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November 19, 2013

Friendship & Smiles: Photography while in Travel

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I love photographing people when I travel. I am also very sensitive to doing so, in great part because having grown up in a touristy Caribbean destination for a portion of my life, I know what it is like to have someone aim their camera at you as if you were an animal in the wild.

My friend and photographer Lola Akinmade often discusses the topic of ethics when photographing people in your travels, and I really do hope you will give her a read and take pause before pointing your camera at strangers when on the road.

All the being said, I love the opportunity to photograph someone when I travel. People can be so beautiful and a photo gives a human face to the overall environment and destination. But also, it’s the perfect ice breaker. A wonderful way to sort of just say hello, without it being too weird. What I have started to enjoy even more though, is the moment when I ask them to smile.

Because often times, when you ask someone if you can photograph them, they will pose – as if they are waiting to take some bad medicine. At the risk of missing my shot, I will pause from taking the photo, and warm them up to me a bit more. That moment, when I have said something to make them laugh, that moment when they can’t help but smile, is magical to me.

Granted, not all wonderful photos of people require a smile, or even direct eye contact and some really prefer not to. Anguilla_GirlGoneTravelSome people would rather blend in with the scenery and not stand out with a smile. Ah, but when they smile…

I feel a warmth in my heart and a connection. Their faces shine and you see someone else entirely standing before you. Of all the pictures I take during my journeys, these types of photos are my absolute favorite and what makes me remember the destination the most.

Anguilla (U.K.)

anguilla_girlgonetravelThe Flemings in Anguilla, owners of Corner Bar Pizza. He was standing on the other side of the counter when I asked him if he didn’t want to stand closer to her. She checked herself, fidgeting with her hair, reacting to the impromptu request to be photographed. He came closer to her, but not quite enough. “Aw! I want to see the love!” He got even closer and she started laughing.

Anguilla_girlgonetravel

Irad, owner of Hungry’s, a food truck in The Valley. I asked if I could photograph him, he posed and gave me a slight smile. “I’m sure with food this delicious you can serve me up a bigger smile than that!” He laughed and delivered.

Anguilla_girlgonetravel

A fisherman in Anguilla. He was finishing up a day of work. I walked up to him and said hello. I asked him about his catch, how long his day was, if the waters were kind. I asked him if I could photograph him, he agreed and paused for a quick shot, no smile. “The sun is shining in my face, so I can’t really see. There’s a handsome smile under that hat, right?” He laughed and there it was. “Enjoy our paradise,” he said, as we said our goodbyes.

Anguilla_girlgonetravel

I wanted to purchase coconut water. I saw him walking up along the beach, the sun gleaming off the trickles of sweat on his forehead. He bent down and took out his machete and got to work, very focused and serious. I kneeled down in front of him, digging my knees in the sand. “Can I photograph you?” “Sure.” No smile. “I have to believe that the coconut water would be so much sweeter if it came with a sweet smile.” He paused and laughed, his friends behind me laughing too. He kept laughing as he finished his work and gave me my prize ten folds.

Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan_girlgonetravel

Agave farmer. He was standing like this taking a break as our group walked along. I went up to him and said hello in Spanish. “Can I take your photo?” “Yes,” he replied a bit shyly. Looking through my lens I said, “I bet that behind all that macho is the most beautiful smile anyone has ever seen.” And there it was.mazatlan_girlgonetravelThe streets were crowded in the historic district as everyone gathered to celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos. I saw her as she turned in my direction. “Oh my goodness! You’re gorgeous!” I exclaimed, admiring her makeup. She gave me a big, bright smile, “Gracias,” she said. She held the smile all while allowing me to photograph her and wishing me well as I said goodbye.

Mazatlan_girlgonetravel

I was waiting for the parade to start when I saw her, twirling in her beautiful dress, as sweet as any little girl can be. I approached her mom and after some small talk was given permission to speak to her daughter (in Spanish). “You look so pretty! Are you excited for the parade?” “Yes!” she exclaimed, and twirled around some more. “Can I take a picture of you?” She paused and posed, shyness taking over. “Oh…I love it. Can you show me your best smile?” It was perfection.

Mazatlan_girlgonetravel

Having been given permission by the owner to tour her flower shop, I walked to the back as they prepared the arrangements to be sold for the festival. I talked to the mom about her work, when I noticed her little girl hiding behind her legs, staring at me with her big brown eyes. With her mom’s permission I asked (in Spanish), “Do you like all the flowers?” “Yes, I like helping my mommy pick them for her work.” “Which ones are your favorite?” She pointed to the pink carnations. “Can I take a picture of you?” She became shy and said yes, but when I pointed up the lens, her face beamed.

All photography is property of the publisher and may not be used without direct permission of GirlGoneTravel.com. Photos taken with my Sony NEX 5R

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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14 Comments
  • Gina M
    November 19, 2013

    I love this! Great photos, but it's made so much better knowing the interaction that came just before. It's nice how you don't treat the people like mere objects for your art, but actually connect on a human level.
    My recent post Calibre and Aldiko Make Nook and Android e-Reader Tablets Even Better

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Gina M
      November 20, 2013

      Thank you, Gina! I feel that it's a reward for me on so many levels, both the interaction and the photo I get to take to remember it by.

      Reply
  • Nnenna
    November 20, 2013

    Lovely story *smiles! Photography is memory in ''paper'' *wink*

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Nnenna
      November 20, 2013

      Thank you!

      Reply
  • thebritishberliner
    November 20, 2013

    Hi Carol,
    I've been following your blog for a little while. I'm a new blogger so I think this is the first time that I'm going to comment. Firstly, these photographs are lovely. The expressions and natural mode of people is just so "it". Secondly, I really like the way you write and the subjects that you write about; such a wide variety of topics and views. Well done!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      thebritishberliner
      November 20, 2013

      Thank you so much for reading and the kind words! I'm happy to hear you like it : )

      Reply
  • Linda Merchant
    November 20, 2013

    how neat.luv the story and pic's.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Linda Merchant
      November 20, 2013

      Thank you Linda : )

      Reply
  • Nnenna
    November 20, 2013

    Btw Carol, what brand of camera are u using? I'm planning to buy a good professional camera I can use for my blogging and more. I recall you had once mentioned u use a SONY. What type please? And like how much should I budget?

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Nnenna
      November 20, 2013

      Hi Nnenna! I mentioned and linked more photos with the camera at the bottom of the post : ) It's the Sony NEX 5R.

      Reply
  • Lola A. Akerstrom
    November 22, 2013

    Beautiful portraits Carol and thanks for the shout out!

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Lola A. Akerstrom
      December 3, 2013

      Thanks Lola!

      Reply
  • Alyssa
    December 1, 2013

    I love these photos – especially the one of the fisherman! I like that you get people to give genuine smiles and that you communicate with people in Spanish (where possible). It defintely gets them to open up more, which is what you talked about at TBEX.

    I'm still quite shy about taking photos of people, but I'll definitely try using your tactics in future!
    My recent post Making the Most of Your Iceland Stopover

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Alyssa
      December 3, 2013

      Thank you Alyssa! It's one of my absolute favorite things to do – taking photographs of people. It helps me break past that awkward place of not knowing anyone into a place where I have made a connection with someone new : )

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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