The Art of Photographing Strangers While Traveling

Photographing different cultures while traveling can be one of the most rewarding aspects of photography. A candid moment, a genuine smile, or a cultural tradition captured through your lens can tell stories that transcend language and words. However, approaching a stranger to take their photo can feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially when faced with language or cultural barriers.

To make these encounters meaningful and respectful, it’s essential to approach this art thoughtfully. With the right mindset and techniques, you can capture compelling portraits and street scenes while leaving a positive impression without being intrusive.

Prioritise Connection Over a Photograph

It might feel easier to use a zoom lens and discreetly snap a photo from afar, but images taken this way often lack soul and personality. To create truly meaningful photographs, you need to step closer, engage with the situation, and build a connection with your subject. Overcoming the awkwardness and potential language barrier can be challenging, but showing genuine curiosity about who they are and what they do is an excellent way to start. A warm smile and learning a few local phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” or “this is beautiful” in their language can go a long way in bridging the gap.

To break the ice, focus first on what your subject is doing. Point to their craft or activity and photograph their actions. This approach shows respect and genuine interest, making both the subject and you, as the photographer, more comfortable. Gradually, you can start including the person in your shots.

The key is to ensure your subject feels comfortable and respected. Avoid walking up to someone and pointing your camera in their face as if they were part of an exhibit in a museum. At the same time, don’t hide your intentions—being open about what you’re doing can foster trust.

Building a meaningful connection can take minutes, hours, or even days. But when you capture that authentic moment, the effort will feel absolutely worth it. These connections not only enrich your photographs but also your overall travel experience.

Invest Time

Great photographers don’t just stumble upon magical moments—they create them through patience. Some spend days in one place, building trust with their subjects and immersing themselves in their environment.

If you’re in a village or a market, don’t rush. Engage with the people around you, and let them get used to your presence. When people feel comfortable, they’ll be more open to letting you document their lives. The trust you build will shine through in your images.

Capture the Right Expression

Expressions are what make a portrait truly memorable, but they are often fleeting. To capture that perfect moment, don’t hesitate to take multiple shots. Whether it’s the infectious laughter of children playing or the quiet concentration of a craftsman at work, patience is your greatest ally.

When shooting portraits, persistence pays off. I like to spend a little extra time with my subjects, as their expressions often evolve the longer you hold their attention. As the session progresses, you’ll notice subtle shifts in their demeanor—nervousness giving way to comfort or a candid moment breaking through. By capturing a wide range of expressions, you increase your chances of photographing something that reveals more than just their face—it tells a story.

Taking your time and observing these changes can transform an ordinary portrait into something deeply meaningful and authentic.

Compensate for Their Time

In some cultures, it’s common for people to ask for a tip after you’ve taken their photo. Be prepared for this, and don’t take it personally. A small tip or token of appreciation can go a long way in showing respect for their time. However, money isn’t always the most valuable way to express gratitude.

Often, compensation doesn’t have to be monetary. Sharing a laugh, showing to people the photo you’ve taken, or genuinely acknowledging their craft and effort can leave a lasting positive impression—not just about you, but about foreign photographers in general.

When you prioritise building a genuine connection with the people you approach, you’ll often find that instead of asking for compensation, people will thank you for the interaction. A simple conversation or your interest in their work can turn a routine day into something memorable and worth sharing. These meaningful exchanges not only elevate your photographs but also create experiences that both you and your subject will appreciate.

Better to Apologise Than Miss the Moment

Not every moment gives you time to ask for permission. A fleeting glance, a spontaneous interaction, or a quick burst of emotion might only last a second. In such cases, trust your instincts and capture the shot.

This doesn’t mean disregarding respect—avoid photographing someone in vulnerable situations or invading their privacy. If your subject notices and seems uncomfortable, smile, wave, or apologize. Most people will appreciate the gesture and might even agree to another photo.

Embrace the Awkwardness

Approaching strangers for photos can feel intimidating, especially in an unfamiliar culture. Awkwardness is a natural part of the process, so it’s important to embrace it. The more you practice, the easier and more natural these interactions will feel.

When people see a camera hanging on your shoulder, they often assume you’re interested in taking photos. If it’s not a fleeting moment but rather an intriguing situation, take a step back and consider building a connection with the person first. Even with a language barrier, intentions can often be understood through body language, gestures, and tone. People tend to appreciate genuine curiosity about their lives or work, especially when it involves something they see as ordinary but you find fascinating.

Daily life differs greatly across cultures, and what might seem common to them could be extraordinary to you. When a foreign visitor takes an interest in someone's craft, routine, or culture, it can leave a lasting positive impression. Your photographs have the power to highlight and celebrate their work, sharing it with a wider audience and giving their everyday moments the recognition they may not often receive.

Remember, not every interaction will lead to a photograph, and that’s perfectly fine. If someone declines, respect their wishes, thank them, and move on. Over time, your confidence will grow, and you’ll develop a better sense of when and how to approach people, ensuring that your photography is both respectful and impactful.

Camera Settings for Street Photography

If you’re wondering about the technical side of things, here’s my go-to setup for street photography:

• Lens: 24-70mm (I usually shoot between 24-50mm)

• Aperture (F-Stop): f/7 for sharpness and depth

• Shutter Speed: 1/400 to freeze movement

• ISO: As low as possible

• Camera: I use Sony cameras—they’re lightweight, reliable, and perfect for my workflow.

Final Thoughts

Photographing people while traveling is about more than just creating beautiful images—it’s about telling stories and honouring the lives and cultures you encounter. By prioritising respect, patience, and connection, you’ll create photographs that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

So go out there, embrace the adventure, and capture the world—one meaningful moment at a time.