Nepalese Yoga, Nepal, Kathmandu
Traveling through a city hunting for photos opens doors into the local culture and always proves to be a new learning experience. All of these experiences add to my personal education and understanding, leading to a better trip. But it all starts and ends with a smile from you.
"Hunting people" is my favorite pastime, one on one and eye to eye. Anyone can do it with any type of camera.
People can be friendly, gracious and hospitable, but they can also be unpredictable, elusive and sometimes dangerous. Like snowflakes, no two are the same.
To successfully enter and connect into the lives of strangers we meet requires a cross section set of skills. The encounters may be brief and intense or perhaps pleasantly linger on, but either way, the intimate rewards are never ending. Group or family portraits are generally welcomed. Everyone likes to have a family photo. After, you may have the opportunity to break away and photograph any interesting characters within the group. You have established a small bond. Be sure to give them your contact card or get their address and please remember to send them a printed photo. I usually find myself walking away from these people encounters with a big smile, a fun memory or a bittersweet tear in my eye. How great is that?
“The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer” – Unknown
Indian Holy Man, Nepal, Kathmandu
Thar Desert
During my travels I have especially enjoyed the warm feeling I get from the smiles of the young people I photograph. Their genuine happiness is infectious and keeps me optimistic about life.
For me, photos are a valuable keepsake of my life experiences of meeting and photographing people.
Closeups are beautiful. If you think you’re too close, try getting a little closer if your subject will allow it.
If you have the people skills required to connect with others, "people hunting" with your camera is very gratifying.
My favorite portrait people lens would be my Nikon 105mm 1.8. It’s tack sharp and crisply separates the subject from the background. I generally shoot around the f5.6 range for optimum lens sharpness—that sweet spot.
Many people within various cultures in the world feel honored to have their photos taken. Perhaps they want some sort of evidence or record that they existed in life. When people show trust and pose for you, the soul comes from their eyes straight into your lens. It is then that I get my most insightful images.
I feel honored for the opportunity I have been allowed. To me, it translates as a true compliment.
But remember always that there are others who are extremely sensitive about their image being captured by a camera. Afraid that my Nikon is a tool to steal their souls, they hide and dodge my advances. In the desert of Pakistan I once had a sandal thrown at me from a village elder. The man’s aggressive gesture was displaying his highest form of disrespect. Respecting his concern, I quickly waved goodbye and moved on.
Note: There are instances where you may have to quickly move on. Hanging around burns the element of surprise and can even make you a target of theft or unwanted notice. The sun keeps moving and so should you.
“There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer” –Ansel Adams
Pakistani Desert
Calcutta, India
Rajasthan, India: This proud nomadic goat herder was very happy to have his photo taken. His hard life was not reflected in his demeanor.
Sunset in Calcutta, India
Kashmir, India
Bombay, India: A little curiosity and effort make it possible to discover these hidden gems.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: It may be rain, but think rainbows.
5. Weather: Interesting images can also materialize during adverse weather conditions, so don’t let that stop you. Even if only for a short period, I always try to shoot in the rain. I carry two small disposable plastic raincoats in my backpack, along with a small space blanket to protect my camera. I cut the space blanket to make it narrow and wrap it around my pack straps on my shoulder. And immediately after a rain stops the air is magical. It doesn’t last long, but the sunlight bouncing off the moisture particles in the air is nothing short of magic, so be prepared to capture some great shots.
6. The "MadeShot" versus the “Found Shot": “Making a shot" is all about staging a scene or laying out a shot like you envision it. Capturing portraits while traveling can also fit into this category, but my favorite way of capturing shots are by "finding" them. They can demand a bit more energy and patience and the gift of a quick creative eye, but the discovery process is the most fun. When everyone is looking left, try looking right—think outside the box to “find” the hidden treasures within a scene. Travel photography is all about putting yourself in the right place, at the right time, and then quickly dissecting all the information.
Dal Lake, Kashmir: Early mornings at the floating market is a unforgettable location to people watch. Stay low and position your camera with the background in mind. Then wait for the action to come to you. Let the subject do the work.
7. Choose Your Subjects Wisely: There are people everywhere, so wonderful photo opportunities are in abundance. Capture them at their best—during their daily routines, at work, at play, in unusual settings...
I choose to never photograph the ills and misery of those less fortunate—to not have a visual reminder of their misfortune and hardship. I personally find no reward in following a man with no arms or a blind street vendor. It’s just not me—it’s a Karmic thing.
Tip: Poverty and hunger forces people to present themselves in unusual ways in order to find a means of supporting themselves and their families, so giving money to begging children anywhere is asking for trouble. This practice attracts a crowd quickly and the situation can escalate and become uncomfortable. To be followed and surrounded by a dozen children picking through your clothes and begging for money is unsettling. It may not be the photo opportunity you thought it would be. If you want to help with donations, seeking out reputable charity institutions in Asia isn’t difficult.
Lucknow Mail Express Train, India: Always having your camera ready is sometimes not easy. The everyday hassle of dealing with luggage while traveling can be difficult, but the rewards are priceless.
A pot of gold is waiting to reward the photographer who takes the time and optimistic energy to engage eye to eye with humans. Don’t be shy. Whether shooting in a foreign country or in your own back yard, photographing people can be exciting and challenging. Try to read people and have fun. Put yourself out there. Everyday smiles and respect is the key to capturing that special shot. Keep your eyes open and remember that it’s fun to be nice.
Happy hunting!