WHY WE ASK FIRST

Photographer: Ewen Bell

Ewen Bell is a travel photography specialist who shoots editorial and commissions around the world. For Ewen, travel is about engaging with the people he encounters.

Many people think that seeking permission to take a photo is ruining the moment and ruining the image they imagine in their minds. Firstly, it’s important to note that your desire to shoot does not override someone else’s right to privacy, and that portrait photography requires the most basic level of respect for other humans.

Here, I’ll be focusing mostly on travel photography; practical philosophies for taking photos of strangers while travelling. If you think it would be ‘awkward’ to surreptitiously sneak photos of strangers in your own neighbourhood, then try to apply those same rules of respect to the streets of Nepal, Thailand, Bhutan, or anywhere else you happen to be.