Photographers - How do you…
Out of context: Reply #27
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- imadesigner0
I've just returned from a years traveling in South & Central America with my 5D. In answer to your question, I really think it depends on the situation.
Sometimes you ask, sometimes you know you can get away with it so you don't. Sometimes you want the person looking at the camera, sometimes it will spoil the shot. If you're at a large fiesta you can't go round asking the twenty people who would be in the shot whether they mind having their photo taken, so you judge the mood/ atmosphere and decide for yourself. Yes, sometimes people do get pissed off with you. There's a 'nice' story of a Chinese man visiting Guatemala who got 'punched out' by a local for not asking, but this is a rare case.
One thing I would say is to ask confidently and with a smile. Another tip is to have a bit of a conversation with the person first, then ask about the photo. The more confident I became with my Spanish while traveling, the more people were saying yes. They also like to see the photo after, if shooting digitally.
I'm currently sorting through the 17000 photos from my trip, will post a link soon.