Photographing people while travelling
How I ask, why I sometimes don't, and what I learned from the estancia crew.
Landscapes are easy: mountains never object. People are different, and I think they deserve to be asked.
Ask first, then wait
I introduce myself, explain what I'm doing and ask if I can take a picture. The first frames are usually stiff. The good ones come ten minutes later, once everyone has stopped paying attention to the camera.
Give something back
I carry a small instant camera and leave a print. On the estancia, I sent the whole set of portraits to the owner after the trip, and he printed them for the bunkhouse wall.
When not to shoot
Moments of grief, prayer or obvious discomfort. No picture is worth making someone feel used.
Tip: Learn people's names and write them down. Captions with names are far better than “local man”.