After living a few times in Africa, and thousands of shots, I’ve figured out some ways to capture some of what makes places like Senegal and Ethiopia spellbinding. Here are some of those techniques. If you’re a Senegalese or Ethiopian, lucky you! You know already then that it’s much easier to do this than it is for us visitors. These tips are for us Toubabs and Fenenjis.
Ready?
1. GO!
Just go there. Try it. I realize you may have just bought a couch and can’t really afford it. I know that all-expense paid, drink-filled trip to Mexico seems so much easier. But go somewhere interesting. Go somewhere that shakes you up a little. Skip Paris and London for Mongolia, Zambia or Nicaragua. Leaving your home culture does some amazing things. And results in some amazing photos.
2. Learn the Language and Smile
Learn 50 local words. 10 even. This shows you care about their culture (you do, don’t you? Because if not, well then I take back what I said in No. 1!). The more you learn about the culture, the more you can understand what is happening around you. This will translate to better photography. People will also be more willing subjects when they like you. These are a few of many good reasons to learn how to introduce yourself in a local language, and smile as you do.
3. Be a Local
The goal is to not draw attention to yourself. Think like a photojournalist. Unwanted attention prevents good photo opportunities (and can be annoying). On short trips, it can be tough to become an instant local. Beyond the obvious like your choice of clothing, subconscious behavioural clues beyond your control will give you away. It’s a matter of convincing yourself that you belong. If you can visualize yourself as belonging there, you’ll spend less time worrying about how you don’t fit in. You’ll notice more around you, and others will notice you less. This leads to great photo opportunities. Do all you can to minimize the attention you draw. Walk like a local. Try to talk like a local. Dress like a local. Be a local. It is at least partially a state of mind.
4. Small, Quick and Quiet Cameras
Leica cameras gained popularity among photojournalists largenly because they were small, light, quick and quiet. Like photojournalism, the goal of travel photograph is to tell a great story. And the presence of a massive dSLR with a 300mm lens can mess things up. It takes more time to set up and attracts attention, changing the scene in front of you.
Now most of us won’t have a Leica sitting in the closet, but the principles are the same. Compact quick, subtle cameras work best. There are some very capable, relatively compact cameras out there, such as Canon’s G-series, that combine these features for, say, less than the four thousand bucks a Leica will set you back. Nearly all of these shots were taken with non-SLRs.
5. Protect your Gear
Watch your gear closely. It helps to use a pack that is bought locally, or at least doesn’t seem obviously luxurious. It’s not that people there are generally dishonest; more that tourists attract thieves.
Developing countries can be tough on your gear. Look for small and well-protected packs. Bring your cleaning kit, as dust can reduce camera sharpness quickly. If you have the choice, leave the expensive fragile gear at home, and bring the durable stuff.
6. Shoot from the Hip
One of the best features of my old G2 was the swivel screen, which rotated in two different directions. This let me take high and low shots easily, for great effect. Most important though, I didn’t have to raise it to eye level, which made inconspicuous shots easy. It’s all about fitting in, and the lack of a camera in front of your face lets you do that. Although Canon has discontinued this feature on its newest G-series cameras, it’s still around on some decent cameras. Worth considering. And worth shooting from the hip, regardless of the camera you use.
7. Look for the Vibrancy
Developing countries can seem like a perfect example of chaos upon arrival. They’re not, of course, they just have systems we are not used to. But with photography, you shoot the world as you see it. There’s beauty in this perceived chaos. Find the vibrancy, the noise, the motion and the colour. Especially the colour.
8. Move
Move up. Move down. Move farther and move closer. Move like the great photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson, who took this to a new level: he was able to fit into his surroundings almost completely, drawing no attention. He has been compared to a cat in his smoothness of movement. The result speaks for itself. Now if you’re a Canadian traveling in Malawi, chances are that you’re not going to fit in completely by trying to move like a cat. You might look foolish. But move.
9. Find a Distraction. Or Create Your Own
Cameras can be rare in many places. This means you’ll get attention. This can be great for the straight-ahead, portrait shot, but isn’t so interesting got anything resembling a real life capture. So find situations where there will be something more interesting than you happening. Events work well. The longer you stay, the more attention will be diverted away from you. If you can’t find this, then create your own diversion. Take a few straight-on shots, then start a conversation. Make a joke. Do a little dance. Keep shooting after the initial posed shot. All can produce wonderful candid shots.
10. Know and Use the Right Settings
Things happen quickly. Especially upon arrival, developing countries provide sensory overload. So often the important thing is to get the shot, not endlessly manipulate settings until you get the perfect light. Shutter or aperture priority settings also allow for fairly quick shots, with a little more flexibility. At the very least, take the time to learn your cameras settings well, so that when the time comes you get the right setting instinctively.
And always, always, always shoot at the highest possible quality. Why capture the most beautiful shot of your life, only to have it saved in low resolution? Bring extra memory cards. Shooting at low quality settings will create beautiful postage stamps. The highest settings will let you print and frame your best photos so that your friends will be jealous of your experience and convinced you’re an amazing photographer.
11. Find Context to Tell a Story
Yes people are beautiful. But their lives are fascinating as well. Photography is a powerful communicative medium, so communicate those lives. Find context around the main subject to tell the story you see in front of you.
12. If in Doubt, Ask
This is an important one for me. There are larger debates about photography etiquette and our responsibilities as visitors and photographers. I’ll leave that for another time, but a golden rule is: if you’re unsure whether to take a picture of somebody, then ask. In some areas, it’s considerate to leave a small gift or amount of money as a thank you. Your call.
I missed one of the best shots I have ever come across, because I asked whether it was okay to shoot. Picture an old Senegalese grandmother, piercing green eyes within a face etched with thin white contours. Headscarf, clutched just below the chin with a flowing, boney hand. She was sitting in front of an earth wall with soft evening side lighting. When I asked if I could take a picture, she said no, with a subtle smile. I still wish I could have taken the shot. But she didn’t want me to, so I’ll just have to remember it instead.
13. Get out of Tourist Traps
Yes the Taj Mahal is beautiful. Go and take a few shots. But then try heading out to a village a few hours away. This is where the real life is, the true expressions of humanity and beauty. My favourite travel photos aren’t great buildings. The best show the soul of people around the world, and allow us to enjoy our differences and similarities. Find that.
These tips, in slightly different form, originally appeared on JPG. The photos are:
1) An opening of a school in Kagnobon, Senegal, 2004
2) Herders in Tigray, Ethiopia, 2009
3) A (yes) circumcision ceremony in a village in Southern Senegal, 2004
4) A woman in contemplation in the same village, 2004
5) Assane Diouf training on manual well drilling in Senegal, 2004
6) Netsanet being beautiful, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2009
7) Three women waiting for lunch at the aformentioned school opening, Senegal, 2004
8 ) Soccer in a neighbourhood of Ziguinchor, Senegal, 2006
9) Asegadech in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2009
10) Boys enjoying a Rope Pump demonstration, Senegal, 2004
11) A woman with an Afridev handpump in Tigray, Ethiopia, 2009
12) A girl waiting during a rice processing demonstration in a village around Ziguinchor, Senegal, 2006
13) A girl at the same school opening in Kagnobon, Senegal, 2004
B
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent Post, Brendan. Well put. Great insights.
Much appreciated.
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love this post and the photos. ah, senegal.
get out to the villages where the life is.
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Very, very good (and pithy) stuff, B. You really should offer it as an essay to various camera / photo magazines. Maybe even Canada Geographic (or whatever it’s called?).
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Wow. You must have had something running through your veins that day of the school opening. Or was it the huge distraction that made you invisible.
What has been your most successful day of photography?
Lots to think about, even as someone who doesn’t take pictures much.
Love,
-t
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These are good tips, and I think they can and should be applied to shooting locally. It’s easy to be out of place even within your own city or country.
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Thanks guys.
Kari - did you get that grant? What you want to do is important. I hope it works out. Did I see Kedougou on your blog? That’s a good friend’s village, I’ve spent a night (at least…) there, and come back with some shots I’m very happy with.
Dad - maybe. We’ll see.
Tess - I guess. Also, the shots demonstrated a little of what I was trying to say. What Kari (above) is trying to do is spend a year in a Senegalese village, and shoot her surroundings. When you have more time and stick out less, good thing’s happen. That day in Kagnobon was a good example of this.
I don’t know what my best day ever was. I’ve had some very productive late nights in Vancouver and Cambridge, with 2-3 top 50 shots produced. Bumbershoot music festival resulted in at least 102 dozen keepers, from one weekend in Seattle. The workshop here has been a huge source of good shots, although that’s over months. I’ve always expected Tofino to produce, but it hasn’t really so far. I’m still excited about how the first leaf close-ups worked out in Cambridge, in a day of procrastination from thesis writing.
For me it’s more a state of mind or emotion. The photography is an indicator of a deeper happiness, or at least that my soul is trying to tell me something. So some moods really make it click, even more than the surroundings.
George - Absolutely. Most of the ‘Be a Local’ thoughts actually come from walking through Vancouver’s Downtown East Side, 10 minutes from my home. It’s a pretty crazy little culture there, and I have to go through the ‘Be a Local’ steps every time I go there.
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Great advice esp #1. Too many folks put up their own barriers, just go.
12. It is probably true for many, but some of the pictures I remember best were the one not taken. Harder to share, but make for a good story. One I remember was in 1987, China, early morning, waiting for the steam train. There was maybe 100 farm workers sleeping in what can only be described as a pile on top of each other, completely exhausted. All deeply tan; wearing vibrantly green tank-tops. I walked over, put the camera up to my eye, and just couldn’t take the picture, it seemed an intrusion. So I vowed to remember it instead.
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My husband sent me this link and the little hairs raised on the back of my neck… as an international health specialist and photographer, I’ve seen photographers break what I feel is of utmost importance, ethically. It is a very big and very personal issue for me… the big obtrusive camera, the lack of interaction, the photographer’s culture shock showing up on the prints shining through all else. I went to this post very cautiously, my stomach in a knot.
But I didn’t need to be. Your number 12 is so important. Everything was so well said. Wonderful, wonderful, and thank you for putting it all out there so nicely.
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Were you by any chance in a community where Charity Water was creating a well at least for the pictures in tips 5, 10, and 11?
Really interesting article. I’ve been thinking of heading out to a developing country for a summer after my senior year, and if I do, I will be bringing my camera along.
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This is all excellent advice. When I lived in New Orleans, it was emotionally difficult to drive around the city taking pictures of the destruction and folks gutting or razing houses without feeling like a voyeur and, even if you don’t mean it all, turning your subject into tourist art. Even in my new home of Ohio, I pretend to shoot flowers or the sky when, in fact, capturing my neighbors baling hay or tending to their horses. These are beautiful sights of life and its variety, which you want to share with the whole world for how else would they know these things. But some manners and unobtrusiveness show that you want to be part of your surroundings and not set yourself apart from it.
Also, I whole-heartedly agree on going out to the village after being a tourist - my best trip to India was getting away from Madras (Chennai) and touring temples in old, out-of-the-way towns and villages, and seeing how people live outside of city bustle. Thanks for helping bring back those lovely memories.
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(Found this via boingboing)
These are very valuable tips, even when shooting in your home area or in a so called developed country. If you take pictures of people, it really does not matter if you are somewhere exotic or just around the corner of your home, it’s always polite to ask when in doubt, it’s always helpful to blend in. Well written essay!
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Are you saying that Mexico is not an intresting place? I invite you to visit this beautiful contry wich is not only Margaritas and Sex on the beach. Remember that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder (please excuse my english).
A.
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One tip is to perhaps bring a film camera along as a complement (or possibly even as an only camera if you’re already comfortable and happy with film).
An older, manual camera - a Leica is the best-known example but there’s many others - is mostly or all mechanical and much, much more robust than a digital camera. You have no problem keeping batteries charged or backing up your memory cards. If you get it used it doesn’t cost a lot so if it gets stolen or drops into a ravine you’re not out any significant money. Film is a very robust medium, and one roll has a maximum of 36 exposures (depends on your format of choice of course) so you can never lose more than that in one go.
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Ohhh man, so many good comments. Thanks people. This post has caught fire, and I can’t think of any of my posts I’d rather see read widely.
Where to start?
@ John - I remember that non-picture vividly. Isn’t it always the case? Perhaps it gets better in my mind. I miss 10 stunning shots a day, due to lack of permission, missing the moment, or my own incompetence. I wish my memory was as sound as my SD card. Your ‘intrusion’ feeling is what separates you as an empathetic documentarian from a tourist. It’s something to be proud of.
@Holly - your comment meant a lot to me. Beautifully worded, and itself sent chills up my spine. I’ve thought a lot about the psychology of a camera. Or or me and my camera. Read Susan Sontag as well, agree with some of what she says, disagree with other aspects. But the social effect a camera has on the surroundings, and moreover the digital revolution, is completely lacking. I want to tackle this. Project #8574 on the list though. Stay in touch.
@Yreka - Nope. My organization (Practica Foundation) does similar work. And better, I think. I have thoughts (concerns, except I don’t know enough yet to be critical) of CW’s approach. Their photos and storytelling are top notch. But the story they tell - a big rig coming to ’save’ a village, surrounded by a crown of cheering villagers, is one I vehemently oppose. I believe passionately in people helping themselves, and contributing to technical capacity of rural communities, not dropping something off and leaving. Now CW may very well be doing it better than this. It just doesn’t always come across to me in their photography. Thanks for the comment though, I really appreciate it.
@ Maitri - Exactly what I was trying to say. Thanks.
@Alan - Not at all. I think Mexico is fascinating. What I find boring is the idea of jumping on a plane with a bunch of (other) pasty Canadians, and sitting on a private beach drinking myself into stupor. Finding the real Mexico (and especially going South) is much more interesting. That’s what I was trying to say.
@Janne - Yep. I find that no matter which equipement I bring, one rises to the top. One camera gets the nod as I’m running out the door. Right now my dSLR gathers dust while my Canon G10 speaks to the world. If I got a film camera these days though, I’d go for medium format. Really intrigued by the possibilities. Great comment.
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Great post! Got a Flickr page?
Keep shooting!
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Brendan Reply:
June 13th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I do, but it’s way out of date and not very selective. I tend to rock JPG (www.jpgmag.com/people/brendan), although most of my recent shots are accessible by clicking ‘Shots of the Day’ on the upper nav bar.
Been wanting to get a proper portfolio site up for ever. It’s taken a back seat to getting back to school, getting http://www.thefirstdrop.ca off the ground, and getting pumps on the ground lately.
Cheers,
B
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This be why you my hero! Awesome. Pure awesome.
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Eyes are vocal,
tears have tongues,
And there are words
not made with lungs.
Richard Crashaw, 1613-1649
Cheers to your talents and thanks for sharing them! Please know they inspire.
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Just totally inspiring! Thanks.
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If you want to shoot people, do not go to Senegal. A majority of the people I encountered there objected to being photographed. They feel that you are taking something from them, so either refuse or expect payment, which would be ok but prevents spontaneous snapping. Also makes the advice to take pictures discreetly morally dubious. I have some great photos from Senegal, but if you are going somewhere specifically to take pictures, go to a place where people are happy to have you take them.
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Brendan Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Catherine,
Where were you in Senegal? The reason I ask is because, like pretty much all African countries, it’s very diverse. So people in one area may react completely differently than another. Where I was, in the south, people seemed fine with it. They were predominantly Djola in background, and relatively easygoing when it came to things like this. The only rule I sense is that the more tourists in an area, the more people are going to try to ask for money.
Finally, morally dubious. Fair, maybe. A larger (and good perhaps) conversation to have. But I will say this: for any foreigner/westerner/canadian/whatever visiting or living in Africa, if you claim to have moral certainty in every one of your situations, then…well, I’m not buying it. For me it’s about constantly trying to learn, listen, think, and go with my gut. The same applies to my photo situations.
Thanks for the comment, I’d love to see your shots form Senegal.
B
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These tips are also great for photos in developed countries. I live in Paris, France and even there, being as swift as a cat gets you better shots. Even though parisians are used to tourists takin pictures of monuments, they are a lot less used to photographers taking portraits or close ups. Asking will usually result in a negative answer, and you’ll get a lot more results by “stealing” your photo, by my experience in my home city. Giving money for a picture might feel like an insult, don’t ask me why.
These pictures are great by the way thanks a lot for these tips!
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Brendan Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 8:42 am
@ Gab - I agree completely that they can be used at home. I feel the same way in my hometown of Vancouver.
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A different take: Advice on being a photojournalist in Somali. From the NY Times Lens Blog.
Wow. That’s some crazy stuff.
B
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This is so rad. Thanks Brendan!
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Thank’s for your tips…it’s really helped me…
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Hmm, there kinda oughta be a law. Ignoring my sense of what makes for a “developing nation” and the shock at the number of countries I found on this list…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country
…(and the ones that weren’t on there) while reading your post, I worry about some of your phrasing, Brenda.
(I got here via a Kirtsy, BTW, so this is my first time here and very unCanadian of me to call you out when I’ve just “met” you.)
From the top down, shall we? (Bold emphasis all mine…)
a. “Beyond the obvious like your choice of clothing, subconscious behavioural clues beyond your control will give you away. It’s a matter of convincing yourself that you belong.”
But what if you are of that nation and happen to be going back home? What if you are a man? A woman? A colored man or woman vs. a Caucasian man or woman? A post on what these subconscious “ticks” mean to you and how they affect your pics in various cases would be an interesting read.
b. “Walk like a local. Try to talk like a local. Dress like a local. Be a local. It is at least partially a state of mind.”
Is fly by night appropriation appreciated by short term tourists? If there for an extended stay of several months, I can see how appropriation might naturally come about, otherwise I picture the inhabitants of the town talking about the “wacky tourists” while eating their next family meal.
c. “Watch your gear closely…It’s not that people there are generally dishonest; more that tourists attract thieves.”
There where? There in the “Developing Nations” as in it’s one homogeneous group of people who act the same way? Could a South African not have access to the same photo gear that you have and while doing a “staycation” accidentally pick up your bag instead of theirs?
d. “Developing countries can seem like a perfect example of chaos upon arrival. They’re not, of course, they just have systems we are not used to.”
Did you see the Wikipedia list? How many of those countries are undemocratic? Was it a reference to socio-political events? Like, I’m wondering where overt chaos can be found in a country like Barbados or Morocco?
e. “Now if you’re a Canadian traveling in Malawi, chances are that you’re not going to fit in completely by trying to move like a cat.”
Like that beer commercial, I can proudly assert that I. AM. Canadian. But as I look at the photo nearest to this sentence I can see where I’d stick out only due to any displayed feline tendencies. That’s not because “I’m Canadian” - if you haven’t guessed, a Black one - but because I’m acting the fool in your scenario.
f. Not a quote but an observation that all of your photos are of people in “developing nations” who are colored. Again, if I look at this list, there are Caucasian folks who have to deal with this interestingly fluid label.
Oh my, Brenda, I’m divided as to whether I should apologize or continue huffing. Blame it on Racialicious (http://racialicious.com) which has further opened my own eyes to the subtleties of how we all move around in the social constructs that were entrenched generations ago and still wreak havoc today. Blame it too, on the Kirsty which read…
Tips for Photographing in a Developing Country
http://www.cashewman.com ― If you have the opportunity to go to a developing country, here are some great tips on how to get the best “National Geographic” shots. moonfever0 ― made popular 1 hour 25 minutes ago
Your camera skills are undeniable and your intentions are certainly rooted in the delight of discovery and experiential moments. There were a few things that, despite your thoughtful posting, glared out at me and had to be pointed out as needing further reflection. Not only from you, Brenda, but anyone traveling out of their home town into the “developing world.” That’s where the “there kinda oughta be a law” comment stemmed from.
Otherwise, keep on being Canadian. Perhaps we’ll meet up while traveling some day and we can chit chat it up on the plane ride or on the bus/train to an exciting destination.
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Brendan Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Hey there,
I appreciate the comment, Very thoughtful. Not sure where to start.
Terminology is important, and doubtless belies hidden views and perspectives. I’ve often debated the term ‘developing country.’ It has connotation, for sure. Alternatives? Poor Country? Pretty negative. Marginalized community? That one is probably more accurate, but also negative and judgmental. Your thoughts on an alternative? I mean, I could say “Senegal and Ethiopia” but that wouldn’t apply/appeal to many people, would it? And I believe some of the points can be transferred to different situations in Africa. There’s a balance between being judgmental and overly sensitive. Maybe I’ve hit it, maybe not. But we do need to keep talking, and cannot always wait to discover the perfect combination of non-threatening words, only seek to improve over time.
a)
Part of the thing is speaking from my experience. So:
“a. “Beyond the obvious like your choice of clothing, subconscious behavioural clues beyond your control will give you away. It’s a matter of convincing yourself that you belong.”
But what if you are of that nation and happen to be going back home? What if you are a man? A woman? A colored man or woman vs. a Caucasian man or woman? A post on what these subconscious “ticks” mean to you and how they affect your pics in various cases would be an interesting read. ”
…is tough. Perhaps someone fitting those characteristics will be prompted to write such a post. If that happens, let me know, and I’d love to link back to it.
b)
“appropriate” Interesting choice of words. A little negative. If you meant the following definition:
“–adjective
1. suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion, etc.: an appropriate example; an appropriate dress. ”
then I’d agree.
If you meant this definition:
“5. to take without permission or consent; seize; expropriate: He appropriated the trust funds for himself. ”
Then I think you’re completely misinterpreting what I’m saying and projecting your own opinions onto the post.
Personally, I’ve traveled in areas where tourists fit in well, and others where they stick out blatantly. I’m much more comfortable, as a tourist, host, or moral person, with the former. And in the post, I’m encouraging people to try to fit in better. Beats the caricature of the yelling, arrogant Western tourist, doesn’t it?
c)
“there”
Again, we need to move a discussion forward. Yes, I’m saying “there” as in “developing nations”. No, they aren’t homogenous. Of course I know that. But would you argue the opposite statement, that “people in developing nations are inherently dishonest?’ I doubt it. Yes, I’m lumping people together, we’ve discussed that. But the statement is still valid.
South Africa, sure. Expensive photo equipment in Ethiopia, outside of Addis? Slim chance my friend. My goods are far more expensive than those of most of the people around me. And what the hell is a ’staycation’? I’m tiring of people putting quotes around their own definitions to try to diminish the point at hand.
d)
“d. “Developing countries can seem like a perfect example of chaos upon arrival. They’re not, of course, they just have systems we are not used to.”
Did you see the Wikipedia list? How many of those countries are undemocratic? Was it a reference to socio-political events? Like, I’m wondering where overt chaos can be found in a country like Barbados or Morocco?”
Who said anything about democracy? We’re talking about taking photos!! I didn’t see you wikipedia list, because it wasn’t relative to what I was posting about. Whether there is democracy or not, there are still systems. People use systems to survive. Exchange goods. Establish hierarchy and power. Organize their communities. These are systems, whether they are democracy or not. But seeing everything through a lens of ‘democratic or not’ will help you miss all those other clues.
e) So you have an issue with ‘developing nations’ but you throw out words like ‘coloured’? Wow. I’ve traveled and lived in Africa. And elsewhere. I have about 150 countries to go to hit all that I want. But I’m gonna keep talking, writing and discussing while I get to more. Deal with it.
I’m tiring of replying to this, to be honest. I appreciate that you care how …Africa? is presented. I agree, and feel the same way. I appreciate your passion (and can relate to that). But this isn’t the right battle, my friend. We need to break down barriers and tackle stereotypes, sure. But we also need to be realistic, and objective about the current situations. It doesn’t help to be scared of being direct. It doesn’t particularly help the situation.
Again, I think this isn’t the right battle for you. You’re projecting all kinds of subject matter on my post that just doesn’t exist, and viewing the writing through a very strong lens. Pity it’s not the type of lens we were talking about.
B
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Hi back Brendan,
and I apologize for consistently misspelling your name initially! I thank you for your response and agree that we’re talking about two different kinds of lenses. Mine is primarily cultural since I belong to one of the many communities of color, yours is technical and you enjoy a creative community.
While I don’t understand your point of view or approach, I truly appreciate that you took some time to craft a reply that considered my point of view.
Oh, and since you’re a globe-trotter, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know of “staycations!” Not my word, but one that describes a vacation in ones hometown (a term made popular - and considered for the Merriam-Webster dictionary - by the current economy)!
[Reply]
Brendan Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Thanks Natasha,
I do appreciate the comment. I completely misunderstood the term ’staycation’, my bad. Actually, the aspect of it that we were into that I liked most (although I felt a little off-topic) was the question of terminology. We need terminology to be able to have these discussions. But every term carries with it the baggage of history, misuse, connotation and the receiver’s own experience.
I live/work in areas heavy with such terminology. Developing countries or communities is one which I find deeply imperfect, but usually an acceptable default. I’m cautious about using the term ‘poor’, as it focuses on economic aspects, when many economically constrained cultures are quite culturally rich, for example.
I work in ’sustainable development’ and social entrepreneurship’, two beautifully elegant terms which have been convoluted and over-used to the point of uselessness, and worse.
And I attempt to ignore now near-meaningless terms like ‘capacity-building’ (what!?!) or ’stakeholder’, and instead try to find more defined language.
Anyhow, sorry if I came off as curt near the end. I appreciate your comment, and even more, your passion about such an important topic.
I’ll say just this, though. Intercultural contact, integration, etc is messy. It is tough, and can be ugly. But it can also be beautiful, and uplifting. So I feel it’s important, for me anyway, to push forward in spite of not having all the right answers. In fact, the more I travel and live in cultures not my own, the less answers I feel I have, but the better I understand myself and other around me. Confused yet? Me too, but it’s a fun confusion!
Cheers,
B
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Really amazing. Just like a weekend trip to the circus. Blend in and learn about the culture just enought to get your great wild adventure photo trophies back home.
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Brendan Reply:
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
Of course there are many good reasons to blend in to and learn about other cultures beyond getting ‘wild trophy photos’. Whatever works for you, I suppose.
B
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Hi Brendan
I just came to your post via Chris Blattman’s blog. I like your tips, and as someone who has lived, worked and taken the occasinaly phot in Africa, I do find them rather good.
But I think they are rather general, like lists usually are, and perhaps a bit misleading. Especially the one about acting link a local. I have been living in Burkina Faso on and off for 9 years and I speak one of the local languages, but with my white face and tall figure I stand out like sore thumb, even when I dress like a local and even more so then.
I think the important thing is to spend time in a place and create a connection with the people you are trying to shoot. People in Burkina would object to having their photo taken by a total stranger, but those who know me all want their photo taken by me. One of the reasons is that I always make sure they get a copy of the photo I took of them. That is not always easy when one travels, but I try. My two visits to Ethiopia this year, I first sent photos back via a friend in Addis and when I came back, people thanked me for the photos and asked for more, telling their friends it was OK to have their picture taken by me. Of course that does not work for South Omo, although my friend from Addis also took the photos back there, but since I didn’s speak any of the Omotic languages, I don’t think any of the people in the photos would rememember me from the hoards of tourists that go there (but you make a good point of staying away from tourist areas)
I am going back to Ethiopia (and then Kenya) soon and hope to get some good photos again, but sometimes I feel like I need to take some mental ones, as I find that the presence of the camera (even the smallest one), can totally change the vibe of the moment.
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Brendan Reply:
October 25th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Your last paragraph rings very true - I agree comepletely. Thanks for the thoughtful comments.
B
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Such a wonderful article. I’m still kicking myself for not taking more photographs throughout my journeys in the South Pacific and Africa. I think I’ve always been overly sensitive to not offending people by taking pictures of them w/o getting their permission, but you just have to do your best to read a situation and decide if you’re being offensive or not. Also, we are so blessed to be in an era now where we have memory cards, I lost some of the best shots I’ve probably ever taken through accidental exposure of film. Thank you for sharing and for putting into words something that I’ve stewed on for years and years.
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