![\"ir2\"](\"http:\/\/www.philborges.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/ir2.jpg\" "\\"ir2\\"")
\nI\u2019m often asked how I gain access and go about photographing people in the developing world. First of all your mental attitude as you approach someone to take their photo is critical to your success no matter if the person you approach is from a remote tribe in Irian Jaya or someone on the streets of New York. If you are approaching someone with the intent of taking something (i.e. a photo) you are immediately at a disadvantage.\u00a0 You are now up against the problem of having to convince them to give you something.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
When I approach someone I am thinking and believe<\/strong> that I am about to give them something. For one I\u2019m going to complement them by letting them know that I believe they are unique and interesting to me. I also know that I am going to give them a unique experience. It isn\u2019t every day that someone comes up to you and asks if they can photograph you. You don\u2019t even have to be able to speak to the person. If you are thinking it they will be able to read it in your body language. They can read if you hope to make their day or if you are just trying to get something out of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n When I enter a tribe or village for the first time I almost always start by interacting with the kids. Kids are the most open and curious about new experiences. I take out my photographic equipment and begin taking photos of them and then giving them photos of themselves.\u00a0 It is my little magic show.\u00a0 Many times these kids ask to become my production crew. Before digital cameras I shot Polaroids, today I show them the LCD on the back of my camera and also carry a small battery operated HP digital printer so I can hand out prints. During my stay in the village these prints and Polaroid\u2019s make it to their parent\u2019s huts and soon I\u2019m being invited into their homes and being asked to take photos of everyone. At this point the problem becomes how to take photos of everyone. I only carry a finite amount of Polaroids and ink cartridges! I find myself doing many group photos.<\/p>\n \u00a0 Even though I first approach people without an interpreter so they can get a sense of me through my body language, I always have someone available that can serve as a translator. I want to be able to tell them what I intend to do with the photos. In my case for exhibitions and books relating to an issue that their group is dealing with (human rights violations, poverty or environmental degradation).<\/p>\n I see many tourists taking photos of people in markets and villages without any meaningful interaction with the people they are photographing and many times getting a negative reaction. Just think how you would like it if someone came into your backyard and started taking pictures of you and your family without making a connection with you.\u00a0<\/p>\n Photography can be a great ice breaker that will allow you to have a wonderful cross cultural experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"mongolia\"](\"http:\/\/www.philborges.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/mongolia.jpg\" "\\"mongolia\\"")
\n![\"ti4\"](\"http:\/\/www.philborges.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/09\/ti4.jpg\" "\\"ti4\\"")
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