Comments on: Photographing Strangers and People in Foreign Cultures

By: Phil Borges

Phil Borges — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:04:12 +0000

Kit. What a great comment! Thanks for sharing!! For my last trip I was actually able to find another “polaroid” camera made by Fiji. I do prefer the Fiji over the little printers. Kind regards – Phil

By: Kitty Alice Snead

Kitty Alice Snead — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:12:10 +0000

The meaningful exchange of energy of which you write is a sign of respect that cuts across all races and cultures. And I’m glad you posted you’re comments. It is a good reminder to take the time to know the person before the lense.
Early on during my ten year project photographing the Tarahumara, another photographer and friend, Richard Speedy taught me by example to travel with a small Polaroid camera. I could give an ‘instant’ gift back to people who had no images of themselves. (That was before digital photography and small printers.) I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees photographing people of all ages and it has always given me great joy to watch their wonder at the emergence of their likeness appearing in their hands! I never tire of that.
I had another mentor, Douglas Hall, who photographed rodeo cowboys. Douglas told me he always sent a little money to the cowboy when he sold a print. He said it was always appreciated. That’s not always possible. But with the help of my Sierras guide, Santiago, individuals and communities have received an unexpected donation. Life is hard in the Sierras as it is in the remaining indigenous areas of the world.
My life has been blessed, as I’m sure yours has, to be offered friendship and acceptance by members of a culture different from my own. A viewer at an exhibition recently said I had received a great gift! Yes I have –to be allowed to observe, learn and work outside my culture. The gift is large including adventure, learning, & mutual respect. I have learned by experience a deep appreciation of the Tarahumara people, their beliefs and way of life.
Thank you for your statements, as a reminder of the rules of polite behavior for all visitors. And your responses back to those who have written you is admirable. It’s making a rich salon gathering for photographers.
Kit, ‘Alicia’

By: Phil Borges

Phil Borges — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:07:49 +0000

Thank you Paul, I feel very fortunate to be able to do the work that I do. Your support is very much appreciated.

By: paul siemering

paul siemering — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:22:18 +0000

You are doing just amazing, wonderful work Phil. I have been cruising around for hours and it is really overwhelming. So much compassion, and more than that, understanding all these wonderful people and pictures and stories.

thank you very much, and carry on

Paul Siemering

By: Phil Borges

Phil Borges — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:11:16 +0000

Thank you Gillian, your thoughts are very much appreciated. And I wish you the best with your organization – it has similarities to Bridges to Understanding – http://www.bridgesweb.org/.

By: Gillian

Gillian — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:31:42 +0000

Wonderful piece and great, practical advice to anyone who wishes to document their travels — you are visiting someone’s ‘home’ and it should be treated as such. I think we, tourists, forget all about the human touch and that although we may be from different regions, we all share so much in common; especially the need to connect.

I’m working to offer cultural experiences to teens in NYC (www.OneMindOpens.org) with the intention of taking them on international trips to experience how different cultures live, and your work is a great inspiration to me!

Please keep doing the work you do. I love the personal stories you include with your pieces.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:16:42 +0000

Thanks Andy! I really appreciate that you are sharing this information with your students. I will be posting more informational material soon. What camera are you shooting the Fuji Polaroid film with?

Phil

By: admin

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:12:29 +0000

Many thanks for the comment Beverly! I thoroughly enjoyed looking at your website. Great work!!

Phil

By: Beverly

Beverly — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:24:50 +0000

Excellent advice! In my travels I’ve found the same thing–give of yourself first…then the people will be far more likely to allow photos. Moreover, the photos will be of happy smiling faces…not grimaces.

I truly admire all of your work and would love to participate in your endeavors if you need assistance from someone who supports the causes about which you feel so strongly.

I worked as an executive for Microsoft (in Seattle) for nine years… and then found my true passion…photographing and chronicling the lives of indigenous people around the world.

Keep up the great work. You are truly making a difference in the lives of these beautiful and loving people.

By: Andy Schmitt

Andy Schmitt — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:46:02 +0000

Hey Phil,
Great piece. I just wanted to mention Fuji’s version of the Polaroid films are pretty good, better on occasion. The “instant” film is an interesting semi-panoramic format & it shoots out of the top of the camera. The peel apart ones are great as well.
No, I don’t work for Fuji but I do use their films….a lot…
(& yes, the web site is a mess…sorry)

Thanks again for the piece, I’m sending the URL to some of my students.