Photographers
Responsible Photographers
A tourist group brandishing cameras, each trying to outdo the other and
get the best shot, zooming in on people going about their daily lives
without any consideration, making people give inappropriate
demonstrations or ceremonies, crowding round a sleeping Cheetah in
minibuses to make sure the 'big 5' are all snapped. There's a huge
difference between a 'voyeuristic snapper' and a 'responsible
photographer' . Traveling on your own, or in a very small group results
in a far more rewarding photography holiday - one that is
not always just about photography, but about the whole travel experience, leaving you with special
memories to cherish.
We follow our local partners guidelines on photography. Our local partners and guides have long term connections with the places we visit, the people we meet and the different community projects. We like to encourage an interest in photography and try very hard to make sure that local people and the community projects get to see some of the photographs that we take. Regardless of whether you travel with Responsible Photography Holidays, or through another organisation, if you do promise to send someone a photograph you have taken of them, please do - don't just say you will and then forget. It reflects badly and could even harm local relationships.
We follow our local partners guidelines on photography. Our local partners and guides have long term connections with the places we visit, the people we meet and the different community projects. We like to encourage an interest in photography and try very hard to make sure that local people and the community projects get to see some of the photographs that we take. Regardless of whether you travel with Responsible Photography Holidays, or through another organisation, if you do promise to send someone a photograph you have taken of them, please do - don't just say you will and then forget. It reflects badly and could even harm local relationships.
When traveling with a camera:-
- be open, talk to people,
- ask if they mind you taking their photography,
- ask an adult's permission before photographing a child, respect their answers and wishes
- take into account cultural and social customs
- don't disturb wildlife or birdlife just to get a more interesting shot
- there are official restrictions on professional photography, the use of pro videos and filming. Permits are required, so please check with us if you have any concerns over the equipment you plan to take.
- think about what you do with your photographs when you get home - is it responsible to put your photographs on a social website which may give unrestricted 'usage rights' to the website owner or to enter a competition that exploits use of your image?
- make sure you put your copyright on your photographs - regardless of whether you are
an amateur or a professional photographer, protect your photographs when putting them on public display, entering them for competitions, sending them to your local paper or even on your own website.
Suggestion - take some postcards and photos from home to show the people that you meet during your photo holiday. Postcards from home are great to give people, especially if you have a local landmark. Photos of where you live, your family and friends are always a talking point. If you are bringing a laptop, why not put together a small slideshow for our guides, local helpers and hosts to see - most of whom will never get the chance to travel as much as us. They get to know us during our photo holiday so are just as interested in our lives as we are in theirs.
