To Pay or Not to Pay?, a photo from Shan, North

Photographer's Note

Most travel photographers are likely to come across this dilemma sooner or later. Is it or is it not ethical to pay local people for photos…

***

Having taken this image, I went back to Lake Inle town, found a 10 dollar per night family guesthouse, left my bags and went exploring. And in the evening I did what all tourists do – I hired a boat with a driver and went on a tour around the lake.

***

Travel agent’s like using this type of photos in their advertising campaigns: a man sporting mustard-coloured trousers and a white shirt, holding a conical net and striking an improbable pose. Those images are so ubiquitous that we have been led to believe that this is what an average Burmese fisherman looks like.

In fact, Lake Inle fishermen present a much more humble look, not many of them own this type of nets and most of them are too busy earning their modest living to have time for acrobatics… However, there are three or four individuals who chose their trade to be posing for photos. They sit in their boats and wait for tourists to appear. Each of them is dressed in the same elegant way and holds the special props – not only the traditional net but also a dead fish or two (for those iconic portraits “fisherman and his catch of the day”). As soon as they spot the tour boats, they start posing and once the tourists have taken their photos the “fishermen” approach them for money.

I noticed that most tourists in other boats were as reluctant to pay as they had been, a few minutes earlier, eager to snap at these local actors. But I thought “why should a western reality TV star earn mega bucks for displaying their mediocre acting skills and these poor people get nothing for their skilful posing for most desired photos taken by these well-off visitors?”. And I reached for my purse…

…just to realise that I didn’t have any small change in the local currency…

So, to make the long story short… Following my (very modest indeed) generosity, I was invited to move to one of the “fisherman’s” boats and spent an enjoyable half an hour indulging in a one-to-one photo session, while the scrooge – I mean ethical – tourists in other boats looked on in envy, their lenses pointed at their feet…

So… to pay or not to pay? If the title of this upload made you think I’ll come up with an answer – please accept my apologies, I really don’t know. I shall leave it to your judgment – any opinions, criticism or approval, is, as always, welcome.

In WS a “real” Lake Inle fisherman going about his business.

ikeharel, pajaran, holmertz, bukitgolfb301, CLODO, GyurMaster, PiotrF, ChrisJ, delpeoples, macjake, COSTANTINO, Gigidusud, BennyV, maloutim, burmaman has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

No_One (4) 2016-04-03 10:40

Hi Kasia,
The striking pose of the man certainly is what caught my attention, it makes a fantastic photo! The pose, the colors, all have been done with some consideration i would think as to how the image would look to a photographer. As I ramble around Ireland shooting dead castles, I dont create employment, but i think its a good thing when our hobbies create a j0b.

In saying that though, it depends how its done. Anywhere I have gone to photograph, when I saw there was a charge I never turned away because of that, and the same would apply to me for people shots (though I've never paid people for them to be in a shot). As long as I know BEFORE then I am happy to agree, or not agree to the fee. If I was not aware and thought it was not chargeable, it could begin to feel like a scam.

I was once chased down Las Ramblas in Barcelona by a guy in a Mr Burns (from the Simpsons) suit as I didn't realize I had to pay to take a photo. I also saw some very aggressive behaviour by "gladiators" outside the COlosseum in Rome, those memories stay with me, it seems in some places it can go from convivial to nasty surprisingly quickly. AS long as that doesnt happen then all is good :)

For you, you got a beautiful photo, striking albeit posed that way. The fisherman got a payment enough to warrant his welcoming you to a private shoot, so I guess he was happy. Also, perhaps the people on the bus took that 30 minutes to think a little more deeply on the subject, as you;ve made me do here :)

If the question was, would I have given money if i were on the bus, the honest and boring answer would be that it would entirely depend on how I was asked.
Cheers for an interesting post!

Noel

Rafer (0) 2016-04-03 10:57

Hi Kasia Excelente momento con especial luz y color....muy interesante y bonita foto...saludos amiga mia (spanish)

BennyV (34748) 2016-04-03 10:58

Great post, Kasia. The picture is a classic one, I've seen it many times before, but it still is a wonderful sight.

What I really like, though, is your note. To pay or not to pay, it's very recognizable. I think the most important thing is that you at least think about it.

For me personally, portraits are my favourite kind of travel shot, but I prefer the ordinary people I meet in the street and usually there's with at least a minimum of interaction before I reach for my camera.

In fact, I only once paid for a portrait. This was in Mali, and frankly I took the picture and paid up, mostly because I felt it would have been impolite not to, since the woman had got all dressed up in her 'ethnic' best for me before I realized what was going on!

But everybody should make up his/her own mind. Whether you pay or not, the most important thing is always respect.

There seem to be more goodies in your Myanmar series, so I'll jump in...

Benny

holmertz (102846) 2016-04-03 12:18

Hello Kasia,
This photo is...well...I don't know...kinda ridiculous in a way, isn't it? This is what happens when poverty meets mass tourism and nothing is real any longer. Of course it's a good photo in its way, but it's mainly a perfect illustration of what you describe in the very interesting note. I mean, no real fisherman would ever behave like this, because it's not a rational way to catch fish. But it has become a way to use traditional rowing techniques to the extreme to look picturesque and "authentic" to tourists.
Already when I saw your last photo and read that note I realized that I should have gone to Lake Inle decades ago, now it's too late. As for the money, you probably did the right thing because they do have to make a living and why should Westerners get everything for free? Maybe you got yourself some authentic photos while the other tourists were watching. But these situations can be rather awkward and personally I would rather stay away from places like this, no matter how famous they are, and stick to street-photos in more obscure places.
As for beating the water I would imagine it is to stun the fish to be able to catch them more easily. Cheaper and more harmless than throwing dynamite in the water.
Kind regards,
Gert

RGatward (20108) 2016-04-03 12:58

It's really tricky eternal question. On the whole I'm against, and I think it probablyhas the potential to distort reality. Paying a tip after the event, if it's not espected seem to be about the most reasonable resolotution. That said, this looks great, if a little contrived.

mesutilgim (0) 2016-04-03 12:59

Hello Kasia,
Another topclass capture in your gallery taken with perfect pov and timing !
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

emka (158204) 2016-04-03 13:16

Witaj Kasiu,

Perfekcyjna pocztówka, koszulka i spodenki jak prosto z pralni, do tego akrobatyczna posa, błękit nieba w tle, trójkątny kapelusz... Super. Do każdego folderu jak ulał.
Bardzo ciekawa notka, problem wart zastanowienia. Jakoś dla mnie takie sytuacje wydaja sie niezręczne i raczej rezygnuje ze zdjecia (tu trzeba by sie przyznac niestety do sknerstwa :)). Jest w tym, jak piszesz, sporo oszustwa. Widzisz takie obrazki, chocby na TE, i tez chcesz pokazać takie właśnie zdjęcie, wydaje Ci się, że wszyscy tak własnie wygladaja. I co? Jesteś rozczarowana. To samo mozna powiedzieć o kobietach w Hawanie, w kolorowych bufiastych spódnicach i z grubym cygarem w ustach. Albo kobziarzu w kraciastej spódnicy na tle zamku. Ale trafia mi do przekonania, że jest to rodzaj aktorstwa, i jesli się płaci za bilet do kina lub teatru, to dlaczego nie za takie przedstawienie. Ale ja wolę coś naturalnego, niepozowanego, mniej oczywistego. Sprawdziłam, nie mam na TE zdjęcia takiego jednonogiego wioślarza, ale tam bylo tyle okazji do innych ciekawych zdjęć. Zycie na wodzie jest fascynujące. Ale nie podobało mi się, jak pokazują tam biedne dziewczyny z długimi szyjami.

Pozdrawiam

Małgorzata

federico (6109) 2016-04-03 14:18

hello Kasia, anyway the result is great and this is the important fact, well it has to be quite difficult to find that balance in a boat in a lake..so..this is a kind of show..Inle lake bring me great memories..
regards
Fred

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2016-04-03 14:31

Hi dear Kasia

Yes exacatly, I have same problem in shooting in developing countries----, I am afraid this issue remains forever. Anyway typical Mynmar otherwise Inya lake shot is perefectly taken, personaly I can pay some if I take such a wonderful shot.

All the best and have a good new start of week. Takero

abmdsudi (95869) 2016-04-03 16:42

Hi Kasia
Posing well for you and a smile in the middle of nowhere!!
Photowise; Fabulous piece of work, from the reflections to the exposure and glorious colours and tis does give a glimpse into the environment, Congrats.
Best wishes

CLODO (45116) 2016-04-03 23:49

Hiya Kasia

It's a real amazing but false picture! Amazing by the way he is standing on one foot and trying to keep his balance, superb thanks to the vivid hues and contrasting colors, but it's not the real life.
Of course, you paid him because you earn 5 dollars with the cheap guest house, and because he was playing a role just in front of you.
I never paid anyone, and do not run after the street performers, I prefer snapshots taken in a glimpse and then move away.
By the way, I see you've got a brand new camera Nikon D800

All the best
CLODO

GyurMaster (24840) 2016-04-04 4:14

Hello Kasia,

As always, I enjoyed your long, but interesting note. Well usually I would say one should not to pay for taking photos, but continuing your thoughts, tourist with their expensive cameras and their willingness to pay horrible prices for a cocktail in fancy place why would refuse to pay a few cents, if it is part of the game, since 'showmen' are there for the sake of tourist? Wow, sorry for this long sentence. :)

Best Regards,
Gy,

Best Regards,
Gy.

ikeharel (113501) 2016-04-04 8:44

Hello Kasia,
Reading the description made me smile - just because at the end, you preferred a "regular" fisherman scene, but only after paid a hefty sum for this guy on the main photo.
Anyway, nice adventure you had and did your best for a great photo.
Cheers,
Ike

PiotrF (54882) 2016-04-04 15:35

Czesc Kasiu,
Bylem ciekaw czy ten motyw tez pojawi sie w twojej relacji. I wyszla w polaczeniu z tekstem niebanalna prezentacja. Zdjecia rozniace sie znacznie, ale uswiadamiajace jaki jest prawdziwy obraz ludzi, ich zajec, stroju. otoczka tworzona na potrzeby turystow pachnie troche kiczem niczym mis z Krupowek, ale jest to ten bardziej znany obraz. Jesli faktycznie chcemy dobry kadr, to model powinien byc wynagrodzony - to takze jego wklad pracy decyduje o zdjeciu. Ze przy okazji miniemy sie z realna rzeczywistoscia... no coz niektorzy mowia, ze kazda fotografia klamie.
Ten pocztowkowy obraz podoba mi sie, choc jestem bardziej za tymi pokazanymi w warsztacie
pozdrawiam
Piotr

Hanssie (11022) 2016-04-05 5:12

WOW, what a dangerous scene but it's not the first time, I think:-)) Great photo !

ChrisJ (171888) 2016-04-05 5:33

Hi Kasia,

A superb daily life scene from Inle Lake of the fisherman doing a balancing act. The orange pants set up a great warm cold color contrast with the blue sky and water. Tfs!

rychem (72187) 2016-04-05 19:58

Zdjecie super pod wzgledem technicznym, ale problem z placeniem jest, jezeli ktos robi przedstawienie, to nalezy mu zaplacic, ale nie lubie ani wymuszania oplaty przez performersów, ani ustawiania modeli do zdjecia, np Krakowianki na tle Wawelu przez samych fotografow, pozdrawiam serdecznie
Ryszard

willperrett (14215) 2016-04-07 12:18

Hello Kasia

I can't answer your question... I suspect I'd have paid, probably out of a crippling sense of embarrassment. Why do they wear this "uniform" I wonder? All ethical concerns aside, you've of course managed a stunning image. I guess the "fisherman" has done all the hard work, but you still had to make the image; wait for the canoe to present the perfect angle of late afternoon sunlight, chose an aperture to give you that deep field of focus, and all the other boring technical stuff. Sadly this could easily be a tourist brochure image... It's that good!

Regards

Will

delpeoples (60342) 2016-04-09 3:55

Ciao dear Kasia

A posting where your note is just as superb and entertaining as your gorgeous photo. As you say, it fulfils everything you'd want from a travel brochure in terms of subject but also in terms of the photographer's skill. I love your reference to the scrooges and your comments about B-Grade Hollywood actors. Both wonderful points that gave me a huge smile. Thanks so much for sharing this superb photo. Your skills are flawless.

Warmest wishes and happy weekend
Lisa

macjake (98486) 2016-04-09 15:07

Hi Kasia
another awesome TE post.
love the note as you may already know :)

and I KNEW this guy wasn't real right away, do you know how I could tell? Its the man's clothing. It looks so TAILORED and pristine, the pant legs look to be hemmed lol
So basically, he looks too clean, too pristine. it's as if he just walked out of the department store with brand new clothes!

you bring up a debate topic that 50 people will say yes, 50 people will say no. Its just a personal preference i guess.
For me, i probably would pay, but reluctantly.

honestly, i would much rather spend my time with the real fishermen. this guy here and his pals are a little too fake for me :) However, i also get it, its all part of the traveling tourist experience.

another fun TE to debate about, keep it going!
cheers
Craig

COSTANTINO (116674) 2016-04-10 13:07

Hello dear Kasia and have a nice time
and a happy new week
another intersting capture with
very useful notes
I really like it
regards
Costantino

Gigidusud (21679) 2016-04-11 15:45

Hello Kasia,
I think it's worth it to pay for a pretty picture like that. It also allows people to live on tourism. Like that everyone is happy.
Although it was organized, this scene is superb. Great the WS too. I really like!
TFS!
Gigi

batalay (41261) 2016-04-15 10:29

Hello Kasia,

In distinction to the photo, here I find your essay more engaging. The symmetric configuration of the two fishermen seen in the other photo, especially seen in silhouette, was an extraordinary capture. Here, I am assuming, the acrobatic fellow was posing for the camera. The photograph, however, is excellent, technically speaking.

Warm regards,

Bulent

peterpap (2863) 2017-01-22 23:21

Hello Kasia,
this is a well known picture, so common on the Inle now. You are right to ask pay or not, let pose for the camera or not. I did buy this service too, but, at least, refused to let them do acrobatics. It is ok if they can earn some money. What I don`t like about this posing for picture with the dead fish in the net is, that it is so far away from reality, now everyone gets the impression, that is how the are fishing. But none of these guys is actually fishing. And none of them would ever catch a fish like that. Why? Because when they invented the "one foot one hand cone net acrobatics" for tourists, they forgot the spear. Almost 10 years ago, I saw how they really used the cone net: place it over the fish, slowly and with both hands and no crazy leg acrobatics, and then use the spear to get the fish within the net. Also, there is no fish inside the net when the job is done. The fish is on the spear. To me it looks like some clever guys had an idea, certainly inspired by the one leg rower`s success, who`s acrobatics is real, they thought they can also operate a cone net with one foot...Anyway, colours are nice and if you never saw the real cone net fishing, you will like this show :-)

maloutim (13617) 2018-12-03 2:40

Hi Kasia,
What a beautiful, meaningful post !
First for the quality of the photo : Very neat, colourful shot of the talented acrobat. I just wonder why they used to take these postures in their everyday job ?
Then your note is very well written and explains it all.
Of course well-off tourists should pay ! They'll still be better-off than these local populations. That's my humble opinion.
TFS and warm regards.
Marie-Louise.

burmaman (1336) 2020-10-13 9:55

Hi Kasia!
I remember these artists very well and like your foto a lot. But what I like most is your excellent note.
The Workshop fotos are good too.
Regards,Ronny