Approaching Communities and Cultures as a analog Photographer: Seeking Advice

Hello everyone,

I’m a fashion and portrait photographer currently working on my Photography BA, and I’ve started a new project to document the Surf and Beach community in Portugal. Most of my experience has been in studio settings with models, so this project is pushing me out of my comfort zone to explore a different kind of photography that I’ve always admired but have been hesitant to try.

So far, I’ve taken a few shots featuring Surfer friends (who are models)—many of whom date surfers, or are close to the surf community—All of whom could be considered conventionally attractive. After sharing these images with my professor, I received some feedback that’s been on my mind. He said the photos felt “too fashion” and suggested I focus more on photographing “real” people, rather than just "beautiful" ones. He mentioned that photographing beautiful people is one of the hardest challenges in documentary photography, which made me rethink my approach.

One of the photos.

Hanna, Costa da caparica, 2024. w Pentax 67/105mm

I see what he meant.

I’ve been researching photographers like Katsu Naito, who documented Black culture in the U.S., Dana Lixenberg, who focused on Black communities in South Central LA, and Danny Lyon, known for capturing the lives of motorcycle gangs, particularly the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Their work has prompted me to reflect on how to approach communities respectfully, especially when I’m not a part of them.

As someone introverted, autistic, and borderline antisocial, I find it challenging to approach and connect with people I don’t know. I want to photograph these communities authentically, but I’m unsure how to build trust and establish real connections with people I haven’t met before.

I’d appreciate any advice on: How you approach communities in a way that feels natural and respectful, especially when you’re not part of them.

  • What’s the best way to build trust quickly, especially within tight-knit or insular groups?
  • How do you enter a community without intruding or feeling like an outsider? (For context, I’m not planning to surf myself.)
  • Any tips for developing rapport and a sense of belonging with people who aren’t used to being photographed?
  • How do you navigate photographing people who may be reluctant or distrustful of a camera?