Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/01/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Emanuel Lowi offered wisely: "taking photos of muslim women" > Over many years I've made photography of Muslim women in the Middle East my > speciality. There is one essential trick to doing this: take photos without the > menfolk around! Women everywhere are generally flattered by having their pictures > taken. It is their male relatives that object (and sometimes for good reason). > > Spend time getting to know the people and be honest with them about your motives and > purpose. Hit-and-run photography in an Arab country is liable to get you your film > taken away, your equipment trashed or yourself bodily harmed. It's all in the > relationship you've established which precedes that click of the shutter.<< Hi Emanuel, It's called being courteus to other people. Take your time and fit in as you do. Look guys and gals this isn't any different than shooting the Calgary stampede! The first time I shot this great western event I stayed dressed like an eastern city slicker and I stuck out like a thumb just hammered by a wooden tent peg driver! Then it became clear... look like them and they will cooperate! Bought western shirts, jeans, and a black cowboy stetson! :-) Hey I looked like a mean mother bad guy! :-) Just needed a couple of six shooters, "we can't go in a gun shop and buy those in the this country!" So I went with a couple of Leica's strapped to my side. ;-) And surprise of surprises, the picture taking became a piece of cake, access to locations were open that had been closed 24 hours earlier. :-) It's so simple, be kind and fit in and they will let you shoot pictures. Is that so difficult to understand? Smile and don't look like some fugitive out of prison, clothing wise, nor facial expression!! If you look like you are cheating and sneaking pictures you are going to be perceived as a thief of images! Don't go there, leave your guilt trip, at home and look and emanate ..... you are supposed to be there. And smile again! ted Ted Grant Photography Limited www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html