Nepal Photos (semi-pro)

[Pmatt]

I have just gotten some photos up from my trip to Nepal in October/November...
http://www.imageevent.com/pmattf/travel

We trekked from Jiri to Gokyo, over Cho La, and up to Chu Kung. There are a number of photos from Thupten Choling monastery near Junbesi -- we were there on the first day of Mani Rimdu, and Trulshik Rinpoche was visiting (the highest lama in Nepal).

There is also a set of photos from 12 days in Thailand (Bangkok and Railay) after the trek.

[Ripper]

Your Nepal pictures were very impressive. They seemed remarkably framed and composed. It is clear that you put significant effort to get these photos. However, I have to ask how was your photo effort received by the subjects? How did you get permission and did you pay the individuals?

I don't mean to take anything away from your collection, but it prompts me to discuss photographing locals. Mountains, buildings and animals, no problem... but people? Photographing guides, porters, lodge owners or other unidentifialbe individuals is reasonable, however, what about others with whom you don't have a clear relationship? I wouldn't be keen about tourists walking down my street taking pictures of me or my kids. I would be interested in hearing the opinions of others concerning photographing local residents.

[Pmatt]

Your Nepal pictures were very impressive. They seemed remarkably framed and composed. It is clear that you put significant effort to get these photos. However, I have to ask how was your photo effort received by the subjects? How did you get permission and did you pay the individuals?

It is a valid question. I asked whenever it was possible -- i.e. all the portraits, and shots taken from a close distance. Some of the "people passing by" type shots (porters on bridges etc.) I of course just grabbed.

"Asking" generally means holding up the camera and gesturing. I would say probably 80% of people I asked in Nepal would say (or gesture yes).

As for as paying I would give a few rupees if people asked. All the sadhus of course want money, and will complain if you give less than 100 rupees. Some of the really poor looking people sitting/vending on the streets in Kathmandu would ask for money as well, but the majority of people did not. Once on the trek people generally don't ask for money.

And of course having a digital camera is a big help, because you can show them the image afterwards, which they generally enjoy.

[Cosmo]

Interesting read about paying for photos.
Id wondered what was the case in Nepal. What do most people pay the holymen if you ask to take their photos in the square?

We had problems in the country areas of China a few years ago where the farming people had just come to the realisation that money could be had from the tourists for photographing them with their ox etc. Some of them where very aggressive. They were demanding money even if you photographed their animals in the field (with no people)

[Pmatt]

IWhat do most people pay the holymen if you ask to take their photos in the square?

The sadhus are the holy men -- they would complain if you gave them less than 100 rupees.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the true holy men hang out inside the Hindu-only temples, and that the ones in the touristy areas are just people who realized that serious money can be made by dressing up as holy men.

[Oli]

You have a wonderful collection of photos there, Pmatt. Thanks for sharing. The portraits are especially lovely, the Nepali are a beautiful people. Personally I tend to take more landscapes, I am less of a people person, but I am very glad that you make up for that.

In my experience most Nepali are happy to have their photos taken. I can only recall two occasions where someone objected. Once last year during a KTM curfew when some soldiers were supposed to be on guard duty were larking around with rickshaw drivers :D and a few years a ago in Upper Pisang - an old woman ploughing a small field, I wanted a 'natural' shot so was being a little coy with my camera so as not to disturb her, when she noticed I had a camera she indicated that she didn't want me to take her photo so I put it away, fair enough.

Conversely, several years ago I took a few photos of the family I stayed with at a Lodge in Marpha, and last year when I was back in the area I went to revisit my friends and they were absolutely chuffed to bits to see the photos.

Kids generally love to have their photos taken, "one photo" is about as common as "one sweetie". But I'm not comfortable taking photos of 'saddhus' who actually ask you to take their photo, because invariably they next say "now you pay me". But this also happens in many other parts of the world, eg Cusco, and erm elsewhere

Anyway, nice one, Pmatt :)

[Ripper]

But I'm not comfortable taking photos of 'saddhus' who actually ask you to take their photo, because invariably they next say "now you pay me".

Why wouldn't you expect to pay to take a picture of a person? If your going to treat them as an object they should be able to collect something for having provided you a service. I don't think most trekkers would be comfortable being photographed without their permission in their home environment. Why should it be different when they are away from home?

[Oli]

Why wouldn't you expect to pay to take a picture of a person?

Yes, for the "semi-pro" thats a fair point, a photographer paying a subject/model for a pose is all very well and reasonsble. And I suppose thats as valid for saddhus as for anyone else. But my point, the thing that irks me is those occasions where they positively request that you take their photos and only after do they ask for money. I think it's fair to say there are many "saddhu"s in Kathamndu who do this and they are not really Holy men.

And for what it's worth, in my personal experience the worst/rudest case of the petty scam was perpetrated by these two ladies in Cusco.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/92563649_70cad79296_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliphant/92563649/in/set-72057594055654264)

[Ripper]

I haven't been to Peru for a long while, but I guess I can't say I'm suprised that they have learned the scam. I do remember a few in our party getting their wallets lifted at the market (even after having been warned). If they invite the photo, they should state their fee, if any, in advance.

[louis]

I was in cusco back in 96 and again in 2005. just more of the fake authentic dress, if you know what i mean. Hardly even worth taking all your gear out in the main square. In the outer villages is where you see the reall stuff.

I hope when i get to nepal in march, its not the same thing. I'll have the camera out none the less.
Louis

[a1jbg]

Absolutely brilliant photos Pmatt, you obviously have a love and empathy for Nepal and the Nepalese people that shines through in all of the portraits especially. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[a1jbg]

I thought these photos deserved to be brought to the top of the pile again in case anyone has not seen them. I think they are brilliant, and encapsulate Nepal and the Nepalese people.

John

P.S. Can`t wait for my next trip, when my dodgy knees have been operated on. Everest Base Camp hopefully.

[yakshaver]

Brilliant photos from Pmatt. Just awesome!

Regarding the issue of "authenticity" and "pay-for-pic", I have no issue with either. So long as the photo transmits the feeling/message I want it to transmit, it is nobody's business how I composed it, how it came about, or if I paid anything for anyone in it. If someone expects payment for having their pic taken, then so be it. I wish someone would offer me money for my portrait, but this is unlikely to happen. I cannot say along with Linda Evangelista, that I don't get out of bed for less than ten thousand dollars... On the other hand I have never tried.

[yakshaver]

[QUOTE=a1jbg.



P.S. Can`t wait for my next trip, when my dodgy knees have been operated on. Everest Base Camp hopefully.[/QUOTE]


Dodge knees... I hope you'll be using trekking poles... They helped me greately.

[yakman74]

These are fantastic pictures, Im very curious what equipment you brought with you on the trip, as it seems you have a range of lenses.

[a1jbg]

Does anyone know what happened to Pmatt`s photos? Clicking on to the link he provided says that they have moved.