Photographing people and places respectfully while you travel

Ask first, smile always

Street portraits can be some of the most memorable travel photos, but the person in the frame is not part of the scenery. If you want a photo of someone specific, such as a market trader, a fisherman mending nets or a musician, ask. A smile, a gesture towards your camera and a simple please in the local language usually works. If the answer is no, accept it graciously.

Many people are happy to be photographed, especially if you have chatted or bought something first. Offering to show them the picture is a nice touch.

Be especially careful with children

Avoid photographing other people's children without permission from a parent. Even if your intentions are entirely innocent, it can understandably make families uncomfortable. If children are part of a wider scene, consider framing so they are not identifiable.

Privacy expectations and laws around photographing people vary across Europe, and some countries are stricter than others about publishing images of identifiable individuals. If you plan to share photos publicly, it is worth keeping this in mind.

Respect sacred and sensitive spaces

Churches, monasteries, synagogues and mosques often have rules about photography, and some ban it during services or altogether. Look for signs, and if in doubt, ask or simply enjoy the moment without a camera. Never use flash near religious art or in museums, where it may be prohibited and can damage fragile works.

Memorials and sites linked to war or tragedy deserve particular care. Selfies and posed shots can feel out of place. A quiet, respectful photograph, or none at all, is usually the right choice.

Think about your impact

Popular viewpoints and photogenic streets can become overwhelmed by visitors chasing the same shot. Do not block doorways, climb on walls, trample gardens or step into roads to get an angle. In residential neighbourhoods, remember that the colourful door you are photographing belongs to someone's home.

Drones are subject to rules that differ between countries and are frequently restricted in cities, near airports and over crowds. Check the regulations for your destination well before you pack one.

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