being able to catch the faces and places from your travels is the best souvenir you can bring home. but if – like I used to be – you’re a bit nervous or uncertain of how to photograph people when you’re travelling, here are our suggestions that will help.

I used to be too nervous to photograph people. I would cautiously shoot at a distance with a long lens and would never know how to technique anyone. I felt like I missed so lots of opportunities for a great photo.

Studying with Carla Coulson this summer in Italy was a revelation. I learnt so much viewing her work. She makes shooting people seem effortless.

Carla has such warmth and charm, but she also has a very carefully crafted process that she has perfected throughout the years to help her get the shot.

She shared some extraordinary insights with me, which I also want to show you. along with other suggestions I’ve learnt along the way, I want to show you how you can create those connections and catch your travel memories better.

How to photograph people when you’re travelling

1. always technique from the front

I normally love a surprise, but street photography is one time when a surprise isn’t a good thing. always technique from the front so they can see you and they’ll be a lot more likely to say yes to a photo.

This was a idea I learnt from Humans of new York. I saw Brandon describing how – when he sees someone interesting ahead – he always walks around them, crossing the street and back so he can make eye contact first.

2. choose your gear carefully

A huge cam can intimidate people. I love our Olympus OM-D cameras, as they’re so compact but are exceptionally powerful at the same time. They have every feature we want.

Often people think these are vintage film cameras. They can be a conversation starter that helps make people feel a lot more comfortable for the shot too.

3. get your settings ideal first

Stand back and observe the illumination before you approach. set your cam up first so you’re all ready and can just focus on your subject.

4. It’s not about what you say

When approaching people to take their photos, it’s not about what you say; it’s all about your emotions.

It can help to have a script and some phrases in the local language, but it’s so much a lot more crucial to give off a calm and friendly energy.

Smile and crouch down to their level if they’re lower down, seated or shorter than you. This unwinded technique will put them at ease and they’ll be a lot more receptive to photos.

5. Pay them a compliment

If you’re not sure what to say, pay them a compliment. Be genuine and say something kind to them – it could be about what they’re wearing or doing that inspired you to take their photo.

In Italy, you can always just say “ciao bello” or “ciao bella” to get a smile back!

6. Don’t be terrified to ask them to move

If the background or light isn’t right, you can ask your subject to step to a better location. You’d be shocked how lots of people would like you get a better shot – even these nuns!

Or if they freeze up and become uncomfortable, ask them to continue with what they were doing so that you can catch a a lot more candid shot.

In the very last photo of this story, I asked Giuseppe and his new friend to turn around so I could get the city of Monopoli in the background.

7. show them your photos

Turn the cam around and show them your screen. Smile and show them how great they look.

8. say thank you

Look up from your cam and keep that connection with your subject while you’re shooting. say thank you and smile, even if you didn’t get the shot you wanted.

9. offer to send prints

Share your photos with them. get their email or address and offer to send prints if you think you have a shot.

10. There’s always another opportunity

You might feel disappointed that you didn’t catch the moment or the expression you wanted, but don’t be hard on yourself.

Realise that moments are happening all around you. keep your eyes open and you’ll see extraordinary scenes happening all around you.

There’s no such thing as a missed shot; only practice runs for the one you want.

11. get in the picture too!

As photos are our souvenirs, we love to get in the picture too.

We’re transported directly back into these delighted memories when we look at these photos later. It’s not going to work in every situation, but some of the greatest laughs and best connections happen when I get in the picture with the person I’m shooting.

Note: check local customs

Research local customs for your destination and always be respectful when taking people’s photos.

If you’re new to photographing people, we can’t recommend Puglia highly enough as a destination to start. everyone was so welcoming and fun. Not only did we come home with terrific pictures, we also made some new friends too.

Giuseppe (left) and I were chatting when he grabbed this person and asked me to take a photo of them together.Check out our list of the best places to shoot in Puglia here. 

And for our other stories, travel suggestions and photos of Puglia, click here.

Do you take pleasure in taking photos of people on your travels? What’s the best destination you’ve been to for photographing people?