Photography and Manners

This doesn’t really apply of course if you’re taking shots of inanimate objects. It is highly unlikely that a tree is going to feel put out because you took your shot when it’s foliage was not at its best – but a person may.

For example, you’re prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a particular mood. You see an old woman in your line of sight looking tired and world weary. Nonetheless, you see her noble expression and a certain grace in her pose, so you take the shot.

Later you can fix the shots in photo editing software, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. You get that pleasure for your efforts – but what did your model get?

Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a striking image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it. My subject became very upset – and I could see his point: nobody wants to be recorded for posterity looking bad?

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? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first place? Had I thought about it a little more I probably would have taken my shot from behind and spared his feelings.

Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These photos can be terrific but presenting yourself and your intention ahead of time could spoil the effect. 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. As in many things it is the thought that counts and this hold true here even though they may never see it.

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.

Some other examples: one time I did my own personal photo essay on a school. It was impossible for me to provide all the teachers and students with a print each so I burned a CD of some of the better shots and gave it to the head teacher.

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. Furthermore if you want or need to return and re-shoot, you’ll find yourself welcomed not resisted.

Try it.