My 4 Rules For Photographing Locals While Traveling Abroad

Yesterday while roaming the streets in Cartagena, I found myself taking photos of the darling local vendors who were slicing fresh fruit to sell at their stalls to the people passing by. Perhaps the  progressive and materialistic developments of modern-day America are to blame, but this simplistic act struck me as enough of a novelty to pull out my camera and snap a photo from a distance for posterity. While I did so discretely and the man probably wasn't even aware of his photo being taken, I still felt a tinge of guilt as I put my camera away. Was I unintentionally belittling this man?

Moments later, I was approached by women in costume resembling traditional Colombian dresses asking me to take photos with them (obviously expecting payment in return). It was clear we were in a high-traffic tourist area and that these women made their living by posing with visitors. This situation felt very different than the photos I had taken of the man slicing pineapple around the corner…but in what way?

These experiences (and a series of others) prompted me to do some reflecting on how we as travelers can respectfully engage with locals while simultaneously documenting our trips to remember them. And while I (personally) think capturing photos with locals can be considered acceptable at times, I also believe it must only be done in a way that’s considerate and treats others with dignity. It felt appropriate to share some suggestions of how we can all be more courteous throughout this process. A few disclaimers before I dive in: 

I certainly don't claim to be an expert on this topic nor am I seeking praise for my comments. I also realize that this subject is not a "one size fits all" approach. Not all cultures are alike and what's acceptable in one may not be in another. Similarly, not all people are alike (no matter where you are) and one shouldn't assume everyone in the same destination will play by the same rules. We should ALWAYS be thoughtful about when a photo is or isn't appropriate (if you think it may not be, just don't). Finally, I'm aware that it's impossible to properly articulate all the nuanced consideration points on this subject in one blog post. This is merely meant to lead you to do your own thinking and move forward with more thoughtfulness. 

Having caveated the above, here are my what I’ve decided are my personal “rules” to remember when it comes to taking photos with a local abroad. 

1. IF SOMEONE IS DRESSED UP IN COSTUME RESEMBLING LOCAL CULTURE, THEY DESERVE COMPENSATION IF YOU TAKE THEIR PHOTO

Some people in tourist cities want you to take their photo (like these ladies, also known as Palenqueras you’ll see all over Cartagena)... but at a price. Remember that this is their livelihood and you absolutely must be willing to pay them if you want a photo in exchange. Don’t be cheap about this, but do be mindful that tourist traps are almost always designed to get as much money as they can out of you- everywhere around the world (I'd recommend asking them before you take the picture how much they want, rather than getting into a bidding war after you've already attained what you want out of the deal). Even though you are paying them, remember: they’re still human beings- not just a prop for your photo. Introduce yourself. Ask them how they are. Thank them for taking a photo with you. Always, always ALWAYS be kind.

2. BE COURTEOUS TO BACKGROUND SUBJECTS

While we obviously can’t expect to be given verbal consent from every single human who happens to be standing in the frame while we’re taking a photo, we should still be courteous about our photography execution. If you were working and trying to do your job, wouldn’t you feel uncomfortable with someone standing in close proximity taking dozens of pictures with your face in plain sight? If you can’t snap a quick photo discretely and move on, a simple smile and pointing to the subject you’re trying to get a photo of indicates to the local bystander you’re not just photographing them without consent. With that said, sometimes the person is involved in order to “make the photo happen”. If that’s the case, you can still do so in a way that doesn’t create a spectacle. For example, I’ve loved the plentiful fresh fruit vendors in the streets of Cartagena and wanted to have photos to remember them by. So while I was purchasing fruit (yes, actually purchasing and supporting the vendor, not just pretending for a photo), my friend Haley discretely snapped a few quick iPhone photos. Even when I was the one behind the lens capturing photos of another vendor, I don’t think either subjects were even aware these photos were happening (because I wasn’t blatantly holding my camera in their face). Furthermore, the subjects aren’t identifiable (some photos are from behind or the side or their faces are covered by their hats, etc.) I think there is a little more leniency with etiquette when a subject is in the background and not at the forefront, but that still doesn’t mean it’s fair game. Still feeling unsure about what’s appropriate? This brings me to my next point…

3. FOSTER A CONNECTION AND ASK FOR PERMISSION

Sometimes it’s a specific person we want the photo of. The people we come in contact with while traveling can no doubt move us and leave us wanting to remember those encounters. Even still, this doesn’t entitle you to snap a photo for your memorable gain at their expense. Way before a photo is even on the table, we should be fostering connection with the people we come into contact with. I met Juan (pictured above) on the beach while he was fishing. He spoke no English and I only spoke a little broken Spanish. Nevertheless, we started chatting and using hand signals to communicate with one another. We were able to learn what the other did for a living, share about our families, where we’re from and a few other basic “get to know you” details. He was a fisherman and was collecting oysters and shucked one for me on the spot as a gift. After chatting for a while (and after he had learned I was a travel writer) I asked him if it was okay for me to take his photo. He gave me a thumbs up and picked up an oyster to pose. I only felt comfortable doing this because Juan and I had spent at least 15 or 20 minutes getting to know each other and some trust (albeit marginal) had been established. I’m thankful that I have this photo to remember Juan by, but more than that, I’m thankful that I was able to capture it because of the connection we had established. That (in my opinion) is the most valuable takeaway from any travel encounter— a photo is just icing on the cake.

4. RESPECT THAT “NO” MEANS NO

No matter how much we want to remember a moment from our travels, we absolutely have to respect the person first and foremost. Even if we’ve built a relationship. Even if they’re dressed in some form of costume that seems to scream “take my picture!” Even if we just really, really want it. A photo is simply not worth dehumanizing someone. Period. End of story. I know that in today’s world of social media and wanting to share every tiny detail of our lives, this may be a hard pill to swallow. But I stand firm on this. If we can’t respect other people, we should’t be traveling. Some moments aren’t meant for a photograph— that doesn’t make them any less special.

Again, this is merely scratching the surface on what I believe to be quite a nuanced topic, but my hope is that it compels you to be more considerate of those you come into contact with while traveling. Have any other points on this matter that I failed to mention? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.

Thanks as always for stopping by- I’m so happy that you’re here!

xx

Whitney

Airport Etiquette

After a 3am wake up call and 10 hours of travel on a recent trip home from Mexico, it dawned on me how utterly oblivious some people are to <what I find to be> common airplane + airport etiquette. Okay, so perhaps I was a bit more grumpy than I’d like to admit (again 3am wake up call, people). But I have to believe I’m not the only one who’s been there. This lead me to do some research on the subject to see what the masses think. After scouring my favorite travel journals and polling many travelers, here are the 12 commandments to know (and abide by) before you fly. Consider it a friendly PSA.

1. THINK AHEAD IN SECURITY LINES

Okay, friends. Chances are, we’ve all gone through airport security before. We know how this works. If you’re not TSA pre-check (which I can’t recommend enough) you know to remove your shoes, take everything out of your pockets, and to remove portable electronic devices (like laptops or iPads) from your bags. So let’s not wait until the very last minute to do so. As you approach your turn in the security line, try to have your belongings ready to go to keep things moving. And when they come out, collect them quickly and move somewhere that won’t be holding up the line.

2. DON’T HOG THE OVERHEAD BINS

Don’t get me wrong- I know how annoying it is to use your precious legroom to store personal items like a purse or your laptop bag. But technically, it’s common courtesy to keep one bag at your feet and the other overhead- not both. Wait until boarding has completed to store any additional items overhead as a common courtesy to those needing to store larger carry-ons somewhere that won’t fit under the seat.

ALSO on this topic- avoid storing your bag in the bin horizontally if possible. This takes up unnecessary space and requires flight attendants to do lots of rearranging. Spare them the trouble and do it right the first time.

3. KEEP YOUR KIDS IN CHECK

If you’re traveling with a small child, great! I’m in full support of kids seeing the world starting at a young age. With that said, it’s your responsibility as a parent to keep them in check from disturbing other passengers as much as possible. This includes educating your children on common courtesies like using inside voices and not kicking the seat in front of them.

TRAINERS: NIKE, LUGGAGE: DVF, VEST: PATAGONIA, TOTE: CUYANA

4. HAVE GRACE TO CHILDREN ON BOARD

Having said all of that about keeping children in check, let’s assess both sides of the coin here. Adult passengers not traveling with children should show grace to those that are and remember kids are kids, and they have just as much of a right to be on the airplane as you do. Babies are going to cry sometimes, so giving the mother (who is likely doing the best she can to calm the child) dirty looks isn’t going to change that. Be kind + remember to pack headphones in case you need to turn on some tunes.

5. MIDDLE SEAT PASSENGERS GET RIGHT OF REFUSAL TO ARMRESTS

Window seat can lean their against the airplane wall. Aisle seat can sneak some leg stretching in as long as beverage service isn’t happening. But the armrests are the only saving grace our poor middle-seat passengers have. It’s only fair to yield them both of the arm rests.

DISCLAIMER: For all ye middle-seat-sitters, this does NOT mean you can stick your elbows all up in my personal space and pour yourself into my seat. Take the armrests, but let’s not get carried away...

6. DON’T STAND IN THE AISLES

I know that international flights can be grueling and it’s quite necessary to stand up and stretch your legs now and then. This does not however, make it acceptable to stand in the aisles and chit-chat to friends sitting a few rows away from you. Remember to be courteous that other people are trying to sleep, read or simply seek some peace & quiet for this long, uncomfortable flight.

LUGGAGE: CALPAK, PONCHO: MADEWELL, TIE-TOP: MADEWELL, NECKLACE: GORJANA

7. CONSIDER YOUR SCENT

This goes both for poor body odor, but also fragrant perfumes. Remember, all air in those planes is recycled, so whatever you bring on board will be shared with all the other passengers over, and over again. Shower. Wear deodorant. And go easy on the fragrances. It’s simple, really.

8. AVOID BRINGING FRAGRANT FOOD ON BOARD

While we’re on the topic of scents, let’s also discuss fragrant food. Remember people, recycled air. No one wants to smell your spicy chicken curry or tuna fish sandwich for hours on end. Eat that before you board the aircraft. If you want to bring your own food (I don’t blame you) stick with dry goods like nuts, fruit + veggies, etc. that won’t give off an offensive scent to those around you.

9. CONSIDER YOUR BATHROOM BREAKS

You know if your flight will have beverage or meal services, so don’t be that person that waits until everyone is eating to get up and go to the bathroom (the same goes for moments when you know people will be sleeping) Plan your breaks accordingly to be courteous to other passengers. If you have a small bladder and need to go frequently, consider an aisle seat for this reason.

LUGGAGE: DVF, PASSPORT CASE: ASPINAL OF LONDON, LUGGAGE TAG: CUYANA

10. BE PROMPT IN THE LAVATORY

If everyone is considerate about when to use the lavatory (which they should be), that naturally means there is likely to be a line. So be prompt when you do (don’t style your hair or do your make up). For the record, this is a pretty filthy place to spend your time anyway… do you really want to linger?

11. LET PASSENGERS IN FRONT OF YOU DEPLANE FIRST

Everyone wants to get off the plane as quickly as possible. Don’t push your way off before the passengers in the rows in front of you have time to deplane (unless they tell you to do so- which is courteous if you know you’ll be moving slow for any reason). The ONLY time this is an exception is if you’re cutting it close for a connecting flight. If that’s the case, it’s best to notify the flight attendant prior to landing so they can make an announcement to all passengers so those in your position can have priority getting off the plane.   

12. STAND ON THE RIGHT. WALK ON THE LEFT

Whether it's before or after your flight, you're likely to encounter a moving sidewalk at the airport. These are created not only to help move you along if you're weighed down with luggage, but also if you're in a hurry. So be mindful to always leave a path on the left for those travelers who are in a hurry- they certainly deserve right of refusal over people who simply don't feel like walking! 

TRAINERS: ADIDAS, LUGGAGE: DVF, CÉLFIE TEE: SINCERELY JULES

Flying is a necessary part of travel that can often be a headache. Let’s all be courteous to one another and not make it any more painful than it has to be. What are some other courtesies you think everyone should abide by while traveling? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading and be sure to come back again tomorrow for my travel guide from a recent trip to Moab, UT!

xx, 

Whitney