Eyes so transparent that through them the soul is seen. Theophile Gautier
Rishikesh, India 2019.
This opening photo is the one that gave me the idea for this post. It’s his eyes – the serenity and kindness and depth, the unflinching gaze of someone at peace. A swami dressed in beautiful robes; he was not an ascetic, and he was not poor, and he was not pretending to be a seeker to pose for tourists. He was just there, fully present, and happy to be photographed.
Bali, Indonesia 2012. A dancer in the traditional Barong Dance.
Those true eyes too pure and too honest in aught to disguise the sweet soul shining through them. Owen Meredith
Cham village near Chau Doc, Vietnam 2013.
Prek Toal floating village, Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia 2013.
Jodhpur, India 2012.
The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter – often an unconscious but still a faithful interpreter – in the eye. Charlotte Bronte
Koh Samui, Thailand 2013.
Puno, Peru 2014. A performer in the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Where words are restrained, the eyes often talk a great deal. Samuel Richardson
Mingun, Myanmar 2013
The train graveyard, near Uyuni, Bolivia 2013.
A village in the hills near Inle Lake, Myanmar 2013
Photo by Don Read
It is in their eyes that their magic resides. Arthur Symons
Vancouver, Canada 2014.
A remote village in the Peruvian Amazon, 2014.
Ollantaytambo, Peru 2014.
Almost nothing need be said when you have eyes. Tarjei Vesaas
Aswan, Egypt 2016.
Chiapa de Corzo, Mexico 2017. A performer in the Great Festival of January.
Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant? Henry David Thoreau
Navala Village, Fiji 2014.
Aqaba, Jordan 2015.
Paris, France 2019.
Pushkar, India 2012.
The eye is the jewel of the body. Henry David Thoreau
Montreal, Canada 2018.
Disclaimer: As a general rule, if a photographer is shooting in a public space, such as a street or a park, s/he will usually have the right to do so without the consent of the subjects. Generally speaking if it is in the public domain, you can take a picture of it. Photojournalism and street photography would not exist if permission to take the photo was required. If anyone objects of course I don’t take the photo, or if it’s already done I have them witness me deleting it. In some countries, eg India, people love to have their photo taken, and frequently request it. I always try to be discreet. Quite frequently it creates lovely interactions between myself and the subject. I have found it to be overwhelmingly a positive experience.
Next post: Swinging over to Japan to visit Kyoto’s Kitano Tenmangu Market and Nishiki Market for a glimpse of local life.
All words and images by Alison Louise Armstrong unless otherwise noted
© Alison Louise Armstrong and Adventures in Wonderland – a pilgrimage of the heart, 2010-2021.
Adventures in Wonderland 
I am so glad I interrupted what I was doing to take a look. 😃. Have a beautiful day! Thank you for sharing your connections abroad.
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Thank you Ka, I’m glad you enjoyed this little interruption! You’re most welcome, and you too – have a beautiful day.
Alison xo
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I always find it very daring to photograph up close people who don’t ask for it, aren’t we stealing something from them? I like your disclaimer, but as you say the rule is not so simple, of course you have to take into account local psychologies. I find that people in North America are increasingly suspicious of photos and their use. It is difficult to participate in an activity without having to sign disclaimers, especially on image rights, or being forbidden to photograph people on such occasions. For all these reasons, I find your work outstanding.
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Thank you so much Lookoom. I must say that none of these photographs were up that close, and in most I didn’t even use a zoom lens. More than half of them knew for sure that I was photographing them and made no objections. And all of them I cropped in closer in post editing. The girl in Montreal for instance – I was probably about 15 feet away from her and the original photo is of a group of people. Same for the woman in Ollantaytambo. So no, I don’t photograph up close. As to stealing something from them – some cultures believe this, most don’t I find, and in India it’s the complete opposite. I agree that in North America people are becoming increasingly suspicious of it, though I’ve not had any problems with it. Overall, taking into account many years and many countries, I have to say my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I can still count on one hand the number of times it’s been an issue.
Alison
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It’s quite strange, but I’ve probably had the most trouble in Canada and the US. Like the day I was photographing randomly outside a casino and security made me erase my photos, saying that patrons wouldn’t like to be seen at the casino… so why would they go there in the first place?
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I’ve hardly ever taken any photos of kids in the US, and I think I’d be a little wary of it. I did in Hawaii when we were there a few years back, but Hawaii feels different somehow. I take pics of kids here in Canada and have not had problems, though I must admit I’m a bit more cautious here. Interestingly enough I was asked by the mother why I photographing her child in a Mexican town and I said just for fun and that seemed to satisfy her, though I did then choose not to publish any pics of that kid. And I’ve taken heaps of photos of Mexican kids without a problem. At a festival here in Van I photographed lots of kids and no one minded at all.
I think with the casino the problem is people may be gambling secretly – I wouldn’t be surprised that they would be doing it in secret if they had an addiction.
Alison
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The eyes of the children are what struck me the most. Such innocence and such hope. Thanks for the explanation of taking pictures of people. Most helpful.
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My pleasure Darlene. I too love the eyes of the children. They are so unguarded, a freedom that has not yet diminished. They make me melt.
Alison
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Those shots are incredible! I definitely love the eyes. They truly are the most beautiful part of a person
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Thanks so much winterose. I think eyes can tell us just about everything about a person, all we need to do is look with our own. Beautiful, yes.
Alison
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Very well said! 😊
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Powerful Alison.
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Thanks Cindy.
Alison xo
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Just fabulous photos. I’m sure they bring back wonderful memories.
Steve
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Thanks so much Steven, and yes, they bring back all kinds of memories. It was a wonderful excursion putting the post together.
Alison
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Incredible photos. My experience has been different in Asia & USA, Canada. People are suspicious, especially if focusing on young children. It’s ok if one asks for permission but then the spontaneity is lost. As you say India….no problem
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Thanks so much Indra. I must admit I’m generally a bit more cautious in Canada and especially the US. Actually I don’t think I’ve ever been inclined to photograph a child in the US, and honestly I don’t think I would. I rarely ask exactly because, as you say, I’d lose the spontaneity of the moment. I’ve not had a problem at all in East Asia or SE Asia.
Alison
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👍
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Fabulous photos, especially like the little girl in Jordan. Wonderful. So difficult to take these type of photos in most countries unfortunately as it feels so intrusive and people don’t feel comfortable.
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Thanks so much Jonno. I don’t get close to people. Sometimes I use a zoom lens (maybe only 2 in this collection of 20). Cropping is done in post editing. Three of the kids in this collection were part of a larger group of kids who were pushing and shoving to get in front of the camera – they all wanted to be photographed! Their parents were close by. They were all having fun. The novice nun in Myanmar was with her elders and they were all posing for photos. Honestly overwhelmingly my experience has been positive and people are kinda pleased you’d want to photograph them. I’ve rarely found people to feel uncomfortable. Having said that it took me years to get comfortable with it myself and I’m still not always.
Alison
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I feel like I’ve just seen the world through all of these eyes. Magnificent, Alison.
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Thanks so much Julie. I had a little journey back in time and around the world myself.
Alison
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Simply wonderful and amazing.
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Thank you so much Carsten.
Alison
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I love this so much. Thank you
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Thank you so much Sarah. My pleasure.
Alison
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What a great photo essay. The eyes truly say it all.
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Thanks so much V. J. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had many photos, so had to do some tough elimination.
Alison
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That’s wonderful. You are welcome.
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Love this post Alison! I’m most drawn to those incredible saucer eyes of the kids in your Vietnam and Jordan photos.
Although we’re not traveling these days, I’m very much enjoying the time it gives us to reflect back in more detail about the wondrous people, animals, places, things we’ve seen near and far. It makes for some creative and interesting posts like this one.
On a completely different topic: are you watching figure skating world championship?
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Thanks so much Caroline. I too am drawn to the saucer eyes! I had more similar photos but had to do some elimination. Kids eyes are so arresting because they’re so unguarded.
I seem to get inspired quite a bit these days with post ideas like this so I have a few more to come. I’m really enjoying that. Also I’m still not finished with all my travel stories so I’m good for a while.
Oh yes, I *am* watching the skating, some live, and some in the evening. I’m really enjoying it. It’s been so long I’d forgotten how much I love it.
Alison
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Such powerful photos Alison. I appreciate you explaining the street photography legalities. I have always been hesitant to take photos of people without their permission.
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Thanks so much Sue. I’ve gotten more and more courageous with street photography as my experience has been so overwhelmingly positive. After years of travelling and many different countries and thousands of photos I can still count on one hand the number of times it’s been problematic. People generally at worst are passive, and at best are quite thrilled to have their photo taken. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Alison
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Alison when we were in Peru children constantly asked for money when we tried to take photos. We gave it to them at our guides suggestion only to get home and become more educated on the issue. That paying children for photos is actually reinforcing them to stay out of school or worse that kids are being exploited by others in this way and making money off of them. Have you had to deal with this situation?
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Yes we have had to deal with it – not in Peru, but in India, and not with taking photos but with kids trying to sell us stuff. We’d always ask about school and they often replied they were going later, but we never gave them money. I don’t remember kids asking to be paid for photos at all in South America. If it’s adults and it’s a poor country I’ll give them money, though I hardly remember having to.
Alison
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What a great collection of eyes, Alison! You are bolder than I when It comes to taking people pictures.
As an aside, I have thought the masks we wear during the pandemic have opened up a whole new world of people’s eyes. I’ve liked it. –Curt
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Thanks so much Curt. I’ve certainly gotten bolder over the years. More and more I’ve learned that by far most people most of the time don’t mind.
I’m still getting used to masks 😦
Did you get my email?
Alison
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Haven’t checked my gmail for a couple of days, Alison. Will look and let you know. Kelly from Compass and camera was going to Email you for the info as well. Thanks. –Curt
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Kelly didn’t email me, but she’s found it anyway.
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I checked my Gmail for several days back and didn’t find it Alison. Is this the email address you have for me: cvmekemson@gmail.com?
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Yes, that’s the one I used. I sent it on the 26th. I’ll resend and hopefully you’ll get it this time.
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Found it. Thanks. 🙂
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Just resent it.
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🙂
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I love this post…of course I love all your posts, but this one is very special. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much Laureen. My pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Alison
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Beautiful portraits Alison. Particularly like the one of the novice monk in Myanmar.
The disclaimer is helpful I think as people often wonder about that aspect of street photography. Yes, one just needs to be culturally sensitive as it often seems that certain cultures have a strong reaction against being photographed (we experienced this in Haiti for example and in a small village in Chiapas in Mexico) and other cultures, such as you mentioned, India in particular where people love to have their photograph taken.
Peta
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Thanks so much Peta. The novice nun in Myanmar is one of my faves too. She looks so completely calm and present.
I know that village in Chiapas – San Juan Chamula. We went there. Photos strictly forbidden in their church, and the people don’t want to be photographed at all. I confess to discretely taking a few in the market. Extraordinary town.
And yes other places they’re delighted to have their photo taken. Apart from India I generally found the people in the markets in SE Asia very open to it.
Alison
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You have a fantastic eye for photography, Alison! Love them. Some of those expressions are priceless.
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Thank you so much Alma. Yes, I agree, some of the expressions are priceless. I never know what I’m going to get.
Alison
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Wow! This is so beautiful. Wonderful idea for a post & stunning photos. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks so much Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed it! I feel lucky that ideas for posts keep coming. I’m good until the end of June. I hope that by then some more ideas will have come lol.
Alison
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What an interesting photo journal. The young child from Cham village looked like they were looking into my soul! I love the character that is brought into faces by the eyes. What a great variety you have shared. We are often quite mixed about shooting portrait shots and always ask for permission to both take the photo and use it in social media. Although we are not doing this formally with a release.
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Thanks so much Linda. Oh I completely melted when I saw that child in the Cham village – so gorgeous.
I pretty much don’t take portrait shots. None of these were taken super close to the person, they are cropped in post-editing. In every case but 2 the person, or the child’s parent, knew I was taking the photo and made no objection. Also as I’ve said if they are are in the public domain permission is not required.
I sometimes ask by lifting the camera, sometimes not, but always respond if I get a negative reaction. People are far more open to it than is generally recognized.
Alison
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What a beautiful collection of photographs! And eyes! So many wonderful experiences with these photos no doubt!
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Thank you so much Kat. It really all comes down to the eyes doesn’t it. Perhaps all this mask wearing could help us get more used to looking into each others eyes more often. And yes, every photo reminds me of an amazing travel experience.
Alison
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As always your photographs are mesmerising. As I looked at each one I imagined in my head what they were thinking. Some looked sad, some looked lost and thankfully some looked happy. The little girl in Bolivia looked quite feisty and I think she may have had her hands on her hips. A couple of the older Asian folk look like they have some harrowing stories to tell. A great roundup and an original post to look at. It did remind me of when I took a photo in Tunisia of some Berber ladies sitting on the roadside. I nearly got massacred as they ran over to me screaming. It seems they believe capturing them on camera takes a part of their soul away in the photo – needless to say I deleted it and showed them what I had done. They accepted that but it highlighted to me to always be cautious taking photos of people.
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Thank you so much Angie. The eyes tell us so much don’t they. The little girl did have her hands on her hips, and yes, she was pretty feisty – in a delightful way.
I’ve only ever once been asked to delete photos – by a couple of men in a Mosque in India. I’ve not been to Tunisia, but I will remember what you said in case I ever get there. Some cultures just don’t like it.
Alison
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I love the saying that eyes are an interpreter of the soul. Words can lie, but eyes can rarely conceal how people are inside. Such an interesting collection you have here, Alison.
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Thanks so much Bama. I enjoyed putting this collection together.
I agree, eyes can rarely conceal what’s inside no matter how much we may try.
Alison
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A poignant and exciting collection of portraits, Alison. Your ability to interact with your subjects in a relaxed way comes through in your portraits. Reminiscent of Steve McCurry and his portraits around the world. Brava!
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Thank you so much Jane. What lovely comments. Reminiscent of Steve McCurry – I am truly honoured.
Alison
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My inspiration to start blogging.
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Hi, Thanks for sharing this.Really, amazing collection. Are you start an online business? Then you can use custom website templates for making your website.
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Thanks so much Shelly. I’m glad you liked it.
I’n not planning to start an online business.
Alison
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Beautiful shots of beautiful faces. We are always intrigued by portraits as well, each person showing so many stories. The legalities of street photos change from country to country, which makes it hard to know exactly what applies. Moreover, beyond the legal aspects is how comfortable each person feels in front of the camera. Having gotten phones stuck close to my face in several countries from people trying to take selfies with me definitely gave me an understanding of what people might feel. Not that we ever stuck our phone or camera in front of people’s faces like that either. We try to communicate with people as much as we can, given that language is usually a barrier to full communication. It can be great sharing moments as well when we – the people and us – both giggle back at the photos.
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Thank you so much Patricia. I’ve been doing street photography for a decade now in over 30 countries and can still count on one hand the number of times it’s been problematic, though I admit there have been times I’ve deliberately been very discreet about it. And to be clear I’ve never stuck my camera in someone’s face. I’m sorry that happened to you. So rude.
I agree sharing moments is best, and language doesn’t have to be a barrier.
Alison
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This photo essay was really inspiring for me! I always want to take more photos of people, but often feel too shy and awkward, and end up with tons of photos of buildings instead. Your portraits are amazing, and give me something to aspire to!
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Thank you so much Mo! I took lots of photos of people in Japan. No one seemed to object. Some posed. I didn’t get in anyone’s faces of course but took them from a bit of a distance. Japanese people are so polite, and accommodating. Sometimes the person didn’t know I was photographing them, but often they did. Also often I cropped in closer in editing. If you quickly scroll thru my Japan posts you’ll see there are people photos in most of them, especially in the cities. Go for it. Because you’ve been there so long (and I assume speak a bit of the language) you’ll probably make all kinds of lovely connections.
Alison
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Wooow, this is such a powerful photo essay!!
As a photographer myself, I really appreciate how you captured some of these people’s eyes and moments – great storytelling and really powerful images, I loved reading it ❤
I know it can be difficult to photograph portraits of strangers in places where you don't speak the language but their eyes tell me you're a great photographer, you managed to make a connection with them and it shows!
Great work 🙂
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Thank you soooo much Jules (Giulia). You are such an amazing and accomplished photographer that your comment made my day!
I think street photography is my favourite even though I take photos of just about everything so I can illustrate my stories, but it’s the people who really intrigue and capture me. I love connecting with them. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Alison
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