I’m a little uncomfortable, Michael, because she seems uncomfortable. But I may be misinterpreting. I think taking photos of strangers is quite delicate, because it can involve so many different “codes” — e.g. culture, age, relative economic or social status… Perhaps this is why I tend to take such photos from behind, leaving people their anonymity. But, truly, I don’t know. We must each make our own decision about taking the photo, right in the moment.
Although we were told it was OK to take pictures of people at the Bagan Market, as many of the tourists do, I was, as you say, somewhat uncomfortable to do so. This picture was taken with a 200mm zoom of a palm size camera so it wasn’t too apparent.
Ah, so you were at a distance and imperceptible, that is respectful. (I obey tour guides when they say NOT to take photos, but I am never very reassured when they tell us it’s OK, because I know for them these people are like animals in the zoo. So I believe taking photos still comes down to our own personal decision, weighing all the factors, in the moment.)
Very true 🙂
But she seem to be looking right at you.
Yes 😊
I always wonder how I shall feel to be photographed by strangers. It is a difficult situation and I also do steal photo’s or ask the person if I can take a shot. Beautiful photo!
retireediary 
No.
Haha .. . . I like her eyes . . .
I’m a little uncomfortable, Michael, because she seems uncomfortable. But I may be misinterpreting. I think taking photos of strangers is quite delicate, because it can involve so many different “codes” — e.g. culture, age, relative economic or social status… Perhaps this is why I tend to take such photos from behind, leaving people their anonymity. But, truly, I don’t know. We must each make our own decision about taking the photo, right in the moment.
Although we were told it was OK to take pictures of people at the Bagan Market, as many of the tourists do, I was, as you say, somewhat uncomfortable to do so. This picture was taken with a 200mm zoom of a palm size camera so it wasn’t too apparent.
Ah, so you were at a distance and imperceptible, that is respectful. (I obey tour guides when they say NOT to take photos, but I am never very reassured when they tell us it’s OK, because I know for them these people are like animals in the zoo. So I believe taking photos still comes down to our own personal decision, weighing all the factors, in the moment.)
Very true 🙂
But she seem to be looking right at you.
Yes 😊
I always wonder how I shall feel to be photographed by strangers. It is a difficult situation and I also do steal photo’s or ask the person if I can take a shot. Beautiful photo!
Some of them like to have their pictures taken, as evident by their smile back; for the others, of course, I am not too sure.