As a photographer, it’s interesting to hear people mention how cameras can be intrusive, a barrier, make people uncomfortable. While I have been in situations where this may be true, my experience is also quite often the opposite.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting quite a number of countries in the past few years. But I wasn’t always the most comfortable person on the road. In fact, I remember well how I used to find myself a bit of an awkward traveller, at least as far as connecting with new people goes.
What I’ve found is that with a camera in my hand, I have a more straightforward way to connect. To interact with people I’ve never met before. To start a conversation.
More often than not, I find people are keen to share a smile and have their stories told, as long as respect is shown and genuine interest expressed.
So here is a brief collection, of just a few photos I would have never taken. But more importantly, of people I might have never conversed with – had I not had a camera in my hand.
I’m so very glad I did.
