Photography etiquette for enthusiastic travelers

Hello, Ram Chary here. I'm a freelance photographer and graphic artist. To hone my skills as a photographer, I explore new places. Sadly, when I travel, I often see people who seem to just point and shoot without being conscious of the culture and surroundings. To make sure that we're not disrespecting people and places when we're out of our comfort zone, let me share with you some travel photography etiquette:

Image source: Pexels.com

Seek permission before taking a photo

While this might seem counterproductive, this is actually the right thing to do especially when visiting conservative communities and countries. Instead of just pointing and shooting at everything you see, ask permission from your host or the people you're going to photograph. In many religions, photographing private prayer areas is prohibited to allow people to meditate without distractions. When photographing children, always ask permission from their guardian or parents. In some cases, I introduce myself as photographer Ram Chary and show them some of my work to ease their doubts.

Image source: Pexels.com

Give space to other photographers
Even if you're the only pro photographer in the area, you still have to give your fellow shutterbugs a chance to get a good photo. When visiting a tourist site that you know will be crowded, it's better to leave your fancy equipment at home. This will prevent loss and damage on your part. When it comes to taking photos, don't stay in one place. Let others take your spot after a few shots and then move to another one. This is especially true for those who want to take have their photos taken with the landmark.

By knowing our boundaries, we show our respect to the people and culture of the foreign place we're visiting. As we explore their lifestyle, we also want to show their best side without overwhelming them.

Hello, I’m Ram Chary from Boston, Massachusetts. I am a freelance photographer and graphic designer who loves to explore new places. For more reads on photography and design, visit this blog.