Of course if you are shooting the local forestry this would not really apply. It is highly unlikely that a tree is going to feel put out because you took your shot when it’s foliage was not at its best – but a person may.
For example, you’re prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a particular mood. You get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nevertheless, there’s a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.
Afterwards you can give the images a good color balance in image editing software for your friends to admire. You get that pleasure for your efforts – but what did your model get?
Back in the day when I first began taking photos, I came upon a man coming towards me along a city street on a crutch. It was a powerful image, so thinking myself a god with a Canon I boldly took the shot. The subject got very upset – and I immediately saw his point: who wants to be immortalized looking your worst?
I promised myself I would never do that again and threw away the negative when I returned my darkroom. Should I have asked for his OK first? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first place? If I’d thought about it I would have taken a shot from the back and at least spared his feelings.
Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These photos can be terrific but presenting yourself and your intention ahead of time could spoil the effect. Nevertheless, once you have your shot why not approach the person and ask if you can take another, this time doing the best you can to take a more flattering version. They may never see it, but here, as in many things – it’s the thought that counts.
Another suggestion, often appreciated in poorer countries or areas where the local people have been assaulted photographically on a daily basis by throngs of tourists, is to offer at least some polite financial exchange for the modelling services provided. This is most often well thought of and it’s good for your soul.
Some other examples: one time I did my own personal photo essay on a school. It was impossible for me to provide all the teachers and students with a print each so I burned a CD of some of the better shots and gave it to the head teacher.
On another occasion, I took some shots of a dog training class and gave the trainer some of the best prints to hand out at the next class.
All of this is simply good manners, and showing good manners is always well received. Additionally if you find you need to go back and re-shoot, you will most likely be welcomed and not run out of town.
Try it.
