I’m fortunate to lead photo trips to all kinds of interesting places. And I’ve learned that even if we’re going somewhere especially for the scenery, or the wildlife, taking time to photograph the people can be equally rewarding. I was reminded of that during my trips to the Peru this spring.
People want to go to Peru for Machu Picchu. And they’re right to do that – it’s awe-inspiring. But every trip I’ve led there, by the time we’re done, the group is just as impressed with the great people photography. Because as people, we’re naturally interested in other people.
This was one of a group of ladies at a roadside market in Peru who were there hoping tourists would want to photograph them and their llamas, and tip them. As I got close with my wide-angle lens, she started laughing. ISO 200, 1/200 at f/6.3, -0.3 EV, lens at 28mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
Photographing people can result in some of the most challenging, and rewarding, pictures you’ll shoot. The challenge is in forcing yourself to go up and talk to strangers. The reward, of course, is the photo.
Asking before you shoot is the polite thing to do, and almost always results in a better picture than sneaking a shot with a telephoto lens. It’s the intimacy of being close, the connection that results from eye-to-eye contact that often makes the picture special. I worked in newspapers for over twenty years, and almost every day I had to ask people if I could take their picture. And you know what? I was never completely comfortable doing that. But I had to, so I did, and I still do today.
Roast guinea pig is a treat in South America. We stopped at a roadside stand and ordered one to share. If you want to photograph a vendor, one of the best things you can do is buy something from them. They’ll almost always allow photos then. ISO 200, 1/250 at f/4.5, -0.3 EV, lens at 80mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
Since I really don’t like going up to people and asking, I do it only when I feel confident it’s going to make a good picture. I don’t want to go through all that for something mediocre. That means there has to be something special – the light, the location, their face or clothing. Something that really makes the picture work. And that’s when I’ll walk up and ask.
I’d met this hat maker on a previous trip, so made sure to take the group there again this year. He’s 90 now, and has made literally tens of thousands of hats over his lifetime. And yes, those white hats are ladies hats, a very popular accessory in the small towns. In this case, I tipped him for his time as our group took turns photographing inside his small shop. ISO 1000, 1/160 at f/3.5, -1.3 EV, lens at 28mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
How you ask is important too. I try not to just say, “Can I take your picture?” I find it’s better if you tell them why you find them interesting. ‘Excuse me, but I’d like to take a picture of you, I love that hat/your outfit/the light you’re in/this location/,” or just, “you’ve got a great face.” Most people will take it as a compliment that you want to photograph them. And, most people want to be nice, and helpful, and will usually say “yes.” And if they don’t? No problem, you asked politely, they declined, so you say thanks and move on. There’s no shame in them turning you down. It’s much better than being yelled at for taking their picture without asking.
One reason Peru’s so great for people photos is that the roads are almost all two-lane with plenty of places to pull off. Seeing this man harvesting potatoes, we parked and our guide approached him asking if we could take some pictures. ISO 320, 1/200 at f/5.6 , -0.3 EV, lens at 160mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
If you’re traveling, language can be a problem. Or not. By not speaking their language, you can’t really tale. But you can smile, point at the camera and pantomime taking their picture. They’ll get it, and either nod in agreement or wave you away. It’s amazing how well a good smile works. And it’s always good to learn at least the local words for “please,” and “thank-you,” wherever you are. If you’ve got a guide, you can ask the guide to ask permission for you. And only tip if it’s the normal thing to do. Don’t offer money to everyone you photograph, as that can be insulting. If it is common to pay, then I find it best to pay ahead. You’ve already paid so they’re not worried you’re going to leave without, and you don’t end up in an argument over how much you should pay.
We spend a day out on Lake Titicaca, and always visit some of the Uros people who live on floating islands made of reeds. This young man is weaving a hat from dry reeds. I prefer, whenever possible, to get close for my people photos. ISO 200, 1/400 at f/7.1, 0.0 EV, lens at 18mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
If you’ve gone to all the trouble to work up the courage to ask, and they say “yes,” then make it count. Don’t just take one picture and walk away. Shoot until you’re sure you’ve got a good one. But realize too that there’s a limit to anyone’s patience. Agreeing to let you photograph them doesn’t mean you can do that for the next hour. Get your photos, say “thanks,” and move on.
We always arrange to be in Cusco, Peru on a Sunday, because every Sunday there’s a local parade. Area business organizations and dance groups are always part of the parade, and happy to have their picture taken. This dance group was dressing up a little tourist for a photo with them.
ISO 200, 1/400 at f/4.5, -0.3 EV, lens at 90mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
Finally, if you promise to send the subject photos, make sure you do. It’s a simple way to say “thank-you” for their time and patience. They’ll appreciate that you followed through, and they’re more likely to be friendly to other photographers in the future. Be nice, and pass that along.
This girl was in the doorway of a shop in the village of Chincheros, where we stopped to see a weaving demonstration. One of our group was offering her a lollipop, and she didn’t know what to do. We had asked permission of her mother before taking pictures. ISO 200, 1/100 at f/5.6, -0.3 EV, lens at 200mm. Photo copyright Reed Hoffmann.
Over the years, I’ve been to a lot of fabulous places. Machu Picchu, the pyramids, the Great Wall of China to name a few. And while I’m pleased with the photos I’ve made of those landmarks, my favorite photos from those trips have been the people. BIt’s the people that make a place special, and those people pictures are probably the most unique images you’ll make. That’s why you should shoot, I mean, photograph, people!
Want to join me on a workshop? You can find my current ones here. And if you’re interested in going to Peru, drop me a note. I’ll probably return there again in 2020.
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