I am going to India and I love to take unusual pictures. I would love to take pictures of Local sites including people. Should I offer these people something in exchange for their picture? <BR>Thank you in advance for your help! <BR>Jenn

I do not know India but I know that in general in Latin America money is more expected than in Asia. But then in Asia many are bothered to have their picture taken and one should ask before (and probably lose the moment). <BR> <BR>I would be interested in seeing answers from those that actually have taken pictures in India ...

I have not been to India, but a popular thing with photographers is to offer prints. So get their addresses and send them prints later.

hi jen, <BR> <BR>i just spent 6 months traveling through india and taking many pictures because photography is one of my hobbies. people in india love (and i can't stress this enough) to have their picture taken. you don't need to offer them money that actually might be offensive and confusing for them. also, you don't have to worry about seeking out pictures. if you walk around with your camera they will all come to you asking for their picture taken. if this doesn't happen the polite thing to do would be to ask if you can take a snap (meaning picture in anglo-indian english) of them. now, an even generous gesture would be to take their address and promise to mail them a picture. however, remember not to be so quick to exploit the people and the poverty as that will be insulting to them. <BR>enjoy india! i promise you it will be more than you ever expected.

Indian people love to have their picture taken. If you ask them (Picture, Photo and snap- all mean the same but use the word "photo". That is understood by everyone... as in "I want take your photo"), most of them would not refuse. By offering them money, you may insult some people and also set a wrong precedent. Resist the temptation ! <BR> <BR>This is just my advice from knowing local population. People who have been in a similar situation as yours could answer better.

PEOPLE LOVE I REPEAT LOVE TO HAVE THEIR PHOTO TAKEN IN INDIA THERE IS NO NEED TO OFFER ANYTHING EXCEPT WHEN YOU ARE PHOTOGRAPHING A STREET ENTERTAINER (MONKEY/SNAKE/ETC) AND EVEN THAN ONLY WHEN ASKED OF YOU .. USUALLY 10 RS. IS ENOUGH.

I didn't personally run into problems with taking pictures. But be aware that in India, especially around the popular tourist attactions, you are going to have to deal with the most aggressive hawkers in the world, and not all the experiences are very pleasant. I would say that you should be cautious around tourist attraction area for taking pictures of "volunteers". If someone tells you up front "money is no problem" before you take an offer, it usually ends up with problems.