Photographing locals: 10 expert tips

Photographing locals: 10 expert tips

We speak to a range of experts about the ethics of photographing locals and present their top tips

At Atlas & Boots we've photographed some incredible landscapes, from the crackling blue ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier to the mythical moai of Easter Island. What we're less good at is taking photos of locals.

This may be based on an article I once read about how we in the West would feel if someone stopped on the street to take a photo of us or our children and then walked away without saying a word.

Of course we would find that intrusive. And yet the field of portrait photography is thriving, with gorgeous images of nomads and tribesmen gracing every issue of National Geographic and the like.

So – what’s the secret? How is it that some photographers get under the skin of a community and come away with such stunning photos? We spoke to a number of experts about photographing locals and shared their advice below.

1. Don’t observe – participate

“Let’s start with a simple fact: portraying strangers is no easy task,” says Oded Wagenstein, cultural photographer and contributor to the Israeli editions of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler.

"Getting out of our comfort zone and approaching a stranger on the street is something that most people find intimidating. So my advice: Don't do it. Don't approach people on the street."

“What you should do is go from being an observer to being a participant – becoming a participant in a local experience that involves people,” says Oded.

alt=“Cubans: Photographing locals”>Cuban gentleman, Cienfuegos in Cuba (Image: © Oded Wagenstein)

“Basically, it's much easier to take portraits of market stall owners if you buy something from them,” he adds.

"In my photography workshops, I insist that we not only take good photos, but also, and more importantly, have meaningful experiences in the field. For example, swapping hotel rooms for a homestay for a night or two or eating as much local street food as we can."

By collaborating and talking with locals, Oded gains access to more intimate settings: "I always work with a local guide who can take us to places that tourists can't go. By simply chatting with people, I am offered to attend their life events such as weddings, birthdays and even funerals."

“As a participant, I can capture better portraits in a way that is much more fun and meaningful than just stopping someone on the street.”

2. Learn some of the local language

Also try to learn some of the local language, advises documentary photographer Nick St. Oegger.

alt=“Stupid, taking photos of locals”>Drummer, Gjirokaster in Albania (Image: © Nick St.Oegger)

Nick, who has worked for Reuters, Le Monde and De Standaard, says: "Knowing another language is one of the most important skills you can acquire as a traveler. It will only open more doors for you and allow you to communicate with people you wouldn't otherwise be able to.

Even if you only learn the basics of the language in the country you are visiting, the locals will usually open up to you. Greeting someone in their own language, asking how they are, thanking them has a way of disarming them and showing respect. After all, you are a guest in your country.

This really helped me get people to allow me to photograph them in a country like Albania, where many are still wary of cameras and photographers. If you encounter a communication breakdown, just laugh it off.

People are often curious, and even if you can't communicate with words, people still have a nice way of getting along. Kindness and a smile go a long way.”

3. Be respectful – of their times and customs

When photographing people on location, speed is a crucial component, says portrait photographer Marcel Kolacek:

"When shooting outdoors, everything changes very quickly. From the light to the subject, nothing is as you imagine - nothing is perfect. You're constantly battling variable conditions. People in everyday life never stop for a shoot, so never make them wait for several minutes. Even a minute is a very long time for a person you've just met. Most of my portraits only lasted a few seconds."

alt=“Muslim woman photographing local women”>Muslim woman, Polhena in Sri Lanka (Image: © Marcel Kolacek)

It is also important to know the local customs, says Marcel: "An essential component is respect, good manners, tolerance and the ability to adapt to local conditions. It helps if you really want to get to know their culture and are really interested."

When he took the above photo of a Muslim woman, Marcel was aware that he had to get not only her permission, but also that of her husband: "I asked the husband if I could take a portrait of his wife on the street. He agreed. She is an English teacher and mother of two children. Then we talked for a while about Islamic culture. I asked a lot of questions about polygamy, women and extremism. He answered my questions and was very helpful."

4. Travel alone

Traveling alone is a great way to endear yourself to locals and open lines of communication.

alt="Siberian woman photographing locals">Lexi NovitzkeNenetsin between reindeer, Yamal Peninsula in Siberia (Image: © Lexi Novitske)

Photographer Lexi Novitske says, "Especially as a woman, I've found that people open up to me a lot more when traveling alone. They invite me into their homes, hug their babies in my arms, and connect with my cultural differences out of curiosity. I even remember a time when I had all the women in a tiny village in Ethiopia painting their nails with a small bottle of nail polish that I brought with me. Being alone also helps because you have a lot more time to interact with the subjects without pressure."

If you're traveling with a companion, make sure it's a patient companion, says Lexi. “My boyfriend is a wonderful assistant and carrier, so I try to take him with me,” she adds with a wry smile.

5. Carry a Polaroid camera

It's nice to give something back to local people, especially if they are curious about your camera.

“If you can fit it in your luggage/backpack, invest in a small Polaroid camera,” advises Lexi. "This allows you to give a signal to your subjects rather than just taking it. I usually shoot in fairly remote communities, so digitally transferring photos isn't really an option."

6. Participate in rural festivals and events

Festivals and celebrations provide a great opportunity to photograph people when they expect to be photographed. This is a good introduction to portrait photography. Once you gain confidence, you can move on to more remote, rural events with more opportunity for intimate portraits.

alt=“Nomad, photographing locals”>Kazakh nomad, Altai Mountains in Mongolia (Image: © David Baxendale)

“I try to attend festivals like rural Nadaam on the Tsambagarav Glacier in Mongolia's Altai Mountains or the Kumbh Mela in India,” says David Baxendale, a travel photographer who has worked for Lonely Planet, National Geographic and The Discovery Channel.

“Participating in events in the countryside gives you great opportunities to photograph nomads and religious people who may have traveled many miles to attend,” says David. "I also try to scope out a location beforehand to get an idea of ​​great scenery or lighting that can enhance an image. At this point, waiting a few hours for the right person to come along is a great technique that can produce spectacular results."

7. Hand over your camera

“There are situations where people don’t trust cameras,” says Lexi. "Sometimes it's a spiritual belief that the camera is stealing a piece of their soul, or a fear that their photo will be used against them. However, there is always a child who is curious about the camera and eager to photograph their family and friends. Once some have gathered to see the images, others often ask to take photos of them too."

8. Don't be intimidated by rejection

“Sometimes people don’t want to be photographed – I know I often don’t,” says Peter, our resident photographer at Atlas & Boots. "Depending on local conditions, circumstances and the individual's mood, being rejected may well happen. It's not a bad thing and you shouldn't be intimidated by it. Say thank you and put your camera away. Someone who feels uncomfortable being photographed probably wouldn't be a good subject anyway."

alt=“Religious Indian man”>Religious man, Rajasthan in India (Image: © Peter Watson)

“One of my favorite shots is of a religious man I met at a train station in Rajasthan, India,” says Peter. "When I first asked him if I could take his photo, he declined. Later, he saw me talking to other locals at the train station and shooting them. After a while, he came over and asked if he could have his photo taken now. He spent a moment arranging his clothes and displaying the religious icons on his chest before proudly posing for his photo."

9. Don't think too much!

Good portrait photography often happens spontaneously, says Janet Kotwas, an award-winning photographer who lives in Alaska.

alt=“Cowboy, Colorado in the USA, © Janet Kotwas”>Cowboy, Colorado in the USA (Image: © Janet Kotwas)

"Embrace spontaneity. When you see this unique image, take it!" says Janet. "Try not to overthink or manipulate the scene. You can miss the moment and imperfections can be beautiful. If you're looking for something special, try new angles - go from below, shoot from above, get close to fill out your frame. Let the story unfold naturally and then capture the moment in a unique way, as you see it through your lens, unlike anyone else."

Lexi emphasizes this point: "It's important not to be too serious when taking photos. Don't obsess and annoy your subjects by trying to position them in the best light with the best expression. Instead, be playful. Have fun! Photograph children doing somersaults, swap clothes and play dress-up, take selfies!"

10. Decide where you stand when it comes to paying

Taking the steps above will make photographing locals much easier, but there's always the chance that you'll be asked to pay some money for the privilege. The ethics surrounding this is a point of debate. Some have compared it to prostitution; others counter by asking why we don't call it prostitution when Kate Moss poses for photos.

alt=“Peruvian girl”>DreamtimePeruvian girl, Uros Islands in Peru (Image: © Siempreverde22 | Dreamstime)

When we had the opportunity to photograph a young girl on the Uros Islands in Peru in exchange for a few soles, we declined from our perspective. Treating them as commodities felt distasteful, but was that just Western paternalism at play?

Deciding where you stand will make interactions easier in the moment. Whatever your opinion, it's a good idea to have some change with you in case someone asks for money after the fact (i.e. after they've agreed and posed for a photo).

Overall, photographing locals aims to capture the beauty and diversity of people around the world. The overarching advice from our experts is to talk to people, smile at them and laugh with them. It's much easier to capture beauty when you take the time to experience it.

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See more beautiful portraits in Before They Pass Away by Jimmy Nelson, a collection of photographs covering 30 remote tribes around the world.

Cover photo: © Lexi Novitske

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