Culturally Sensitive Photography in bhutan
Photographing Bhutanese People, Dress & Behaviour, Whats off Limits, Gifts, Requests for Photographs
Culturally Sensitive Photography
Bhutanese people are really friendly and open. They enjoy sharing their culture and are generally happy to be photographed. In the excitement of seeing such rich beauty it can sometimes be difficult to keep from crossing the line into being intrusive or even rude.
Here are a few guidelines for not wearing out the welcome.
Photographing People. The best images come from engagement and knowing when to put the camera down. It is part of the art of photography. If you take time to ‘arrive’ and engage with people before you take their photograph there is rarely an issue. It is not necessary to speak the language if you smile, compliment and laugh together. Then the image will be something more, it will have energy. In a market for example you can ask with a questioning tilt of the camera and if they agree, then work fast as they have work to do. If they say ‘no’, you smile, lower your camera and let your dream photo go. There are 6 billion people in the world and we don’t need one more stolen photo.
Appropriate dress and behaviour. Bhutanese are generally tolerant if you convey respect and courtesy. If others around you look embarrassed it’s a clue. Your guide will help you. Like most Asian countries, they require modest clothing (eg women’s upper arms are covered); shoes and hats off inside religious places; pointing with upturned hand towards others or religious paintings and objects (not one finger); sitting with the soles of your feet not facing another person when sitting. If you wouldn’t wear it in your church at home or visiting your future in-laws, then maybe it’s not appropriate in a dzong. Bhutanese, for example, must wear their national dress inside dzongs and at other formal occasions.
Off-limits for photography. You may take photographs in most places, so please respect restrictions where there are cultural and religious sensitivities, including most altars. When idiots try sneaking cameras into such places it not only demonstrates pure arrogance, but leads to more barriers for others and seriously compromises your guide.
Festivals. These are real living cultural events full of meaning to their communities, so be respectful guests. It is a privileged opportunity to interact with locals who are proud of their culture. Try not to block the views of locals as they are almost just as excited to attend and watch these events as we are. At small festivals think about how not to be in each others’ photos too much, perhaps by sitting together. Remember that you can’t wear a hat, so choose your location well.
Gifts and Children: Dispensing pens, money and sweets turns children into beggars and is patronising. Really. So give in other ways and take time to genuinely interact with children such as talking to them about their interests or encouraging them in their schoolwork. We have had really rich conversations with young people. If you do want to offer something, you could bring gifts that can be presented to schools so that everyone benefits. Talk to your guide about other ways of giving back. See links below for three possibilities.
Managing Requests for a Photograph: As in many countries, people you photograph may request a copy of the photograph for themselves. Think through how you will manage this. Do not promise what you have no intention of following through on. If you really want to give copies of the images back then check with your guide if they are willing to act as your agent in the course of future trips. Then take a picture of the person holding their name and some location information so that you can match the person’s details to their image weeks latter when you return home.
Links
Bhutan Foundation A USA based foundations supporting a range of projects through local partners
