How to take good photos while traveling

Travel photos are not just photos. Every time you take a picture and post it somewhere, you must respect who is depicted in it. Remember: you have an ethical responsibility to preserve the dignity of the people in the photo. It is necessary and important to provide reliable information about the environment. Otherwise, people may misperceive another culture.  

Ethical photographs correctly reflect the life and culture of other people and do not harm nature. During photography, you should not bring discomfort to people and animals or violate their boundaries.

As much as we would like to believe that there are some common ethical principles, the reality is much more complex. Ethics are subjective: what is ethical behavior for one person is not necessarily so for another. It changes from one context to another: what may be ethical in New York may not be ethical in Abu Dhabi. Norms also depend on time: what was ethically acceptable ten years ago may no longer correspond to reality.

However, there are still recommendations. The main thing is to empathize with the subject. How would you feel if you were in their shoes if you were photographed? What if the image went viral? 

Guidelines to follow while traveling

1. If it feels wrong, don’t take pictures. For example, if you see a person or people living in poverty acting or looking strange, don’t take that picture and don’t post it on social media. These people do not choose how they should live, so we must show respect. 

2. Analyze your motives for taking a particular shot. Do you want to show the offense? Or admire the culture? The photo should show it. Please don’t use photos to evoke pity. This is dehumanization and disrespect, even if exclusively noble motives guide you. 

3. Always ask permission. Another culture may seem interesting and even strange, but this is a common thing for its representatives. Therefore, it is better to ask a travel expert whether it is appropriate to take a picture or not. Or check with the person himself. And if they say no, respect that decision and don’t film in secret.

4. Don’t distort the facts. Don’t make false generalizations. Don’t support stereotypes. One picture of a starving African child does not reflect the situation on the entire continent. When posting on social media, caption the photo to avoid misperceptions.

5. Do not photograph endangered animals or require payment to photograph them. This practice only maintains a materialistic attitude towards them, and the animals themselves do not receive any benefit. 

What can not be photographed in different countries 

Throughout Europe, it is illegal to take portrait photographs of people without their consent. But usually, if you are taking a photo of a landmark, you do not need to ask permission from everyone in the frame. The rule works in cases where a person is the main object in the frame. You can not shoot military and strategic facilities, police stations, and the police themselves. 

Hungary

In Hungary, the rules are stricter: you cannot photograph people without their consent if they can be recognized in the photo.

France

Surprise fact: photographing the tower with the lights on is illegal. And it is better not to post these pictures on social networks. The night illumination of the Eiffel Tower is subject to copyright, so you need to write permission from the management company. But you can take pictures during the day and post them.

Holland

It is forbidden to take pictures at the Red Light District’s main attraction. If you dare, don’t be surprised if a prostitute snatches your phone out of your hands and smashes it. 

In all Asian countries, it is forbidden to take pictures of Buddha statues. You can not shoot in churches or cemeteries or take photos of the clergy. 

Thailand

Photos of the king and the royal family are considered a direct insult; you can get a fine.

India

It is strictly forbidden to photograph representatives of some castes. Other residents can be photographed with their consent. Also, you can not film the process of cremation and burial.

UAE

Be careful: taking photos of people without their consent and transferring and storing photos here is a criminal offense. Even if someone accidentally got into the frame, he can report you to the police. You can’t take pictures of the sheiks’ palaces. However, other people’s property is also not worth it.

Morocco

Taking pictures of the Moroccan king and his procession is forbidden unless you have permission. You can not photograph any building on which the national flag hangs. By the way, he can even be at the theater. People can also only with their consent. 

Tunisia

Ordinary citizens can be photographed with permission. The main thing is that none of the worshipers get into the frame. It is impossible to take pictures of women in a burqa and examine them closely. Plus, there is a ban on photos of buildings with the national flag and presidential apartments shooting police officers. 

Yes, the life, traditions, beliefs, and values ​​of residents of other countries can raise many questions. But it is important to understand that they have a different cultural code that has been formed for thousands of years. They grew up and followed social attitudes and assimilated patterns of behavior and a peculiar way of thinking. Therefore, it is important to respect the peculiarities of their culture and not expect from someone the right, in your opinion, behavior. 

You come to another people’s home, which means you need to be sympathetic to their peculiarities.