16 Beginner Tips For Photographing People While Travelling

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Have you ever seen the perfect person to photograph in a crowd but hesitated?

Frozen by the thought of approaching them?

Does your inner imposter whisper that you’re not skilled enough or that asking for someone’s portrait feels awkward or out of reach?

Don’t worry, these tips are here to help you gain the confidence to approach people and capture incredible photos of people.

We felt exactly the same when we first started photographing people. Even the thought of someone saying no made us want to crawl into a hole from the embarrassment, never to resurface.

But now we’ve photographed Mexican cowboys, Laotian Monks and travelled across numerous countries, capturing portraits of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Now we feel completely comfortable photographing just about anyone.

We’re going to cover beginner-friendly photography tips like how to approach people, make them feel comfortable and ways to overcome your hesitations.

Although this blog focuses mainly on travel photography techniques, it still has plenty of information that will improve your photography of people in your home country.

Whether you’re capturing portraits of strangers in remote villages or just wandering the streets of your city. We’ve learned the tricks, built the confidence, and made the mistakes, so you don’t have to.

Now, we’re sharing everything you need to approach people with ease and capture stunning travel portraits wherever you go.

A portrait of a young woman holding a vibrant green parasol, standing in front of a colorful backdrop featuring intricately designed umbrellas and traditional patterns. She wears a red and black striped blouse with a patterned skirt, and her expression is calm and poised. The image demonstrates proper shutter speed for capturing sharp details and natural lighting in portraits, ensuring clarity and a well-balanced exposure — A girl posing in front of her local community’s artwork in Java
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1250, f/4.5, 1/160sec, 70mm

16 tips on photographing people

1. Get Permission to Photograph your subject

We recommend you always get permission from the person you’re photographing where possible. It’s the best tip we can give you to raise your people photography to the next level.

You’ll be able to create much more compelling photos by engaging with the subject and directing the photo.

Getting direct approval isn’t always possible. We’ve experienced this during festivals and events where it’s just too busy to get across to someone to ask them for a photo.

In these kinds of situations we personally feel it’s ok to photograph people without asking. Particularly if its an event where there are lots of photographers and TV crews because people are going there with the expectation that they could be photographed.

A black and white photograph of a Laotian man covered in intricate Buddhist scripture tattoos, intently working on a wooden Buddha carving. He wears glasses, holds a cigarette in one hand, and is seated in a workshop surrounded by tools and shelves filled with fabric. The partially completed Buddha statue is secured in a vise, emphasizing the craftsmanship and cultural significance of the scene. — After asking this Laotian man if we could take his photo he felt more comfortable and lit a cigarette while showing us his craft.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1600, f/8.0, 1/250sec, 70mm

2. Social Cues Are Key

If you’re doing a bit of travel photography in another country, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget that the people of that place are just like us. Therefore you should treat them the same way you would photographing people on the streets in your local area.

Don’t approach people who already look like they’re in a bad mood. Busy commuters are less likely to have time to stop than an elderly person buying groceries. Making sure the person looks approachable is one of the keys to success when photographing people.

While waiting for a ferry in Borneo, we saw a group of elderly gentlemen playing cards and joking with each other. One of them got up to take us across the river on the ferry. We could see the group were in high spirits and it was an easy social cue to ask for a photo. The man’s friends giggled and joked while we took his portrait.

A friendly ferryman in Kuching, Sarawak, wearing a bright red shirt with "Marco" printed on it and a navy blue Rip Curl cap, sitting near a waterway with a calm smile and making eye contact with the camera. The blurred background shows a rustic outdoor setting with greenery and a building, adding context to the relaxed moment. This photo highlights how people are often more comfortable with being photographed when they are not busy, supporting the blog's focus on photographing people. — This ferryman was happy for us to take his photo while we waited for the boat.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/2.8, 1/640sec, 70mm

3. Avoid Interrupting Conversations

It’s rude to interrupt someone having a conversation. And doing it to ask for a photo is no different.

4. Think About the Location

In public places, taking images of people is generally more acceptable and also completely legal in most countries. If you’re in a touristy area, locals will be very used to having their photo taken and are unlikely to have a problem with it.

But walking down a residential street and photographing people outside their homes without their permission is much more intrusive. You could even be in breach of their privacy which is illegal in most countries.

We do advise checking the local laws in the places you visit to see if there are any restrictions. For example in South Korea even photographing people in public is illegal and could land you in trouble with the law!

A cheerful tourist wearing floral clothing and a crossbody bag releases a glowing paper lantern during the Yi Peng festival in Chiang Mai, surrounded by other festival attendees under a dark evening sky. This image demonstrates how photographing people in public places, especially during cultural events, is often more acceptable and natural. — This tourist was excited to send off his unique lantern. He smiled at us just before we took his photo
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-4000, f/2.8, 1/160sec, 50mm

5. Make eye contact

If a person sees you, looks you up and down and turns their back on you, it’s pretty clear they won’t want to have their photo taken. If they look at you and smile, then it’s much more likely they’ll be interested in what you have to say.

When we visited a rocket festival in Laos we saw two men who had brought their own rockets and were setting them off (rather dangerously). We walked over to them as we wanted to capture their childish delight at seeing the rockets go up. As soon as they saw us they smiled and asked us if we wanted to set one off too!

A smiling man dressed in a bright yellow shirt and black shorts stands in a lush green field in Vang Vieng, Laos, holding a set of colourful handmade rockets prepared for a local rocket festival. This photo showcases how photographing people who appear approachable and friendly can create engaging and inviting portraits. — I smiled at this man and he offered me a rocket to set off as part of the Boun Bang Fai festival in Vang Vieng. I then asked to take his photo
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-500, 50mm, f/4, 1/500sec

6. Learn Some Key Phrases In The Local Language

Learning just a few key phrases is a great tip for travel photographers.

Saying a simple “hello” or asking for a photo in their language shows respect for the culture and makes people more open to being photographed.

Sometimes we’ve sounded too convincing, and people then try having full-blown conversations with us in their language. For this reason, it’s also good to learn “I only speak a little”.

Here are some key phrases to learn when travelling for photography

“Hello”
“How are you?”
“I’m good thank you”
“Please, can I take your photo”
“Beautiful”
“Pardon me”

Using these phrases when photographing people in different cultures has helped us build rapport and confidence.

Before travelling try downloading a language app like Duolingo to learn these key phrases. You’ll might also learn some other helpful phrases to help you navigate and connect with people.

While walking the streets of a cowboy town in Mexico, we managed to ask a leather shop worker in fluent Spanish if he minded having his photo taken. It was such a thrill that first, he actually understood us, and secondly that he was happy to have his photo taken.

A Mexican leatherworker in Mascota stands behind his workbench, smiling warmly while wearing a dark apron over a striped green polo shirt. His workshop walls are adorned with handcrafted leather goods, including saddles, straps, and tools, showcasing his craftsmanship. Pieces of cut leather and patterns are scattered on the table, adding to the authentic artisan atmosphere. This portrait was captured during one of my first conversations in Spanish, as I asked for permission to take his photo. — We felt so proud to have asked this leather worker to take his photo in Spanish.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1000, f/2.8, 1/125sec, 60mm

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7. A Simple Smile can go a Long Way

Most people understand a friendly greeting even if you haven’t learned any local phrases.

A genuine smile reassures your subject that you have no bad intentions.

It’s a simple way to make the photographing strangers more comfortable for both of you.

A portrait of a smiling woman in traditional Thai attire, taken at night during a festive event. She wears a pink and gold outfit with a decorative brooch, and her hair is neatly styled. The image is used to convey how portraits can be captured in any lighting condition, even at night. — Smiling at this woman before taking her photo was met with a warm smile in return in Chiang Mai
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-2500, f/2.8, 1/250sec, 70mm

8. Make It Obvious You Are Taking Photos

If you suddenly pop out from behind a door with a camera or try to sneak a shot from across the street, you’re likely to make people feel uneasy.

Instead, be open about what you’re doing. For example, take photos of their surroundings first to show you’re there to capture the atmosphere.

When you do make eye contact, a small nod can be enough to get approval. Most of the time, people will respond with a smile and be happy to be photographed.

A tattooed craftsman in Luang Prabang sits in his workshop, pausing from his woodworking to glance to the side. He wears large glasses and holds a cigarette in one hand, his arms and chest adorned with intricate Sak Yant tattoos. Behind him, carved wooden sculptures and golden Buddha statues rest against a green wall, with tools and materials scattered around. He was happy for us to take photos while he worked, capturing an authentic moment of traditional craftsmanship. — This man was happy for us to take his photos while he showed us his wares in Luang Prabang – Laos.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1600, f/8.0, 1/250sec, 70mm

9. Buy Something from a Vendor

When photographing street vendors or shop owners, purchasing something from them is a great way to show appreciation.

It usually costs very little and helps establish trust. This small exchange can also lead to more engaging portraits, as the person may feel more comfortable and allow you to direct them slightly.

When we were in Tegallalang rice fields in Bali we remember seeing two tourists refuse to buy something from a vendor despite the fact they were sitting on their property and taking photos. It was really disappointing to see. Please don’t be like them.

A smiling street vendor in Nepal Van Java, wearing a navy blue hooded jacket, hands over a freshly scooped ice cream cone. His weathered face radiates warmth and friendliness as he engages with a customer. The background is filled with colorful buildings, bustling pedestrians, and a sense of lively community, capturing an authentic travel photography moment while interacting with local vendors. — Buying an ice cream from this vendor meant we could capture the after school routine in this small Javanese village.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-125, f/2.8, 1/800sec, 30mm

10. Ask Someone Directly for a photo

Many photographers struggle with directly asking for a portrait, but it’s a skill that gets easier with practice. Stepping out of your comfort zone and simply asking is often the best approach.

Most people are either happy to have their photo taken or indifferent to it. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel, so start today, and soon it’ll be second nature.

People sometimes ask for money or a donation to take travel photography portraits in very touristy areas. This is absolutely okay for them to do and a way that tourism can directly benefit local people rather than all the money going to big tour companies.

A Mayan dancer in Valladolid stares intensely into the camera, his face painted in striking turquoise and black designs resembling a skull. He wears an elaborate headdress adorned with large feathers and a leopard-print band, with additional feathers and beads hanging from his costume. His outstretched hand, also painted, reaches forward in a dynamic pose. The blurred background of other performers and festival-goers captures the energy of the cultural celebration. — This performer was happily posing for photos when we asked him to look straight at us to capture this portrait in Valladolid – Mexico.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-640, f/2.8, 1/250sec, 70mm

11. How to handle “No” Gracefully

Not everyone is going to say yes, and that’s completely okay. People have every right to decline, and the best thing you can do is respond with politeness.

A simple, “Sorry to bother you,” paired with a smile can go a long way, even if their refusal comes across as rude.

Showing respect and gratitude, even when turned down, will make future interactions feel easier and less daunting.

On the opposite end of the spectrum you may even have someone ask you to take their photo like we were in Kuala Lumpur.

A portrait of a man with short black hair, a mustache, and wearing a striped collared shirt, captured against a vibrant yellow staircase background. The photo is taken at eye level, establishing a direct and engaging connection with the subject, while emphasizing his facial features and warm expression. — A man on a Pilgrimage to the Batu Caves temple signed for us to take his photo as he didn’t speak English. He didn’t even bother to look at the photo. He just wanted to be in one in Kuala Lumpur

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12. Pay attention to their surroundings

When photographing people, it’s easy to focus solely on your subject and overlook everything else in the frame.

Pay close attention to the background. Does it look cluttered with distracting colours or textures?

If you’re aiming to highlight the environment surrounding your subject, that’s great, but if you want a clean, minimalist shot that focuses purely on the person, consider asking them to move to a simpler backdrop, like a painted wall or a neutral surface. Use a shallow depth of field to get a sharp focus on the subject while blurring the background.

On the flip side, think about whether you can incorporate elements that represent the location, like a palm tree to suggest a tropical setting. These details can help tell a richer story and add context to your portrait.

A young monk with a shaved head and round glasses, dressed in an orange robe, holds up a fluffy brown-and-white puppy against a plain white background. The monk and the puppy both face the camera, with the photo taken at eye level to create a direct connection with the subjects — I asked this young monk to stand in front of the white temple wall while he held up his puppy after we had been chatting for a while in the temple grounds.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1000, 50mm, f/3.2, 1/640sec

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13. Pose your subject

We’ve had plenty of experiences trying to guide people into poses when we don’t share the same language. Often, it involves a lot of us demonstrating the pose ourselves and encouraging them to copy, which usually leads to plenty of laughter and smiles, which is a nice bonus!

However, it’s important to use your intuition to gauge how comfortable the person is with being photographed. If they’re enthusiastic, they’ll likely respond well to being asked to pose.

On the other hand, if they seem hesitant or unsure, pushing for specific poses could make the interaction feel awkward for both of you.

While we were on a paid photo tour in Java the local people were paid by the tour guide for us to photograph them. They were happy to take some direction that was translated by the tour guide.

A portrait of a woman carefully painting a colorful fabric with intricate patterns, focusing on the details of her work. She is wearing a casual gray and yellow shirt, leaning forward with concentration in a dimly lit workshop with bamboo roofing. The image demonstrates that portraits can be captured in low light conditions — We directed the lady in this photo on where to stand and where we wanted her hand to be
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1600, 70mm, f/5.6, 1/80sec

14. Take photos at eye level

When photographing people, the eyes are often the focal point of the image, making it important to capture your subject at eye level whenever possible.

Shooting at eye level allows the viewer to connect with the person in the photo, creating a sense of equality and mutual perspective.

It also helps build a connection with your subject, showing them respect and making the interaction feel more personal and engaging.

Another way to photograph someone is from below eye level. This helps to create a feeling of respect, like you’re looking up to that person.

An elderly artisan sits at a wooden workspace surrounded by colorful tools and handcrafted shadow puppets. He holds up one intricately designed puppet, its shadow cast dramatically on the wall behind him. The scene is illuminated by warm light, highlighting his focus and the rich cultural details of his craft. — At an organised photography shoot in Java I got down low to take this photo to give the perspective of a child viewing the puppet maker at work
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1000, f/5, 1/100sec, 16mm

15. Wait for something interesting to happen

Anticipating movement is a key skill for candid photography, where the subject is either unaware they’re being photographed or so focused on their activity that they continue naturally.

By anticipating what’s about to happen, you can capture dynamic moments that tell the story of a place. For instance, imagine you’re in a bustling market and want to showcase locals interacting and buying goods.

You spot someone at a stall and wait for just the right moment. When money is exchanged and goods are handed over, you lift up your camera just before to capture it.

💡Bonus Tip: Use your camera’s burst mode when anticipating action. This setting takes several photos in rapid succession, allowing you to choose the perfect shot and avoid common issues, like someone blinking at just the wrong moment.

While on a night time boat safari on the Kinabatangan river we heard the boat driver say he wated to check on a baby crocodile he had seen in the bush. He said for everyone to be careful as it could be dangerous if it bit someone.

We instantly knew it was going to be a thrilling moment to capture and anticipated having to use a higher shutter speed to capture the moment.

A man in a dark shirt holds up a baby crocodile in his hands under focused lighting, highlighting the reptile's spotted yellow and green scales and open jaws. The man's expression is intent and slightly strained as he examines the crocodile, set against a pitch-black background that emphasizes the close interaction between the subject and the animal. — Our boat driver in Borneo said he wanted to check if a baby crocodile was ok
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-1600, 70mm, f/2.8, 1/640sec

16. Consider the lighting

Make sure that you choose the best time of day for photographing people outside. The best natural light occurs between the hours of Sunrise – 10am and 3pm-Sunset.

Better lighting will allow you to use a lower ISO number which will result in a better quality image. Soft natural light also creates appealing warm colours in your photos and soft shadows.

If your subject is standing in the shadows, ask them to move into a more well-lit area. This is why we encourage speaking to your travel portrait subjects beforehand so you can build rapport and feel more comfortable asking them to do things.

Young dancers performing traditional Yucatan dance - Jarana. There is a connection between their eyes — We waited until these dancers stepped in to the light to take this photo in Valladolid Mexico
Sony A7R3 Camera Settings – ISO-1600, f/2.8, 1/400 sec, 180mm

Why do we find it so difficult to approach people for photos?

We live in a world where face-to-face interactions are becoming increasingly rare. You can have groceries delivered to your door, order camera gear online without stepping into a store, and go about your day with minimal human contact.

Yet now, you’re faced with the challenge of approaching a complete stranger for what feels like a deeply personal interaction.

Maybe, like Emma, you’re a bit of an overthinker. You’re worried about inconveniencing them or making them feel uncomfortable.

And then there’s the fear of rejection. Having someone say no to your face can be pretty embarrassing. What if they look annoyed, think it’s weird or even get confrontational?

Some people would rather not speak to the person and catch them off guard. But here’s the thing. Good portrait photography rarely occurs without some direction from a photographer.

Even photos that look like they were taken without the knowledge of the person are often composed to look like that or taken between breaks in conversation.

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A collage of six vibrant photographs capturing cultural and natural beauty. The top left showcases lush green rice terraces bathed in golden sunlight, with a mountain in the background. The top right features a baby orangutan clinging to its mother against a blurred jungle backdrop. The middle left displays a collection of colorful traditional hand fans arranged in an intricate pattern. The middle right shows people waving massive, rainbow-colored kites under a clear blue sky. The bottom left highlights terraced rice fields with rich greenery, palm trees, and soft lighting. The bottom right portrays an elderly craftsman seated at a wooden table, surrounded by intricate shadow puppets, as his work casts a silhouette on the wall.

Next Steps

Photographing people while travelling can feel intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it becomes an incredibly rewarding experience.

By learning how to confidently approach strangers, making them feel comfortable, and paying attention to the details in your photos, you’ll be able to capture powerful portraits that tell unique stories.

It’s all about practice, patience, and letting your creativity shine.

Ready to start? Then check out the challenge below

The people photography Challenge

Now that you’ve got all the tools and knowledge to photograph people in public places, it’s time to put it into practice. We know how intimidating it can feel, so we’ve put together some beginner-friendly tips to help you ease into it and build your confidence step by step.

1. Start Small

Begin by asking a friend or family member to pose for you. This lets you practice your approach and camera skills in a comfortable, pressure-free environment.

2. Choose The Right Camera Settings

Use a shutter speed of at least 1/125 to avoid motion blur. This will help you feel more confident knowing your photos will turn out crisp and clear.

3. Set Achievable Goals

Start with something simple, like, “Today, I’ll ask one person for a photo.” Achieving small goals will help you build momentum and feel more at ease.

4. Partner With A Photographer Friend

Having a buddy to share the experience with makes it less intimidating and gives you someone to lean on for support or inspiration.

5. Join A Photography Tour

These tours are designed for photographers and often include friendly, local people who are happy to be photographed, giving you a safe space to practice.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Over time, your confidence will grow, and approaching people for portraits will become second nature.

7. Choose The Right Lens

Choosing the right lens can make or break your trip. When you’re starting out, it’s easier to use a zoom lens to photograph people. A zoom lens will give you a bit more wiggle room, like allowing you to zoom in a bit if you’re standing too far away.

A serene scene of a man in a wide-brimmed straw hat and a red shirt standing under a massive, sunlit tree with sprawling moss-covered branches in Banyuwangi, Java. The man carries a yoke laden with greenery over his shoulder, while a white goat with a black head stands beside him. Rays of sunlight filter through the dense tree canopy, casting dramatic shadows on the ground, creating a tranquil rural atmosphere. — A Javan man poses with his goat
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-320, 16mm, f/7.1, 1/400sec

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