POLAROID TO THE RESCUE

 

Here's the travel photographer's dilemma. You're taking pictures in a foreign country. You come across someone whose photo you just have to have. You don't speak her language; she doesn't speak yours. You can't ask for permission to shoot, or, in case you need it, for her to sign a model release. And you don't want to snap away and then walk away. Although in the USA this might be considered normal by the general public, in some foreign countries it might be considered rude. In some cultures, worse than rude.

Here's one solution. Pull out your Polaroid camera. Take a portrait shot and give it to the person. Usually, they'll be delighted with the gift and happy to have you then photograph them with your 35mm camera to your heart's content.