Does anybody have advice on photographing the Amish?

I'll be going to Penn. from May 27-30 and am interested in photographing the Amish.


I am an amateur photographer and think this would be a great subject. I know about the whole no electricity thing, but is it cool to take their picture?


If it's something they aren't going to be cool with, what is a good way to do this?Does anybody have advice on photographing the Amish?
I love the amish and photography! Bad combination.. they do not believe in having pictures taken of them since the Bible speaks againts ';graven images';. I suggest asking them first and/or taking photos from afar and keep yourself hidden. They definitely will not like their faces being photographed. But remember to ask first!Does anybody have advice on photographing the Amish?
Don't go up to them and say, ';I wanna take your picture ... please!?!'; That's what a tourist, or an idiot would do. Instead, try a different approach.





Start off by mentioning how Amish history is very interesting to you. Elaborate a bit, then say something about you'd like to capture their history, ';if it's alright with you?'; If they say no, you might then say something about how the images will be for your personal enjoyment, not for profit or anything like this. If they still do not give you permission, respect their right to privacy.
I would love to photograph the Amish! Just introduce yourself and explain your interest. tell them you would love to capture the essence of their community and tell their story to others through your pictures. They most likely will turn u down, but u nveer know. You can get some really wonderful shots!
You will likely find they will turn away from you if they see you pointing a camera at them. About all you can do is ';shoot from the hip'; so they will not realize you are taking their photo... BUT... I also agree, you should actually respect their wishes and just not do it.





steve
Old Order Amish in PA do not want pictures taken of them due to their religious and cultural beliefs. Please respect their wishes and don't do it. They couldn't care less if you take pictures of their animals and farms.
First I would ask their permission to take their photos. If they don't want you to (wich will probably be the case) then respect them. If you go and do it anyway, it'll give you a bad name (don't forget they still associate with the outside world).
Ask for a permission to photograph from your subjects and respect their wishes..... I'm sure some will allow you to photograph them where as some will decline your request.





Have a nice trip!
dont do it.. theyre a very private community... respect theyre privacy and solitude... there are plenty of other things to take photos of, without invading a persons belief system..