Photography Tips - Manners Please!
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Of course if you are taking shots of the local flora then this doesn’t really apply. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person might.
Perhaps you are lurking in the back alleys of a Third World city, or maybe your own, attempting to capture a specific ambiance. You see an old woman in your line of sight looking tired and world weary. Nevertheless, there’s a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.
Later you can fix the shots in photo editing software, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. Obviously you derive the pleasure of your efforts - but what did the model get?
Back in the day when I first began taking photos, I came upon a man coming towards me along a city street on a crutch. It was a striking image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it. The subject got very upset - and I immediately saw his point: who wants to be immortalized looking your worst?
When I returned to the darkroom I threw the negative out and made a vow not to do that again. Should I have asked for his OK first? Because he most likely would have refused permission, this would not have resolved the situation. The real point was, what was my original intention for taking that shot in the first place? If I had thought about it a little more I could have spared his feelings by taking my shot from behind.
Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These images can be wonderful but the effect could be ruined by you stating your intention beforehand. Nevertheless, once you have your shot why not approach the person and ask if you can take another, this time doing the best you can to take a more flattering version. It’s likely they will never see it but what holds true is that it is the thought that counts.
Another suggestion, often appreciated in poorer countries or areas where the local people have been assaulted photographically on a daily basis by throngs of tourists, is to offer at least some polite financial exchange for the modelling services provided. This is most often well thought of and it’s good for your soul.
As another example: I once conducted a photo essay for myself on a particular school. Offering an individual print to every teacher and student was impractical for me at the time so I burned a collection of the best shots on to a CD and gave it to the principal.
Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.
All this comes under the heading of good manners, and good manners are always appreciated. Additionally if you find you need to go back and re-shoot, you will most likely be welcomed and not run out of town.
Try it.
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