to your second picture, I agree with you and the sign.
As a general rule, begging should not be rewarded.

When you ask someone to pose for a photograph they are performing a
service (one you requested), much like a model. Why is it wrong to
compensate them? Especially in a somewhat rich country, which
Mexico is, with very poor people.
Click to expand...
Speaking for myself, taking someones photo is a personal interaction. Not a business deal.

I pay for someones photo with a smile and thank you. I show them the photo and show it to others who are standing around. Sometimes I give them one of the address cards which I carry and have a picture of me on the back.

I make some new friends, even if they are only in my life for a short time.

When I travel in places where people expect to be paid all that personal interaction generally doesn't occur.

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
BobTrips said:
Speaking for myself, taking someones photo is a personal
interaction. Not a business deal.

I pay for someones photo with a smile and thank you. I show them
the photo and show it to others who are standing around. Sometimes
I give them one of the address cards which I carry and have a
picture of me on the back.
Click to expand...
Although I justified "paying" the person posing for the picture as somewhat of a business deal - in reality it is more.

To you it is, as you said, a personal interaction. I agree with this. But look at it from the subjects point of view. You are a "rich" American asking this person with next to nothing to make your day for a smile and a look at the photo you got. To me it is more because I got the smile, the photo - and a person very much in need earned a dollar or two.

In regards to your comment about making donations through organizations:

1. Enough of my tax dollars go to enough organizations/people which are not deserving (including illegal aliens).

2. In regards to private organizations, I prefer to determine who should get charity and who should not - without any "administrative costs".

I really have no problem with what you do and the way you do it. But IMO you are missing an opportunity to get something for yourself and to benefit another person by paying him for the service provided.
 
I'll take that one step further, I live in a rural area one hour outside of medellin, Colombia S.A. in a private compound (wife is Colombian). There are several "pueblito's" close by, one 6 miles away where we do our banking etc. Everyone in these small villages recognize me as a "gringo" but are extremely cordial and helpful if need be. I sometimes photograh some of these local citizens and the majority of them are "dirt poor" and gladly accept a small gratuity, NOT a business deal, just appreciation for their circumstance. I've yet to find the first one to turn down a token gift but they certaintly don't commercial the opportunity either. These are simply but honest, humble people.

My wife is from a Medical professional family in Medellin so are considered elitists here. She is considerably more charitable with the poor people than I am and is careful NEVER to look down upon the less fortunate or degrade them. She often not only approves but asks me to give a small reward to people, photographed or not.....For those that are fortunate enough to be employed the average wage is less than $5. USD per day., almost half of the population is unemployed. When one is surviving by eating food out of garbage cans, I don't hesitate to offer a token.

I have no cavalier attitudes towards these simple people but appreciate the opportunity to record not only then but their environment also. This one cost me an ice cream sunday.

htttp: images.fotopic.net/ygbn4e.jpg

--

' You don't have to have the best of everything to get the best out of what you do have'.

 
When you start complaining that your tax dollars are going to support illegal aliens I am able to see that we aren't on the same page.

That statement is as bogus as the one about windmills causing climate significant change.
Bill Force said:
Nervous finger?

Click to expand...
Cute kid.

Try a smaller aperture next time.

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
Read my bio Brain trust. I'm RETIRED living in South America. I venture to say in my lifetime I've paid at least double the amount of taxes you have. Itr's my perogotive to help support some poor people where I currently live.

What is it with you, JEALOUS or what...you attack every statement I've ever made with no substance on your part, just blowing boogers for no reason.

The windmill story was published in the San Francisco newspapers for seral years, OH, maybe you can't read either?
--

' You don't have to have the best of everything to get the best out of what you do have'.

 
Bill Force said:
Read my bio Brain trust. I'm RETIRED living in South America. I
venture to say in my lifetime I've paid at least double the amount
of taxes you have.
Click to expand...
That's possible. And if that's true then you are one rich dude.
Bill Force said:
What is it with you, JEALOUS or what...you attack every statement
I've ever made with no substance on your part, just blowing boogers
for no reason.
Click to expand...
Nope. I'm just a sucker for accuracy. To say that I've attacked every statement that you've ever made is just another bogus pronouncement.
Bill Force said:
The windmill story was published in the San Francisco newspapers
for seral years, OH, maybe you can't read either?
Click to expand...
You're supposed to be an engineer. What you stated makes absolutely no sense for anyone who has even a passing knowledge of physics.

So produce the article from the Examiner or Chron.

Or was it from "I'm sure there is a report documented in the California Energy Commission archives"?

--
bob

The Blind Pig Guild
A photo/travel club looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Blind-Pig/

Flowers of Asia
A photo club for appreciators of Asian flowers - looking for members
http://www.jeber.com/Clubs/Flowers-of--Asia/

Travel Galleries
http://www.pbase.com/bobtrips
 
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