Taking pictures of those subjects who don't want their pictures taken

[tirediron]

I traveled to Tunis 15 years ago, I found that even though I did not speak their language just holding up the camera and adding a thumbs up/down made my request clear. Some would shake their heads finger wash a no or nod and otherwise that it was ok. sometimes they would do the thumb and forefinger that most people know as money

This was pretty much exactly my MO in the rural regions of India and the Middle East when I travelled there.

 

[sleist]

Always respect someones requests. Why photograph someone against their wishes? Seems a bit selfish to do otherwise if you ask me.
Kinda like taking pics of the homeless. Another person's suffering is not your photo op. So always ask and respect the answer. Seems obvious to be honest.

 

[DarkShadow]

If your doing portrait work type and would like to photograph someone you may find interesting then yes ask, if they say no then don't. if its street photography you don't ask you capture the moment as you see it, if you ask then that moment is gone simple as that.

 

[limr]

If your doing portrait work type and would like to photography someone you may find interesting then yes ask if they say no then don't. if its street photography you don't ask you capture the moment as you see it, if you ask then that moment is gone simple as that.

No, it's not "as simple as that."

 

[DarkShadow]

it is to me and never had any problems and you can always offer a free photo to them email even a print if you wanted.. If have to ask then its staged at that point.

 

[DarkShadow]

I wont take any shots of homeless people tho thats something i don't agree with unless you offering money or a meal for just a portrait of them and nothing about theme screams homeless. To me pointing a camera down on a man or women pan handling on the corner or holding helps signs just seems low and cheap to me.

 

[limr]

it is to me and never had any problems and you can always offer a free photo to them email even a print if you wanted.. If have to ask then its staged at that point.

And you would continue to ignore what the subject's possible wishes might be even when traveling in countries where it's known that people don't want their photo taken because of their beliefs? Which is what the original question was.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

The only time something like this has happened to me was in Key West. There's this " Smallest Bar " there that is plastered all over the internet and I recognized it from Flickr. I raised my camera from across the street and see the bartender turn her back to me, flip me the bird and her single patron also give me the salute. She yells " I am human! You could ask if you might take my picture ". I returned their gesture and yelled back " I am photographing this ( while pointing at the scene ) and not interested in your picture!". I still wonder if she was afraid her parole officer might see her involved in alcoholic adventures.

 

[limr]

I still wonder if she was afraid her parole officer might see her involved in alcoholic adventures.

This is rude.

 

[DarkShadow]

it is to me and never had any problems and you can always offer a free photo to them email even a print if you wanted.. If have to ask then its staged at that point.

And you would continue to ignore what the subject's possible wishes might be even when traveling in countries where it's known that people don't want their photo taken because of their beliefs? Which is what the original question was.

Again i don't ask, I take a shot if its worth it and how does one know what i am aiming at i could be zooming past a person and shooting the buildings.

 

[sleist]

Taking someones photo establishes an intimate relationship between the subject and the photographer. This needs to be respected. No different than dating to be honest, as far as I see things. No means no. If you don't have the balls to ask permission then you don't have the right to shoot. Man up or shut up. I see where 'street' photographers might have objections here. But there is a fine line between a person's right to privacy and a person's expectation of privacy in a public place. Having the right to do something (as a photographer) doesn't mean you should do it.

 

[limr]

And what about that picture would have been so compelling if you hadn't asked? What story would have been told? What would have elevated that shot to be more than just a couple on a beach? In other words, what picture would have made it worth it to bust in on a private moment?

 

[DarkShadow]

An officer in full uniform thats put his life on the line for our safety and freedoms on the beach is not something you see often and its a beautiful couple in love and it was a public event. They had people taking pictures with cell phones i offered a free picture to the best of my ability as a Amateur photographer.

 

[limr]

And you really think the only reason you couldn't get a good photo was because you had to ask them?

 

[Fujidave]

This man asked me to take his image.

Thumbs Up by Dave, on Flickr


This couple did not ask as I just took it.

The Kiss by Dave, on Flickr