People
As a travel photographer you will come across many landmarks, famous buildings, museums, galleries, statues, monuments that are almost critical to capturing the culture of the place your visiting. Many of these quint essential places are really big tourist attractions pulling in huge crowds.
Many photographers may say, forget the tourist attractions and head for the lesser photographed sights. I say, would you really go to Paris and not photograph the Eiffel tower, or go to Pisa and not photograph the tower?
When photographing the touristy bits you may or will undoubtably come across the dreaded crowds. People flocking around trying to take the same photograph as every other tourist or trying to push to the front as to get the best look at the subject.
This doesn’t have to be the night mare many people will tell you it is. Read more
In many popular destinations and in many parts of the developingsome people may ask for money in return for taking their photograph.
The opinions of photographers varies greatly with some thinking this as a fair exchange and for some its an annoyance.
Paying for a photograph may lead to an image that looks set up or contrived, you have to work out how much you want the persons photograph.
There are some factors you should think about when deciding to pay for portraits.
- Paying children for photographs is not a good idea, you don’t want to encourage a dependance on begging.
- If money is not expected, don’t give them any.
- You should always settle on a price before you take the photograph, make sure to bargain.
Have a small amount of change in a different pocket away from the rest of your cash. Read more
Photographing strangers can be a daunting thought, especially when your traveling in a different country. It needn't be a scary thought, many people are perfectly happy to have their photographs taken, some even want to be photographed.
Here is a guide that will help you to feel more confident and relaxed when photographing strangers.
- Your Approach. This may sound obvious but its one of the most important. If you see a person you would like to photograph approach them with a big friendly smile. Don’t rush towards them pointing your camera. Approach them in a way that you would like to be approached yourself. Make them feel comfortable and you will get the best results.
When your travelling in another country its very important to be respectful of the people living there.
If your planning to take lots of portrait photographs when your away, then its a really good idea to learn how to ask, 'may I take your photograph' in the countries language.
A great idea is to write down the phrase in the right lanuage in your Photographers Notebook.
Here is a list of how you can ask 'may I take your photograph' in many different languages.
Portrait photography has got to be my favourite. Being a travel photographer gives me a great opportunity to photograph people of different cultures.
When you travel remember to not only take photos of the amazing scenery but also the people of the country. Getting photographs of people can give so much information about a place and really capture the countries culture.
I have put together 10 tips to help you get those amazing travel portraits. The tips can also be used when photographing people in your own country, wherever that be friends or family.
