Trouble with asking people's permission to shoot them.

[Afflictionphotography]

First off I never photograph people without permission..but I want to shoot people in a povern state. How might I go about this as it is a very touchy subject and can be somewhat insulting to ask..being that no one like the fact they are living a life full of poverty and homelessness...is that a word??? Anyway, I think that the story behind it would be great. A lot of people do not know the true lifestyle that these people live. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Afflictionphotography]

Wow nobody has any advice...must be a hard subject....thanks anyway and I will continue to wait.....thanks again

[bcummings88]

Bring a pocket full of change, tell them you are a photojournalist and explain what you are doing. Most of the transient type (train hoppers) are very happy to talk to you, as long as they are getting something out of it; booze and money, mostly. I also bring extra pairs of socks with me and hand them out to people I talk to. In their lifestyle, clean, un-holey socks are rare. This is what I do. You may not feel comfortable walking around with a bottle of whiskey in your bag, though.

[nathanbarlow]

The other option is to volunteer at your local city mission for a few weeks, as a food/clothes handout-er. Get to know some faces and then maybe talk to them, as say you're coming from the point of view of showing the world what challenges they have to face on the streets.

Also, being affiliated with the city mission might mean the city mission might be keen to use some of your better images for their awareness/fundraising campaigns. At the very least, the people are more likely to be accommodating, as you aren't "using them" and then forgetting about them.

Rather a lot of investment, but depends on what you want to achieve out of it.

Technically, if you really want pictures without doing that, you can take pictures of anyone in public spaces whether they like it or not. Not the most polite way, but just letting you know you have that option if you want.

[susieprice]

My problem is the people I often want to take pictures of people who don't speak English (and I'm afraid I don't speak their language). I often find if you show them the camera you usually get the gist of whether they mind or not. The other thing I do is start to take pictures of children - people seem to like having their children photographed - and then when I've shown them the results - the joys of digital - I try to coax Mum or Grandpa to pose with their child. You can then sometimes get wonderful photos of that craggy old Grandpa in traditional dress who initially refused you permission to take him on his own.

[kencaleno]

Give them 5 bucks for a coffee, then ask. Ken