"Forbidden" photography?

[JeddahWoman]

Hi,
I am wondering if there are any of you portrait/environmental/street photographers out there doing work/traveling in places where it is, if not "forbidden" to take photographs of people, the local culture makes it difficult or unwelcome.

I am an intermediate portrait photographer with a documentary style who finds myself in Jeddah. I have had some success with this type of photography here with various different approaches, but am always looking for other peoples input and what has worked for them. I make it a strict policy not to photograph people, especially women, without permission.

I'd be glad to strike up a dialogue with anyone in the region to swap ideas.

Cheers!

[OsmosisStudios]

Its always best to do some research on the local customs: if possible, ask someone who can tell you accurately. Then you can go from there.

[rismoon]

If you are there for a good amount of time, you would need to be able to get to know neighborhoods and its people. Become one of them, if you will. If you are there for short time you may want to have very peaceful vibrations with them at first sight. A nice smile and good energy is all it takes. I am big time traveler and do lots of street photography of ordinary faces and both of these methods have worked just fine.

If none of these become a success then get lens with lots of reach, I would say 200mm at minimum and stay out of sight and shoot secretaively. I, too, have done this and worked well )

I hope this helps

[woods]

There are places where it IS forbodden. For example, in China it is forbidden to take photos in temples. But more than that, it is disrespectful. For me, it is very important.

I also like to take my time, talk with people before I take their picture. But sometimes you have to be discreet to capture a scene. When people notice me and stop what they are doing, it realy upset me.

[Hubble]

I have lived and worked in:

Ghana, West Africa (2 years) - here if you're a westerner and seen with a camera it'll cost you to take street pics if you get permission. Without permission I was attacked/mobbed twice by street people/beggers (in Benin) but lived to tell about it, however Beninoise police assistance has a price too!

South Africa (2 months) - here you're mostly seen as a tourist but in Durban or J'Burg keep a tight hold on your equipment as you can easily lose it, Capetown is more tourist/photography oriented and much more laid-back;

Bangkok, Thailand - shoot away, everybody here seems to enjoy being in your photos if you ask and, indiferent if you don't ask first;

St.Lucia, West Indies (6 years) - again, you're seen as a tourist - people are real friendly and most (with the exception of a few rasta fellas) are happy and willing to be part of your photograph.

Barbados, WI (5 years & the new centre of my universe) - just like St. Lucia but I'd be careful on the beaches. For me - older men with cameras on the beach are considered a little seedy or perverted

Bahrain, Middle East (1 year) - here (and perhaps not quite as religiuosly rigid as Jeddah) a long lense is useful. I used a 75-300 and got some great shots walking through Manama and its' souks. I did get many shots where I asked first and very few people objected - obviously, a man taking photos of women without permission is a sensitive subject and could get dicey - however very few Muslim women travel alone. On a number of occaisions I handed off the camera to my wife to take photos of Muslim women and it was much easier for her to get permission.

When in doubt ask!

[JeddahWoman]

Hubble,
Thanks for the input...very helpful. I have been living here in Jeddah for almost 2 years and just recently the King removed the Fatwah against photography. You are right, as a woman, it is much easier to photography other women here, especially because I observe custom and wear the full obaya and Hijab. I've found that a limited amount of Arabic has helped a lot as well. I learned how to say "may I please take your photograph"...What amazes me is how much the women enjoy being photographed. I did almost have a run in with the Mutawah while I did my most recent shoot, just didn't realize it until I came home with the image. (it's attached)

Also the tips on South Africa are very helpful...off for holiday to Cape Town and Kruger in 4 days. Any place you recommend that is a great environment for street/enviromental portraits?

I am wondering your opinion on buying trinkets for the purpose of taking photographs? I did this in Petra and it worked very well the the Bedoin children. Ended up with a lot of things I didn't need...but some great images.

Would love to be in contact as you seem to be a global nomad, as am I, and hear some more of your stories and see some of your images.

[Hubble]

Hey JW - I'm back in Canada for a few months before returning to Caribbean. I've sent my comments on Kruger and RSA in a private message (as they're off-topic here). I"d like to see some of your work - do you have a Flickr site? - Hubble