When traveling overseas, taking photographs of unusual sights and scenes can be a great way to give friends and family back home an idea of what your experience was like. But if you were to wander around a foreign country snapping pictures randomly of people and buildings, you might end up in a heap of trouble, and can even be arrested. It is important to be aware of cultural sensitivities as well as local rules regulating when photographs are allowed and when they are prohibited no matter where you go.
It is natural to want to reach for a camera when confronted with a scene that is new to you, for instance when you see local people dressed or behaving in a way that you think of as being unusual. Taking photographs of the people in foreign countries is an activity fraught with risk, you should ask yourself how you would feel if a tourist came to your home town and started taking pictures of your family. No matter which part of the world you travel to, you should always ask permission before taking a photograph of people.
Religious scenes can be amazing to behold, especially if the faith in question is one that you do not know so much about. It should be understood that religion and the rituals that accompany various ceremonies are often intensely private affairs. Taking photographs of people praying or performing any religious ceremony is not an activity that should be encouraged, even if you see other tourist happily snapping away, this does not mean that you should do the same.
If you were to take pictures of any kind of transport infrastructure in a foreign land, for example airports, train stations, and bus stations, you may suddenly find yourself surrounded by local law enforcement agents. Many developing countries are extremely sensitive about photographs being taken of their infrastructure, and strictly prohibit the activity.
Under no circumstance should you take photographs of any military vehicles or facilities, that is unless you enjoy having automatic rifles being pointed in your face by angry soldiers. Do not think that a western passport gives you the freedom to take pictures of anything, and it would also be a mistake to be under the impression that your country's consulate or embassy would be able to help you out of a tricky situation.
Traveling overseas should be enjoyed and remembered as a wholly positive experience. By thinking carefully about where you point your camera you can make certain that you have a trip which is exciting, though not dangerously so.
Check out our tips on how to stay safe while taking photographs in a foreign land now in our article on where to find the best Photoshop tutorials beginners online on http://photoshopforbeginners.org
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