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Photography Tips
The photography is the heart of PublicMarkets.com. The photos we like best are more ‘journalism’ than ‘art.’ We like the pictures to be descriptive, to help someone ‘see’ the place even if they’ve never been there.You don’t need a fancy camera but it’s helpful if you have a camera with a wide-angle lens (or wide zoom), since we think it’s important to get wide, overview-type images, inside and out.

Outside, look for a good vantage point from which you can get a nice picture of the entire building or Market site, maybe even images to show how it relates to its surroundings.

Inside, try to find a place where you can see a lot of the interior in a single shot. Perhaps there’s a mezzanine or balcony from which to shoot, or a long view down an aisle of goods. And when you’re finished with that wide lens, shoot some products and product displays. Don’t avoid signage; we like to see what things cost and how the vendors promote themselves. Look for architectural details, if they’re of interest. But don’t forget: we want to see the people, too!

Try to capture the commercial activity of the Market, the customers and the vendors. Get photos of the merchants with their products, and with each other. Don’t be shy. These are mostly friendly, proud people who go to a lot of trouble to grow/ prepare/ import/ display their products and they usually respond agreeably to a sincere interest and appreciation of their work. Even when there’s a language barrier this sort of appreciation is easily conveyed.

It’s rare that someone objects to having their picture taken, but if they do, back off, with apologies. No need to bother people. But don’t hide the camera either. Use it as a tool of engagement.

And when you’re ready to submit photos for our consideration, please limit each image’s size to a maximum of about 1200 pixels wide (or tall). Thanks!