Photo etiquette – photographing people in South Africa

SSouth Africans are generally happy to have their pictures taken but do stick to these guidelines when snapping your shots.  

As a traveller, you’ll probably know that photographing people, particularly strangers, in foreign countries can be a sensitive issue. 

In some parts of the world, people will absolutely not allow you to take their photograph. In some cases it is for religious or belief reasons. In other places, people want payment. 

Most South Africans, especially children, enjoy having their photograph taken. Many will pose freely, happy to be engaged and shown the images afterwards. 

But there are some photographic guidelines you should follow. 

The most important is to engage with the people you’d like to photograph. You'll always get a much better image and a more enriching encounter if you first talk to the people you’d like to photograph. If you can’t speak their language, a smile and simple ‘sign language’ go a long way. 

The easiest place to photograph people in interesting dress is at a cultural village, where this is expected. This is also true of festivals and cultural gatherings. 

But whatever the circumstance, ask permission if you are taking a picture of an individual or a small group. If you can’t speak their language, holding a camera up with an enquiring look and a smile is usually enough. Respect the privacy of the subjects if they refuse. 

If they agree try to contextualise the people, including the background – especially if it’s dramatic. To avoid stiff poses, have your subjects carry on doing what they do. 

Now comes the question most often asked: should you pay your subjects? Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule. Some will ask, and you may want to negotiate. Many will be happy with a copy of the picture of themselves or their children, and you can often send it to them immediately via cellphone. One of the best gifts is to send them a print of the image you’ve just taken. 

Sometimes, people are simply happy with the attention paid to them, and to glimpse the photo on the camera’s screen. Other times, depending on the people and the situation, you may feel it’s suitable to give a small gift of cash. Other smaller gifts like chocolates might also be welcomed, but be sensitive and be careful not to be patronising. 

If you’re photographing a craftsman, a purchase of their produce would be appreciated. 

If you want to capture more spontaneous situations, it’s best to photograph people while you are unobserved, and this is where a telephoto lens and quick reflexes are needed. 

Either way, images of everyday South African people may end up being some of the most memorable and interesting of all the pictures you return home with.