shoot highest quality Jpeg or RAW files , and if you are unsure of your subject, initially shoot from a distance ( and crop later ), so at least you have something to show for your efforts , if you can't actually close in on your subject for a more personal portrait . If your subject refuses a face to face portrait , accept their refusal , and politely move on ( I live in the Middle East ). Be prepared to share the image of the subject/with the subject on Whatsapp or social media - some cameras allow wireless transmission of images to cell phones
Just be respectful when breaking the ice. If they seem hesitant, it’ll show in the images. Be okay with them saying “No.”. Let them go and find another willing subject.
Simply knowing how to say Hello in their language works wonders. Expect rejection. Don't fixate on one thing be open to alternatives. Most important be respectful and TOLERANT!
Thank you, Ira, for taking the time to remind all of us that we are really not out to get secret photos. while we do not need signed model releases, asking if one can take a person's picture and then not taking one if they say "no" is truly being respectful. Having lived for three years in Belize and two and a half in Albania and from those countries visting many others, this attitude has always served me well. Getting to know some of the people behind your photos makes them even richer when your review them and show them to others. --Richard Bowman
I've done a lot of photography at events where people working expect to get their photographs taken. That said, you can gain a lot of favor by following a few polite rules. 1) Always ask anyway. 2) If they are working for tips, tip them. 3) Never get in the way of their job. If a paying customer approaches step back and wait. 4) Don't take too long. Have your camera ready and take the shot fast. They have a job to do and might get in trouble if they are posing rather than working. 5) Always offer to send them a copy of the pictures and follow through on that. If you follow these simple rules you'll gain a lot of future good will for recurring events.
Thanks for these useful tips. Recently I've been considering starting travel photography in different countries. It has added a lot in my strategic approaches.
Great ! The silent shutter is awesome advice. How do you handle people that don’t want their photo taken ( family members) yet, act excited about their photos at a later date?
A silent "shutter" is one advantage of the new Nikon Z9. It doesn't have a mechanical shutter and no mirror to clack. But the main reasons I'd like to upgrade from my D800 is the much improved sensor and glass. Image quality is a biggie with me. The D800 silent shuttter is actually a less noisy shutter.
The much maligned ( by full framer's ) 18-140 kit lens used by APS-C folk , means no more carrying around a 28-70 AND a 70-200 lens , the latter being more than a little conspicuous .The it lens may not be a rock star when it comes to absolute quality , BUT IT IS discreet compared to carrying around a glass factory that pros seem to prefer ( their loss ) . In the good old days , a 90 degree lens adapter connected to a tele-photo zoom , via a T mount was also a good option to have
I found by experience that being able to simply say; Hi, Goodbye, Please, Thank You & My name is in the target or native language seems to open quite a few doors.
The Best Teacher, you are. - Maybe the next tip is to carry an image rights assignment agreement. And a collection of postcards with assorted photos of you to give in return.
Great suggestions except for the language part. It's great if you can do it, but I have enough problems with my own English language! Learning even a few words from a foreign language might be beyond my ability.
Learning "Please" and "Thank you" in the local language goes a long way in respecting the people and them respecting you. "Where's the bathroom" is a rather important one too.
I like the tips and the photos. What I don't understand, though, is the new video fashion (I'm seeing it in lots of videos these days) of cutting randomly to a second camera, so that the speaker, who was speaking directly to you, now is speaking to someone off camera and ignoring you. Arrrrgh! Cut it out, please!
What are your experiences when taking travel portraits?
Be nice & friendly... ask first.
shoot highest quality Jpeg or RAW files , and if you are unsure of your subject, initially shoot from a distance ( and crop later ), so at least you have something to show for your efforts , if you can't actually close in on your subject for a more personal portrait .
If your subject refuses a face to face portrait , accept their refusal , and politely move on ( I live in the Middle East ).
Be prepared to share the image of the subject/with the subject on Whatsapp or social media - some cameras allow wireless transmission of images to cell phones
Just be respectful when breaking the ice. If they seem hesitant, it’ll show in the images. Be okay with them saying “No.”. Let them go and find another willing subject.
Simply knowing how to say Hello in their language works wonders. Expect rejection. Don't fixate on one thing be open to alternatives. Most important be respectful and TOLERANT!
I haven't done any travel portraits as a professional yet but I do plan on do that when I am able.
Thank you, Ira, for taking the time to remind all of us that we are really not out to get secret photos. while we do not need signed model releases, asking if one can take a person's picture and then not taking one if they say "no" is truly being respectful. Having lived for three years in Belize and two and a half in Albania and from those countries visting many others, this attitude has always served me well. Getting to know some of the people behind your photos makes them even richer when your review them and show them to others. --Richard Bowman
I've done a lot of photography at events where people working expect to get their photographs taken. That said, you can gain a lot of favor by following a few polite rules.
1) Always ask anyway.
2) If they are working for tips, tip them.
3) Never get in the way of their job. If a paying customer approaches step back and wait.
4) Don't take too long. Have your camera ready and take the shot fast. They have a job to do and might get in trouble if they are posing rather than working.
5) Always offer to send them a copy of the pictures and follow through on that.
If you follow these simple rules you'll gain a lot of future good will for recurring events.
Great tips, thanks for adding.
Thanks Ira! Always good to hear tip from those that are actually doing it. Love your photography.
Great tips Ira, thank you for sharing. Will definitely save this video for future review. Stay safe, stay well.
Thanks for these useful tips. Recently I've been considering starting travel photography in different countries. It has added a lot in my strategic approaches.
Thank you for sharing these tips.
I'm warming up to the idea that people in landscapes is a good thing...😁
A nuance in my thinking… Photography should not be something you do TO people…but something you do WITH them.
Enjoyed these tips. Thanks.
Great tips, thank you!
Great ! The silent shutter is awesome advice. How do you handle people that don’t want their photo taken ( family members) yet, act excited about their photos at a later date?
Good tips. Thanks. Enjoyed watching and learnt something new.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Good tips. Love the Cuba shots. I miss travelling there.
Such a simple but quality tips!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips especially the last one.
Nice and simple. Thank you!
Love learning from you!!!!
Thank you. Great tips!
A silent "shutter" is one advantage of the new Nikon Z9. It doesn't have a mechanical shutter and no mirror to clack. But the main reasons I'd like to upgrade from my D800 is the much improved sensor and glass. Image quality is a biggie with me. The D800 silent shuttter is actually a less noisy shutter.
Thank you!
Love it
Nice video, great tips!
the most important tip is to know the legislation. doing and sharing street photography in europe is not that simple because people do have rights.
The much maligned ( by full framer's ) 18-140 kit lens used by APS-C folk , means no more carrying around a 28-70 AND a 70-200 lens , the latter being more than a little conspicuous .The it lens may not be a rock star when it comes to absolute quality , BUT IT IS discreet compared to carrying around a glass factory that pros seem to prefer ( their loss ) .
In the good old days , a 90 degree lens adapter connected to a tele-photo zoom , via a T mount was also a good option to have
Fantastic thanks apprecaite
Is it a good idea to send them a copy? Old question I've had for years.
Great work! Thanks!
Interesting.
I found by experience that being able to simply say; Hi, Goodbye, Please, Thank You & My name is in the target or native language seems to open quite a few doors.
The Best Teacher, you are. - Maybe the next tip is to carry an image rights assignment agreement. And a collection of postcards with assorted photos of you to give in return.
Ira... loved ur style & simplicity in putying out those tips.. cheers, vernon_alvares_photos_edits Mumbai India
I read the title and I was trying to figure out what the heck an Ira Block is and how do you know who has it. 😂
Great suggestions except for the language part. It's great if you can do it, but I have enough problems with my own English language! Learning even a few words from a foreign language might be beyond my ability.
Learning "Please" and "Thank you" in the local language goes a long way in respecting the people and them respecting you. "Where's the bathroom" is a rather important one too.
Tip #6: Throw a coin in the bucket of street performers before taking the pic.😊
I like the tips and the photos. What I don't understand, though, is the new video fashion (I'm seeing it in lots of videos these days) of cutting randomly to a second camera, so that the speaker, who was speaking directly to you, now is speaking to someone off camera and ignoring you. Arrrrgh! Cut it out, please!