I spent a while chatting it up with this charming guy with the help of an interpreter.
If there’s one thing I was reminded of while in Africa it was my need to “connect in order to create.” That connection may be as simple as an exchange of smiles between me and a young man stacking charcoal or as intricate as an interpreter explaining my every word. As a photographer, my curious nature places me in situations that can be hard to navigate and at times difficult to explain. I found throughout the years that being sincere, respectful and giving a big smile are key ingredients to successfully navigating language barriers.
Here are a few guidelines to try to follow when traveling abroad:
1. Be polite and respectful. Don’t be the ugly tourist with camera.
2. Consider a local guide when traveling abroad. S/he can really help break down the communication barrier.
3. Spend some time getting to know your subject before getting the camera out.
4. If you’re in a town for a few days consider going for a walk without your camera. Scouting an area and connecting with people/shopkeepers can pay dividends when you come back with your camera in tow.
5. Telling a story — Try to tell a story with your images. I avoid shots that simply portray poverty. Taking a keen interest in what a person does for a living or how he or she supports their family is what I’m interested in photographing.
6. Lastly, remember safety is key. I love street photography but it’s very easy to get caught up in a “moment.” Having a travel partner that can watch your back is just common sense.
Selling charcoal in Nairobi
Loading the buckets for sale
Local flavors--grilling meat for sale
At the end of the day, it’s all about following the “Golden Rule” and using common sense. I believe when I make a sincere attempt to connect with people they look beyond the camera and see me for what I am: a harmless, curious guy with a camera 
Learn more about John, view his images and check out his blog here.
Elephant Ears, Corn Dogs and 4H Barns = Good Times
Thursday, September 15th, 2011I’m going to admit it: I’m addicted to County Fairs. I grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan where summers meant getting into trouble, swimming in the community pool and wandering aimlessly around the county fair. And whenever I travel and see the words “County Fair,” thoughts of elephant ears, corn dogs, sticky fingers and the smell of 4-H animals seems like sweet perfume calling out, “John, stop now!” A few weeks ago I had the chance to visit the Madison County Fair in Twin Bridges, Montana where I spent the afternoon visiting with local farmers and 4-H kids. What I’ve grown to love about the fair is touring the 4-H barns and talking to the kids about their animals, science projects and especially perusing the photography contest.
Madison County Fair 4-H'ers
This young man was such a trooper; I could tell it was a bittersweet day for him as he explained with a little quiver in his voice how he raised his steer over the last year, feeding it several pounds of grain a day, and caring for it just to bring it to market at the county fair. You know he had been told not to get attached, but this young guy was brave enough to show he cared for his animal.
Prepping the sheep for sale
These two young girls were painting the legs of their sheep black and carefully brushing her out before they took her out to be judged. They had the sheep in this outfit because they had washed her earlier in the day and didn’t want her to get dirty.
4-H'ers sharing insight with visitiors is an important part of the 4-H learning process.
If you’re willing to make an investment in time and truly have a curious nature about you, then fairs are an excellent photo opportunity for environmental portraits. These kids put a lot of time and energy raising their animals and learning about crop management, but most importantly these kids represent our future. Next time your county fair is going on grab the family, your camera, closed toe shoes and wet-wipes and get ready for one heck of an experience.
Make sure and enter John's Black & White Photo Contest! Info here.
Tags: black and white, contest, portraits
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