photos by richard

Of course if you are shooting the local forestry this would not really apply. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person might.

Perhaps you are lurking in the back alleys of a Third World city, or maybe your own, attempting to capture a specific ambiance. You see an old woman in your line of sight looking tired and world weary. Nonetheless, you see her noble expression and a certain grace in her pose, so you take the shot.

Afterwards you can give the images a good color balance in image editing software for your friends to admire. Obviously you derive the pleasure of your efforts - but what did the model get?

Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a striking image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it. The subject got very upset - and I immediately saw his point: who wants to be immortalized looking your worst?

When I got back to my studio I trashed the negative and vowed to never do that again. Should I have asked for his OK first? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The real point was, what was my original intention for taking that shot in the first place? If I had thought about it a little more I could have spared his feelings by taking my shot from behind.

Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These photos can be terrific but presenting yourself and your intention ahead of time could spoil the effect. Nevertheless, once you have your shot why not approach the person and ask if you can take another, this time doing the best you can to take a more flattering version. They may never see it, but here, as in many things - it's the thought that counts.

Another suggestion, often appreciated in poorer countries or areas where the local people have been assaulted photographically on a daily basis by throngs of tourists, is to offer at least some polite financial exchange for the modelling services provided. This is usually appreciated and it's good for your conscience.

As another example: I once conducted a photo essay for myself on a particular school. It was impossible for me to provide all the teachers and students with a print each so I burned a CD of some of the better shots and gave it to the head teacher.

Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.

All of this is simply good manners, and showing good manners is always well received. Additionally if you find you need to go back and re-shoot, you will most likely be welcomed and not run out of town.

Try it.

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