Through the Gadling Lens: taking photographs of strangers

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I am a busker who has busked all over the world and gotten photographed by many people. I just wanted to share some thoughts on the subject, from the point of view of a busker:
Usually the etiquette for photos is that the photographer FIRST gives us a donation, then takes pictures.
Alternately, photographers ask (or mime the question if they don't speak the language) the busker if it would be OK to photograph.
I have never said no to a photographer who asked permission.
After you photograph the busker, the best thing is to give a donation. If you can't do that, the least expected from you is that you say 'thank you'.
If you don't ask permission and don't thank the busker, the busker feels like you have stolen from him/her. Taking photos of buskers without acknowledging the busker is showing disrespect and that hurts the busker's feelings.
A donation is nice, but even better: get the busker's contact info and send him/her a copy of the photo. That would make their day!

If you visit the NYC subway and you see a lady playing the musical saw, she would be happy to have you take pictures. That lady is me :)

All the best,

Saw Lady
http://www.SawLady.com/blog

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