BACKGROUND
Travelers have no better proof that one has made a journey
than showing a photo that they took.
Locals want to document special occasions.
Is there a way that travel photography could better satisfy
travelers and locals? To better understand the opportunities,
let's consider the point
of view (pov) of locals and visitors.
TRAVELER POV
Here are a few reasons why travelers want to take a picture:
The photograph is considered a souvenir.
The photograph shows something that the traveler wishes to
share with friends and family.
LOCAL POV
Here are a few reasons why locals do not want travelers to
take their picture:
The photograph is considered a nuisance. This is particularly
true in areas that are frequently touristed, such as markets.
The photograph 'steals the soul.'
The photograph is considered a portrait, and they would prefer
to be groomed and in their best clothes.
Other photographers have promised to send a copy of the picture
and they have not done so.
SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS
For travelers who wish to take photos and not be a nuisance,
the best recommendation when taking close-up photos of people
is to ask permission.
Use photography as a moment to take a deep breath and reflect
on the moment. If you have a digital camera, show the photo
to the person you have photographed. They might want to adjust
their clothes or suggest a different angle. These are no longer
candid shots, but they do give the person in the photograph
more control.
The best food pictures show full plates. No one really wants
to see half-eaten sandwiches or empty plates after a meal.
Include the panorama, show where the activity takes place.
PHOTO SAFARIS
Tour organizers can create a list of subjects that their group
should be on the lookout. After your group returns, collect
the best photos and host a reunion slide show.
OAXACA MARKET PROJECT
We propose a creative and generous use of Flickr.
What if instead of taking photos, visitors gave the printouts
of photos to the very subjects to show how they are represented
on the Web?
Item. Oaxaca
Market Project. We recommend that visitors print a particular
page from our market
gallery (Flickr logo included) and give it to the vender.
The result? What might be a rushed visit becomes a search for
familiar faces and seasonal products. This puts a new spin on
the traditional 'take only photographs' mantra by giving the
photos back and raising awareness and increasing purchases of
traditional crafts and local food.
POSTCARDS FROM OAXACA
Our Flickr photos have been viewed nearly 500,000 times and
we have chosen some of our favorites from Oaxaca for a new series
of postcards.
The objective is to raise awareness and respect of Oaxaca's
unique cultural and biological diversity.
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