November 21, 2009
UTNE READER

How to Shoot Photos as Culturally Vivid as Your Vacation

(Page 2 of 2)

May - June 2008
by Stephanie Glaros 
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Smile. Approach people as you’d like to be approached, in a friendly, polite, and respectful manner. Never put the lens in someone’s face without permission.

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Be brave. It takes some chutzpah to ask strangers if you can take their photograph. OK, a lot of chutzpah. Shy tourists sometimes fall back on taking clandestine shots or using a zoom lens—pretty creepy, if you think about it. Just be brave. Most people will consider the request a compliment, as long as your intentions and general vibe are positive.

Compose your shot. You’ve gotten permission for this fabulous shot, so determine your main subject and make certain it’s in focus. Compose the scene in a more interesting fashion than always having the subject in the center. Remember that pulling out to include other details (like a bit of traditional architecture or the food sitting on a table) will give the image life, as well as enrich the cultural context.

Share. Offer to mail or e-mail your subject a copy of the photo when you get home. If you have a digital camera, show off what you’ve shot right away. Children love it.

Get inspired. Before you leave for your trip, check out Diane Arbus, Alec Soth, and other great documentary photographers who weren’t afraid to approach strangers in search of truly authentic portraits.

Stephanie Glaros is Utne Reader’s art director.

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