• Responsible Photography

• "Take nothing but photos ..." - it's become a bit of a travellers' mantra but actually the idea of recording your journey with a camera just adds one more layer to your duties as a responsible traveller. Your snapshot may leave no trace but the image you create is not always one that is welcome.

  Don't Upset The Authorities

  It used to be the case that only the authorities in relatively few countries got upset by photography of what most of us think of as normal scenes; railway stations, bridges and the like. In only the most strictly controlled did these get classified as sensitive.

  These days you run the risk of being apprehended for taking photographs of any public building just about anywhere, including, if not even - especially - at home.

  The consequences of being caught taking photos of something seen by the local authorities as sensitive range from having your camera inspected through to being incarcerated as a spy. This is no laughing matter; you only need read about the tourists at an air-show in Greece who spent more than three weeks in jail to know that it could happen.

  If you do get apprehended remember to stay calm and co-operative whatever you are feeling about the situation. Neither humour nor anger will help. Digital cameras at least have the advantage that you can show the photos you have taken (or didn't take) instantly. Be prepared to hand over your camera if necessary. Your trust in them (whoever is representing 'the authorities') can be repaid by their trust in you.

  Don't Upset Anyone Else

  Some cultures have a taboo against images of the person; others unfamiliar with the technology think of it as some form of magic and are very wary.

  If you wish to respect the feelings of your subjects, or potential subjects then, where possible, ask permission to take a shot.

  Think also that people may not be happy with you recording other aspects of their life. Since many locals will not own a camera they may not understand your reasons for taking photos. You, not being local, may not understand their objections. You might think a house looks quaint; the owners may think you are sneering at their poverty. Since you are the visitor the onus is on you to back down.

  On a more pleasant note: it is easy when travelling to find yourself taking snapshots of people and making a promise to send photos on after your trip. You of course have no duty to do so but it always means a lot to those that do receive mail from abroad. Just think how many times you have seen other photos displayed proudly.

  Go (back) to the main Responsible Travel page.

  You may want to go straight on to:

  • Responsible Travel in a temple or mosque
  • Responsible shopping
  
  
  
• 
  
  

  ---

  
  
  

• Current Comments

  4 comments so far (post your own)

  Anita
  
  Good point, though local guides in China may be less willing to offend group members with a rebuke, however minor, and so the individual must still be aware of their own actions - and check wherever there is doubt.

  Posted by China Journeys on Thu 26 Apr, 2012

  Many of the problems in sensitive areas can be avoided by joining an organised group of photographers led by a local guide.

  Posted by AnitaT-W on Thu 26 Apr, 2012

  Hi Lara
  
  You are right in that most city folk are happy to have their photos taken, especially when on holiday themselves. This isn't necessarily true of rural people, especially those of certain ethnic minorities.
  
  The point though is to be aware of the issue and make an informed decision at the time.

  Posted by China Journeys on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

  I've always found that Chinese people love having their photo taken. Is there really a need to warn against photography in China

  Posted by Lara on Sat 18 Feb, 2012

  Leave your comment:
  Name:
  Email:
  Comments:
  Please note: comments may take some time to appear, typically about one hour.
  We try to respond to all comments within 24 hours. There may be times when this is not possible.
  Anti-spam check. Please type the single digit indicated by the text number below:
  Seven:
  	Note: Emails will not be visible or used in any way, and are not required. Please keep comments relevant. Any content deemed inappropriate or offensive may be edited and/or deleted. No HTML code is allowed. Line breaks will be converted automatically. Please use BBCode to format your text.

  ---

  If you like this, please spread the word

  Bookmark this on Delicious

  
  
  

Get Recommendations

• Guangzhou Review

  

  Discover Guangzhou and its neighbourhood and realise that it has more to offer than industrial capacity.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 480
• Guilin Review

  

  Guilin is renowned for its glorious karst mountains. Enjoy a visit to the best of these from above and below.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 410
• Shanghai Review

  

  Visit the sites in and around Shanghai that few visitors have the time for. Get beyond the Bund and Nanjing Lu.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 380
• Chengdu Review

  

  Unlock the doors to fascinating Chengdu and discover a wealth of historical and cultural sites.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 430

24/7 Sales Support:
   UK +44 (0)844 567 0953
   USA +1-877-526-3979