P#9 Q2C: Do I Need To Pay The Subject Of My Travel Photo?
When To Pay (And When Not To Pay) The Subjects Of Your Travel Photo
It seems that many travel photographers wonder whether or not they should pay a subject of a travel photo.
You don't want to cheat a subject out of money he or she deserves, but, on the other hand, you don't want to be throwing dollars into the wind if payment is not customary.
Brenda Tharp has some great suggestions regarding how to handle payment to your travel photo subjects.
Reading Cues
Brenda Tharp: You usually don't have to pay the subjects of your travel photos. In fact, I am an advocate of not paying unless it's a situation like a Maasai village in Africa. When you go into these villages with a group, it is expected and customary for photographers to pay the village in order to photograph the people living there. You have to accept that it's just the way it is and it's necessary to abide by the customs.
If, on the other hand, you're photographing randomly and on a case-by-case basis as you wander the world, try to first just simply say thank you in the subject's language. That means a lot to people. Oftentimes a "thank you" is enough. If the people indicate payment is expected, give what you feel comfortable with.
If the subject of your travel photo happens to be selling a product, you might want to consider making a purchase in exchange for taking the photo. Of course, this will depend on what the product is and whether or not the price is reasonable.
You don't want to pay $50 for a necklace for taking a snapshot, nor do you want to carry around a ten-pound piece of pottery.
If you can buy something from your travel photo subjects as a way of giving back, it can work out to be a nice exchange. They gave you time for a photograph, you buy something that they've made.
Ultimately, that purchase could help them more than our dollars would. I encourage that for people who are taking travel photographs. Especially if it comes down to feeling like you need to give something back in return for their poses.
Sometimes a barter or trade system works as well. Some people will bring pens or sewing kits -- things that the local culture can really use.
If they've researched ahead of time, they often know that there might be a shortage of sewing needles, for instance. The women will love you if you give them a packet of sewing needles in exchange for posing for a travel photo or two. What will cost you a few cents can be worth so much more to them.
In summary
Your best bet is to research the places you'll be photographing before heading out. This way you know what the customs are and what is expected prior to arriving.
While it's often not necessary to pay the subject of a travel photo, knowing when and what is expected in terms of reciprocation is always wise.
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