How to Capture Culture in Photographs

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If you ask me what my favorite genre of photography is, I don’t even have to think about the answer. Adventure photography is one of the most exciting and connective ways to capture the world. It broadens both global and personal horizons, brings unlikely people together, and creates the opportunity for extraordinary memories and experiences to emerge.

But I can tell you, there’s so much more to adventure and travel photography than catching a flight and snapping some pictures. It’s a specialty that requires strong intuition, deference, trust, and respect for the people and cultures that you encounter along the way.

It’s extremely important to remain aware of a country’s traditions, practices, and forms of communication to truly capture its essence in an authentic and appropriate way.

Without a sensitive and respectful approach to cultural and travel photography, your cultural appreciation can turn into cultural appropriation – an outcome that won’t serve you or the beautiful people and places you capture throughout your travels.

So, next time you plan a travel photography adventure, keep my tips in your back pocket to ensure you take more memorable, authentic, and culturally appreciative photos.

Meet and Spend Time with Locals

One of the best ways to capture the true essence of a people or a culture is to get involved with the local community. Be sincere in your desire to connect with people from the local neighborhood and talk to them about their personal experiences within it.

I find that it’s often through earnest social connection and engagement such as this that the best photo opportunities arise. People are more likely to trust you and give you the gift of their time, attention, and perhaps most importantly, their vulnerability.

Plus, meeting locals means that you get valuable insider knowledge about good spots to visit – for everything from eating to taking great pictures, which you can later use to create your own photo calendar as a keepsake.

Learn the Language of Places You Visit

If you’re immersing yourself in a culture that speaks a different language to you, learning even just the basics can go a long way. Not only does learning the language of the places you visit mean you will have an easier time getting around, but it also shows respect for the very people you are there to capture.

Brush up on your linguistic skills well in advance of traveling, and make sure you learn the right words you need to accomplish your unique photography goals.

Know how to respectfully ask if you may take somebody’s picture. Learn how to ask permission to visit certain places and offer gratitude when people help you with directions, food, or anything else you may need. Talking to locals is the best way to learn colloquial language, so chat away whenever you can.

Travel On Foot or By Bike

While there’s nothing wrong with catching a train, bus, or even a quick flight to get between locations once you land, when it comes to capturing the culture or essence of a people, traveling slowly and steadily definitely wins the race.

Walking or cycling around allows for a more organic relationship with the land around you to develop and gives you the opportunity to engage with more people along the way.

Becoming a part of the landscape, immersing yourself in it in more ways than one, is a powerful way to hone in on a connection with a new place.

Allow Your Instincts to Guide You

Whether you’re building up your street photography portfolio or looking for landscapes or people that are out of the ordinary, photography can feel a lot like idea-hunting. And in many ways, it is.

You’ve got to be able to sniff out good photo opportunities and capture them when the moment feels right. When you’re capturing a culture outside of your home country, the process is no different. In fact, it might be more crucial than ever.

Because you don’t know the lay of the land, you’ll need to rely on your instincts to guide you in the right direction. This is also just good photography practice that often results in more a more distinctive and interesting photograph. Use your gut as a guide for carrying you to unique people, moments, and places.

Travel Light and With Intent

If capturing a nation or a culture in its natural state is something you desire, lugging around a lot of equipment can be a hindrance. Firstly, it slows down your movements and can make it harder to snap instinctively when you see a good photo opportunity.

Secondly, too much camera gear can be intimidating or off-putting to camera-shy locals. Ideally, you want the people around you to feel relaxed and at ease, and a bulky set-up can get in the way of that.

Furthermore, if you’re traveling through an area that is known for petty crime, traveling with a lot of luggage can make you an easy target for theft. Traveling light makes you faster, more approachable, and less likely to be perceived as a vulnerable tourist. Be intentional about how you pack!

Give Something Back to the People You Capture

Being able to take photos of people and their culture is not a right; it’s a privilege, and it should be treated as such. When a person or group of people allow you into their world, they are offering you a unique and priceless gift. Having something to give back can make this special exchange more complete.

Money doesn’t always have to be your go-to gift, although some people will certainly appreciate it. Consider the socio-economic structure of the place you are visiting and what kind of exchange will be of most value to your consenting subjects. It’s the right thing to do.

Take Authentic Photos that Tell the Real Story

Photographing other countries, cultures, and people is a luxury I love. I go into these experiences with a humble attitude and an open mind to create a healthier, more balanced dynamic with all the interesting people I meet along the way. And you can, too!

Be prepared to get out of your comfort zone, be ready to give something back to those you have the privilege of photographing, and maintain a respectful, kind, and gracious demeanor wherever you go.

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