“Hi, can I take your picture?” If you want advice on asking that million-dollar question, or you want to find out ways to ask that transcend language barriers, then you need to read our blog about getting permission to take a photo of a stranger.
Customs (and laws) vary around the world on whether someone with a camera can take a picture of someone without permission. However, regardless of laws and etiquette, asking is the polite thing to do – especially if the person is going to be a key feature in your photo – and having permission is likely to lead to a far more rewarding experience for both you, the photographer, and subject.
Here's how to do it!
Make yourself (and your camera) known
Springing up on someone with camera in hand and asking to take a photo can come as a bit of a shock, and is less likely to elicit a positive response. However, if you have been walking around and taking pictures in the general vicinity, or even if you just have your camera out, your intended subject will already view you as a photographer before you even approach them.
Read body language
Whilst wielding your camera at a safe distance, take note of the body language of the person you'd like to photograph. If you sense that they are not comfortable at the thought that they might be your next target, best to leave it and move on, or you can try striking up a conversation and get to know them better to find out.
Make friends from afar
Depending on the situation, you may be able to make a connection with your subject from a distance, simply by acknowledging them through eye contact, a smile and maybe a wave. This builds up trust and is the first step to breaking down any barriers.
Get to know the subject
Strike up a conversation. It could be about the location you are both in, about the goods they are selling, about their attire, or their dog… whatever it is that has drawn you to them in the first place. You don't need to be brash and say “I really want to take your picture because….”, instead talk about what has captured your attention, ask conversational questions – just the way you would even if you weren't going to take a photo.
Pop the question
Yep, once you have shown that you are an honest person who is genuinely interested in them, that is the moment that you say something along the lines of “Hey, I would really like to get a picture of you, is that okay?” Don't be scared to throw in some reasons and compliments like “The light is perfect, it really makes your eyes shine.”
Be sensitive
If during your conversation you sense that they really aren't comfortable having their picture taken (because ‘taking' is what it is after all) then don't press the matter further. Even if they have said yes, and you sense they don't mean it, be sensitive to your gut feeling. In some cultures it is polite to say yes, even if it is something they do not want to do.
“...talk about what has captured your attention, ask conversational questions - just the way you would even if you weren't going to take a photo.&rdquo
Take the shot - Share the results
Let your subject see the photos you have taken, talk about the aesthetics of the pictures too and always ask if they would like a copy to be sent to them. Avoid snapping away endlessly. If after a couple of photos you feel like you want to get more out of the impromptu session, share what you have and ASK PERMISSION AGAIN!
How to ask without speaking
Whether you are taking a picture from a distance, you are genuinely too scared to strike up a conversation, or you are in a country where the language barrier means that getting to know the subject is not an option, body language is your best friend.
- Make eye contact
- Smile
- Raise eyebrows
- Point at camera
- Point at them
- Nod
If you get a nod or thumbs up back, take your shot. If not, smile and say thank you anyway and move on.
At the end of the day it is about being honest, open and sensitive. You'll find a friendly approach goes a long way.
Do you have any advice about how to approach a stranger and ask for a picture? Have you held back on street photography because you have been too scared to approach a stranger and ask? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us below.
I of course respected her and deleted the 1 snap i had clicked.
Thanks for the blog. Very useful.
Great article! I have yet to ask someone to take their photo... I am way too shy!!!
i will try to follow these steps in the future. :)
live in a city, and am sometimes a bit shy/scared. Especially if with parents.
In some countries kids will come up and ask for their pictures to be taken because they love seeing themselves on the little screen! I'm less comfortable about that but always oblige unless an adult is obviously in disagreement. Sometimes the adults want their picture taken, too. I have some wonderful shots from those requests.
I am always prepared to delete a shot if the subject has a problem with it.
No one seemed to care.
I think with the number of people out and about taking pictures with their cell phones, we're all in someones photos whether we like it or not.
I have only had about 10% refusals. I respect anyone's right to say no. People are often self-deprecating about having their photo taken but pleased when they see their portrait on the camera screen and I have had some truly heartfelt emails from subjects in response to receiving their portraits. I have made friends and acquaintances.
Candid street photography is a bit of a foreign country to me. I don't like the sneaky feeling and it doesn't inspire me.
I also elicit a story to accompany the photo and have found folk's stories amazing and interesting.
This is just my take on the matter!