myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Some of the mytobago postcards are beautifull fotographs of tobagians, and really nice ones of children to. But... how do you do that, shouldn't you always ask first if they (or their parents) agree to having their pictures taken? And if you do, what kind of reactions can you expect?
I wouldn't like pictures of my children published on the internet without me knowing it.
So, reactions and experiences of other devoted fotographers and of tobagians please?

Just explain your intentions and ask.

Some will say no and most will say yes. I was once asked to pay for it !!

In perspective ... what you are doing is no worse than an Aloe Vera Man having you covered in Aloe Vera before you realise he is going to charge you for that experience.

Regards

I don't really agree with you, it might be alright to post a picture of the aloe vera man to warn every beforehand, but this has nothing to do with posting pictures of children because they look so cute. I find it important to respect the people of the country I want to visit, and therefore I like to know as much as possible about their sensitivities en social rules. Of course I will always behave like a stupid tourist a lot of times, but at least I think I try to be as polite as possible, being a guest.

Hi V

I think you possibly misunderstood Paul.

There are no legal or social issues here, it is entirely a matter of good manners. It is only common courtesy to ask permission before photographing someone - whether children or adults. In my experience, if you start taking photographs around the villages or beaches, local children will invariably jump into shot and ASK you to take a photograph of them. Most Tobagonians are pleased and flattered that you should want to take a photograph, particularly if you promise to send them a copy.

I hope I'm wrong, but I sense that an undertone to your question is the issue of taking photos of "children". I sincerely hope that I read you wrong, but if not then I'm afraid that this is surely a product of our very sick so-called developed nations. Fortunately, it has no place in Tobago. Long may it continue to be so.

Sorry V ...

I was not expressing any opinion other than to answer your question.

I was certainly not implying that you are taking photos of children for illegal purposes ... in fact that never even crossed my mind until you replied.

I was once asked to pay when I asked to take photos of fishermen pulling their nets in ... I hope that clarifies my point.

The point about the Aloe Vera Man was simply to try and express the point that tourists deserve a degree of respect too rather than us asking permission to do things all the time (which most of us do) ... it goes both ways you know.

I am very sorry to give the wrong impression in my response, it was not intended.

Regards

Just seen your response Steve which you must have done while I was typing mine and we crossed responses.

I hope my response explains my angle.

Regards

Ok , before we get into a discussion about the sick aspects of our western culture, I just want to know what good manners are on Tobago regarding this point and a lot of others (and this site is a great help). As a Belgian living in Holland, I know a lot of things can seem so obvious, but can lead to major misunderstandings nonetheless.

Hi V

Surely both Paul and I have answered it - you simply ask.

Never wanted to discuss sick western cultures V.

My original response stands ... just ask.

Oh heck ... wish I never got into this !!!

Cheers

Steve

Either we are telepathic or you are a faster thinker and typer !!

Cheers

thanks for the reactions, and you can be sure I will keep asking.
Maybe a topic for an article: good manners in Tobago...
I know Steve mentions quite a bit about it in different places, a list of the does en don'ts would be welcome to me

Hi V

I guess the best and most important advice I can give is to remember that Tobagonians, as a race, are a very proud, religious and respectful people. Treat them the same way and you cannot go wrong.

Always start a conversation with a polite "Good morning" (as appropriate for the time of day) and do not abbreviate that to a "Morning" or "Hi". In a sense, use the same courtesies that people of your parents generation would (and we should). Use formal terms of address and don't immediately expect to launch into first name terms. By calling a lady Miss xxxx until you get to know her, you will win great respect.

By our sad modern standards, Tobagonians are very old-fashioned. Isn't it wonderful? Yes, with exposure to television and tourists, the younger generation, in particular, are becoming more Americanised and the old standards are rapidly dissapearing, but showing courtesy and manners will still make a big impression with most Tobagonians, young or old, and win you a lot of friends.

As regards your request for an article on the subject - we think alike. I have an article planned. Frankly, I don't feel really qualified to pontificate on the subject and feel that in keeping with the main thrust of my discussion above, it would be only right and courteous to have such an article written by - or certainly in close colloboration with - Tobagonians. Finding the right people is proving harder than I thought - but it is on the drawing board.

I did not find an article about "good manners" and like the idea...
it is not anly about pictures, adressing people and such, what about for example topless girls. some of them you tell not to do it on the beach and they do it on the boat, still meeting other boats, fishermen.... maybe there should be a little guide of manners, since sometoimes people think, as soon as they are on holiday the usual rules they follow dissapear...
hey guys, no offense, 99% behave good....