I am a photographer who will be in Guizhou and Yunnan in February and March. I am looking for ideas and suggestions to give the people as a reward for taking the time to be photographed. Some of these photos will require some setup time and not just the usual snap.
In the past I have given needles and thread, Canada pins, lipsticks and ear rings, as well as tobacco.
Is there some suggestions that you can offer? I would appreciate it very much. I feel if I am taking someone away from an activity that they may be doing that it would be fair to give them something in return.
Many thanks to everyone,
admiral
Reply to this i reckon giving something thats unique to your culture/heritage/nationality would be the best..more canada pins?bookmarks, perhaps.theyre lighweight, inexpensive, and even if they dont use it on books, the pretty ones make quite good decoration (or something).plus, if you can find the service, you can personalise it with your own art work, photos etc and contact details so you might actually get some clients in the future.
thats my $0.02
Reply to this Bringing local snacks or foodstuffs is a fun way to share a little bit of yourself, as long as they're not too bizarre to stomach that is. For example; I've had much success with the Swedish preserved herring and gingerbread cookies myself, although I would never dream of bringing along dried elk or fermented herring...
Another idea could be CDs or cassettes with local artists. Of course, the photograph itself would seem the most important thing to share, anything else is a bonus on top.
Reply to this Thanks, some great ideas that I will incorporate.
Admiral
Reply to this I just got back after a long trip in Asia, and my recommendation is DON'T give food or money. It will create monsters and they will start to expect it. I was in some remote areas that I thought wouldn't have been exposed to asking for gifts, but alas it was "money, candy, pencil?" I did some "ecotourism" and they said the best thing to do would be to give them a copy of the photo. If that's not an option, I would go with stuff from your home country or school supplies. I liked your idea of tobacco- will be cheap in Asia, something you can pick up there, and something they will probably really appreciate. yes, its bad for their health, but there is a good chance if you don't give it to them they will do it on their own anyway. Have an amazing time and good luck with the gifts.
Reply to this I am travelling soon and have always wanted to take loads of pictures of others cultures, just as you, admiral, have said you will do (although I am not a pro photographer). However, I have always read that people don't like having their pictures taken and do expect money if you do. So if I took pencils and things like that, these would be ok to give?
xxx
Reply to this I feel I should clarify my earlier post a bit. Just like Casey says above, when it comes to typical sightseeing/street photography there would rarely be any need to involve gifts except being prepared to send a hardcopy or email to the person if they would like it. Otherwise it risks becoming a norm and the streets will be full of tricked out locals in fancy dresses asking to have their photos taken for a dollar.
Attitudes to having your picture taken vary with culture and customs, as do the rules for where and how it is acceptable to take pictures. Try to read up a bit on the destinations you are going to. The local courtesy and rules of socializing will most likely extend to photography as well. In one place you will be swamped with local kids expecting you to take their photos where as in another place you will be expected to avoid eye contact with strangers entirely.
Some photographers are of the opinion that the only way to get good 'natural' pictures is to steal them, either by sneaking or by rushing up and placing the camera in the unsuspecting face of the poor target, and then quickly disappearing. Others believe that getting to know people and having them relax a bit works better. Most seem to agree on what is ethical though, some just choose to ignore it.
Reply to this small coins. Australian ones are good because they have interesting animals (platypus, wombats, frill-neck lizards etc) on them. I gave these away in Japan anf Korea and the kids loved them. Cheap and its the thought that counts!
Reply to this Hello Admiral 😊
What about balloons for the kids?
It would be easy to carry around a bag of them in your backpack.
Mel
Reply to this As Rowan said, if you are Australian, our small denomination coins are fantastic since they have the Australian animals on them. There was a special 50 cent piece out a little while ago that had several animals (plus a bird) - but they can be hard to find.
I also bring a whole bunch of kangaroo pins - small gold-coloured pins that cost virtually nothing, are light to carry and are easily identifiable as representing Australia. You can normally find them in tourist shops within Australia.
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On our trip to Morocco we took a few San Francisco magnets and a couple of tee shirts for our guides. We didn't give the trinkets for pictures for photos but wonder if we should have.
When you give the pins do you get the feeling people would rather have money?
Just curious.
Reply to this hi , l,m guide in west china , as my experience onlu bring some of gift to kids , better give them stationary book pen etc to kids , etc this way to encourage kids reading to learn acknowlage to chance them life . i fyou tak e photos in Miao people ,s village recommend you to Paiyang village , near Taijaing kaili , most of my photograoher trourists has high recommend this place . <snip>
[Edited: 2011 Dec 13 15:20 - Mell:49612 ]
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In response to: Msg #27018 Balloons are the one thing most folks do NOT recommend, due to the danger of small children inhaling them. We take stickers for kids, and when we go back to Asia this year, I'm TRYING to fit a Polaroid camera into my pack.
Reply to this Not sure if I agree with the practice of 'rewarding' those you take a photo of. It's a difficult situation. Most travellers are in a hurry and thereby rush in to take a photo, not asking permission, and very rudely leave. I don't blame them for demanding a fee. If I was sitting around minding my own business and someone ran up to me and stuck a telephoto lens in my face I'd be pretty choked too.
If I do want to take a picture of someone, I always ask for permission but before that, I spend a few minutes talking with them. I may not know their language but its amazing how good you get at pantomime and gesturing. The more goofy you are the better the laugh that breaks the ice. Then I take the picture, and of course show them the result. I've never had anyone get angry or ask for money doing it this way. Most often, they extend hospitality back towards me.
Making a human connection is the most important thing, and if you can't do that, then don't take the picture.
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