No stranger to media attention, pop sensation Rihanna caused more uproar this week after posting Instagram images of her posing in front of an Abu Dhabi mosque. She was reportedly asked to leave after staff spotted her photographer snapping images of her draped across the tiled floor and posing over fountains outside the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.

An official statement from the mosque said the photos “did not comply with terms and conditions” of organised visits. Rihanna reportedly broke a number of rules during her visit including arriving at an entrance not designated for visitors. A number of the images taken have been branded ‘suggestive’.

The unauthorised photo shoot brings to light issues which can occur when conducting photography in other countries, amongst other cultures.  It’s incredibly important to consider and respect local culture and rules when travelling, especially when taking a photography trip. There are a number of ethical responsibilities photographers must consider when operating abroad. Below are some top tips put together by InFocus Insurance to ensure you remain respectful when photographing abroad:

  • Always seek consent when photographing subjects, especially for up-close portraits
  • Be careful around places of worship. Nine times out of ten you will be required to seek permission to shoot at these places. Even if you have been granted permission, ensure you are not being intrusive or disrespectful when photographing
  • Don’t exploit vulnerable subjects, particularly in developing countries. Remember everyone has equal rights to protection and privacy – sticking your camera in someone’s face is unacceptable, regardless of country or demographic
  • Respect historical monuments – no matter how much you want to climb on that war memorial for an interesting picture, it’s probably not appropriate