Can I take your photo?

Border patrol near Cambodia border in Thailand.

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I know a lot of good photographers who never take photos of people because they are afraid to approach strangers. To that I say, "Never pass up a photo you want." These photos are to show you that if I can take photos like these, you can take a photo of people doing everyday things. Never be afraid.

​The above photo, along with those shown  at the end of this article (all scanned from silver gelatin prints), were taken while on assignments. I didn't have to take these photos but I knew they would make good material. Getting them was easy as asking. I can only remember a few occasions over thirty years where people did not want their photos taken. Some people are camera shy but it is always worth a try to approach people. I have found that most people are open to having their photos taken with a  'real' camera even, if like the people in these photos, they know they will never see themselves in print. The iPhone is another sort of animal. People may think you are up to no good.

​I love street photography and have taken my share - thousands of photos are hiding in  un-scanned negatives and slides and on my computer, waiting to be discovered. One day, they will all be sorted and posted. I hope.

​If you are interested in photography, don't neglect life. That flower will be there for awhile,  the deer will always return, and the mountain...well, the mountain ain't going nowhere. Record life as it happens and you will make for a much better photographer and won't bore people with your people-less photos. Just kidding. I love your vacation photos of waterfalls and buildings.

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Guards at home of Dacca politician.

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African American farmer in South Georgia protecting the family farm from the government. Not sure if he is flanked by Black Panthers or not, but they were on site.

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Thai guard near Bangkok. I took this without asking.