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. "If people take my photo without
asking permission, I feel like an object," a friend told
me.
Use photography as a moment to take a deep breath and reflect
on the incredible the now, the privilege you have of being in
a particular place. 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.
TIPS FOR TOUR ORGANIZERS
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
album and give it to the vendor. 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
Ron's Flickr photos have been viewed more than 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 the local
cultural and biological diversity.
Among the innovations - the cards credit the name of the artisan
and include a bilingual proverb (dicho en español). Think
of the postcards - the same way as the photos - as a map to
the living treasures in Oaxaca. If you don't see the postcards,
ask for them!
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