A friend recently told me of her experiences trying to photograph people in a fiercely Islamic area of Indonesia (a Muslim country). Some of her would-be subjects responded by hissing and spitting at her--not the kind of cross-cultural connection you're usually looking for in that kind of environment! Another friend asked me recently how to take travel pictures in really poor areas without making the photo subjects feel like they were being exploited to glossy up some American scrapbook. I've personally had the world's very poor respond to me in a variety of ways, from asking to be photographed for the sheer joy of the attention to demanding money in return for their photograph. The different responses have always hinged on the principles I discuss below.

I recently had the opportunity to travel to the Islamic area mentioned above--and I came back with lots of photos of people in that community with great, friendly smiles and trusting expressions. I've also photographed people in some destitute areas of the world with similar results. So what has made the difference in my experience? Here's what I think.

Being a sensitive photographer in any part of the globe comes down to following the three most important values of most cultures:

1. Relationships.
2. Relationships.
3. Relationships.

Anything you can do to build a bridge to the person whose photo you're taking will make them feel like they're part of your life and not just an object of your photo-lust. Conversely, failing to build that bridge can result in mistrust, feelings of exploitation, and even loss of standing (for you) in that community. With most people building the trust necessary for a good photograph is incredibly simple:

1. Acknowledge them with a friendliness adapted to the local custom (waving, bowing, shaking hands, etc.).
2. Ask permission.
3. Only take the photo if they say yes. It's not worth doing it if it offends them or breaks trust.

And build from there as appropriate--share something with them, let them serve you tea, show them a few of the photos on the LCD of your camera, whatever makes sense in the moment. It's even better if you have a local guide with you to translate and show people that you're okay to be there.

If there's someone or something you really want a picture of but they're shy or resistant, and you have time in the area, keep visiting them and hanging out with them, demonstrating interest (sincerely!) in their life until the walls come down. Relationship first!