I am often asked, in the context of my travel photography, how I get my subjects looking relaxed and happy in front of my camera lens. The simple answer is to follow the golden rule which is to always respect somebody else's space and privacy. If you do that and ask permission before sticking your lens into someone's face then you exponentially increase your chances of getting the shot you are looking for. Sensitivity is key and clearly you need to make sure permission is granted first before pointing the lens. That's not always easy when there's language barriers to consider and cultural mores on top of that. However, in many countries around the world people are more than happy to have their photograph taken. In others – generally, richer, western societies – not so much. I have another rule regarding subjects surrounding the perennial issue of whether to pay people for their trouble. My view is simply this; a little baksheesh – tip – for the elderly and candies for younger people always helps. Also, share your shots! One of the greatest joys of digital photography is the ability we all now have to instantly share what we've just created. The reactions I get when I show people my snaps of them are almost uniformly ones of delight, amazement and very often surprise. You may sometimes be in a situation where people have never actually seen themselves in a mirror simply because mirrors don't exist; rare but possible. Generally though, if you follow this rule you will succeed in getting great portraiture on your travels! Happy snapping. 

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