How to approch aborignal man about taking his portrait ?

[dragons girl]

Hi all

Just wanted to ask your advice for asking an older aboriginal man about taking his photo . How would you go about approaching the subject i am not sure but i have heard that some aboriginals dont like having photos taken . Comments advice appreciated .

thanks kylie

[tinton14]

hello

i think that depends on the type of aboriginal man you wish to take photo of. I haven't had personal experience with this, but here is what I was told from a professor who visited some tribe that had no technology. He went along carrying his camera and just let the people adjust to it, then he took a picture from the hip, and when he looked at the display for the result, some of the others saw it and wanted more pictures. So that ended up fine for the most part, except that when he would take the photo, their face would become very serious. Hopefully this will be some help.

[dragons girl]

hi tinton

thanks for your reply i am a bit reluctant to approach him about it as he is a actor in movies . So this is my predicament .

kylie

[PnwGuy]

Originally Posted by dragons girl

hi tinton

thanks for your reply i am a bit reluctant to approach him about it as he is a actor in movies . So this is my predicament .

kylie

If you have the opportunity simply ask him. The worst he can do is to say no. But you have to give him a chance to say yes. Some cultures do believe that having their picture taken captures their soul but since he's an actor I doubt that is the case with him. Your other option is to go paparazzi on him

The first time I approached a stranger in public and asked to take a picture I was told no. It wasn't even her I wanted a picture of, it was her dog, but she firmly said no. I survived. :-)

If you want to be unique as a photographer you have to be different from the crowd. Do things the average photographer doesn't or won't do. Safely of course.

Post your shot when you get it.

[Photologyst]

I often take photos in the American south west, Kylie. Native people do not like their photos taken for many reasons, religious and the fact that they do not appreciate being photographed like animals in a zoo. They also have many restrictions on photoing cultural venues and religious ceremonies for which one must typically have a permit. Asking permission, after you have made their acquaintance, is the only way to do it without offending. Be prepared for a “No” and respect that.

If this person is an actor, be sure to get a photo release.

[dragons girl]

Thanks for your comments i will post pics if he says yes .

kylie

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

If this person is an actor, be sure to get a photo release.

you don't need a model release just because he's an actor. It depends on how you plan on using it. How do you plan on using the image if you get it?