San Antonio Senior Portrait Photographers

Of course if you are shooting the local forestry this would not really apply. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad – but a person might.

For example, you’re prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a particular mood. You see an old woman in your line of sight looking tired and world weary. Nonetheless, you see her noble expression and a certain grace in her pose, so you take the shot.

Later you can fix the shots in photo editing software, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. 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?

When I returned to the darkroom I threw the negative out and made a vow not to do that again. Should I have asked for his OK first? Because he most likely would have refused permission, this would not have resolved the situation. 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 images can be wonderful but the effect could be ruined by you stating your intention beforehand. However, what you can do is once you’ve got your shot, approach the subject, let them know you’d like to take a photo and do the best job you can of taking a flattering picture of the person. It’s likely they will never see it but what holds true is that it is 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 usually appreciated and it’s good for your conscience.

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.

Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.

All of this is simply good manners, and showing good manners is always well received. Also you will probably find yourself to be welcomed back in the case of having to re-shoot anything later.

Try it.

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