In some countries you feel self-conscious about photographing local people and either have to do it surreptitiously or not at all. Stopping to ask permission to take a photo, although polite, often breaks the moment - people look different when they know they're being watched or have been told to "look natural".
The Wakhan Corridor, fortunately, is a place where one can photograph quite freely. Subjects seem perpetually keen to pose, even volunteering themselves and their families on the street, and this includes both men and women of all ages. All you need to do after taking the photo is to show the image on the camera screen - more often than not this is met with peals of laughter as the person realises how serious they look.We were never once asked for baksheesh (a tip) for taking a photo - the most anyone wants is a copy of the picture next time you pass their way.
There is, however, another challenge for photographers in the area, and this is dust. Dust storms appear from nowhere in the bottom of the valley and the camera seems to be caked in dirt the moment you retrieve it from the bag. Whether the dust is on the lens or inside the camera it is infuriating, so its necessary to keep cleaning your kit with a cloth, brush or can of air throughout the day. Looking back at my pictures there are a number with dust spots. Of course this can be rectified in Photoshop but it's irritating nonetheless.
The Wakhan Corridor, fortunately, is a place where one can photograph quite freely. Subjects seem perpetually keen to pose, even volunteering themselves and their families on the street, and this includes both men and women of all ages. All you need to do after taking the photo is to show the image on the camera screen - more often than not this is met with peals of laughter as the person realises how serious they look.We were never once asked for baksheesh (a tip) for taking a photo - the most anyone wants is a copy of the picture next time you pass their way.
There is, however, another challenge for photographers in the area, and this is dust. Dust storms appear from nowhere in the bottom of the valley and the camera seems to be caked in dirt the moment you retrieve it from the bag. Whether the dust is on the lens or inside the camera it is infuriating, so its necessary to keep cleaning your kit with a cloth, brush or can of air throughout the day. Looking back at my pictures there are a number with dust spots. Of course this can be rectified in Photoshop but it's irritating nonetheless.
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