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EXPLORING ECOTOURISM

Responsible Travel Photography
by Ron Mader

PLANETA FORUM

For technical tips, consult our Photography Guide.


PHOTO GALLERY: Tourists
SLIDESHOW


PUBLISHERS -- This article is available for paid syndication. Those interested in publishing this article should request permission.


QUESTIONS

What is the value of attention?
What is the difference between attention and engagement?

What is responible tourism?

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 be used to satisfy travelers and locals?

This essay reviews photography from the point of view (pov) of both locals and visitors. We provide creative recommendations for travelers and propose a creative and generous use of Flickr:

What if instead of taking photos, visitors gave photos to the subjects?


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.

SUGGESTIONS

For travelers who wish to take photos and not be a nuisance, the best recommendation in taking close-up photos of people is to ask permission.

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.

An alternative version is to print out photos from Flickr, find the subjects and give them the print out of the page. Example

www.flickr.com

AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.


REFERENCES

g What is Responsible Tourism?
g Photography Guide
g New Photography Group: New Zealand and Australia
g Planeta.com Launches North American Ecotourism Photo Group
g Planeta.com Launches South American Ecotourism Photo Group
g Perceptions of the Mekong Sub-Region - Joe Cummings
b The Mayan Photo Album - Steve Bridger
b Making Pictures of Guanajuato - Steve Bridger
b We are all photographers now - Steve Bridger
b Best practice in Tourism Waste Management - ECOCLUB
b Culturally Sensitive Photography - Transitions Abroad
b Responsible Photography policies for travellers - Facebook

FLICKR

g Citizen Journalism: Flickr
g What is the value of attention?
b Wildlife Photography
ONLINE FLICKR

WIKI

g Planeta Wikispace
b Persistence of vision
b Photography
ONLINE WIKI


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American Friend (Der Amerikanische Freund) directed by Wim Wenders, 1977


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