madaboutasia's photostream

I am an un-Asian (foreigner) living in Thailand and Singapore.

Although I have been living here for quite some time (6 years), people looking at me assume that I am a tourist. And tourists are always snapping photos, right?

Therefore, I use this as a 'license to shoot'. I do have a set of photographer's ethics:

1. Always seek permission from your subjects. And this can be done without speaking a word.. especially if there is a language barrier. I simply hold up my hands and imitate snapping a camera, then vigorously shake my head; "YES?"

You have to do this with enthusiasm, then it works much more successfully. The reason that I think my candid subjects are relaxed, is because I inspired that condition.

When in Singapore, I chat up the people before I shoot, especially if they are participating in a public event, like a parade, sports, or contest. After having taken a couple of shots, they get used to it and 'tune you out'. This is good because then you can continue to snap candid photos with their permission.

2. ALWAYS offer to show the photo to the person (assuming you have a digital camera). Then, show it to their friends who may be standing around watching you! This often spurs on a "Me too!" attitude. The most difficult thing is to pose a solitary person. The idea is that 'there is safety in numbers'; therefore - encourage them to pose with friends! And even to pose with you!

Many of the people that I've photographed in Southeast Asia had never seen a digital camera and thus this is quite a novelty. On the other hand, if the photo has captured a poor pose (closed eyes, no smile) they will often insist you re-take it, while deleting the original.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT YOU HAVE TO BE BOLD ENOUGH TO APPROACH THE SUBJECT AND SEEK PERMISSION. IF YOU'RE MISSING TOO MANY SHOTS, IT'S YOUR FAULT AND NOT THEIRS.