This doesn’t really apply of course if you’re taking shots of inanimate objects. It is highly unlikely that a tree is going to feel put out because you took your shot when it’s foliage was not at its best – but a person may.

Perhaps you are lurking in the back alleys of a Third World city, or maybe your own, attempting to capture a specific ambiance. You get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. Nevertheless, there’s a certain grace in her pose, and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.

Later you can fix the shots in photo editing software, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. You get that pleasure for your efforts – but what did your model get?

Back in the day when I first began taking photos, I came upon a man coming towards me along a city street on a crutch. It was a powerful image, so thinking myself a god with a Canon I boldly took the shot. The subject got very upset – and I immediately saw his point: who wants to be immortalized looking your worst?

When I returned to the darkroom I threw the negative out and made a vow not to do that again. Should I have asked for his OK first? That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would have said no. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first place? If I had thought about it a little more I could have spared his feelings by taking my shot from behind.

Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These images can be wonderful but the effect could be ruined by you stating your intention beforehand. Nevertheless, once you have your shot why not approach the person and ask if you can take another, this time doing the best you can to take a more flattering version. They may never see it, but here, as in many things – it’s the thought that counts.

Another variation, especially if you’re in some Third World country where the locals have probably been photographed every which way by thousands of tourists, is to carry some small denomination notes or coins in your pocket, and politely offer payment for the modeling work. This is most often well thought of and it’s good for your soul.

Some other examples: one time I did my own personal photo essay on a school. It was impossible for me to provide all the teachers and students with a print each so I burned a CD of some of the better shots and gave it to the head teacher.

On another occasion, I took some shots of a dog training class and gave the trainer some of the best prints to hand out at the next class.

All this comes under the heading of good manners, and good manners are always appreciated. Additionally if you find you need to go back and re-shoot, you will most likely be welcomed and not run out of town.

Try it.