I must admit it, I am quite fascinated by the Hanamachi, the so-called flower town, or the world of the Maiko and the Geiko (Geisha). Whenever I can, I go to admire them walking along the streets of Gion or Miyagawa-Cho in their beautiful kimono. They’re always so elegant, so gorgeous, so beautiful.
I also admire their patience toward all of us with our cameras, waiting for them, tracking them, following them, surrounding them, to take their photos. It often goes well and there is usually no problem.
Over time, I’ve learned the basic etiquette of taking these pictures, trying to bother them as little as possible. It’s not very much, and once we understand that they are actual persons, busy performing their work duties, and are in no way obligated to accept our photos or pose for us, then everything is just logical.
Basically:
- do not block their way or hinder their passage in any way
- do not use a flash
- do not stop them to ask them to pose (mainly if you can see they’re walking fast — they’re working!)
If you’re being ignored, you’re doing well!
But still, I am at times shocked at the lack of respect some photographers show to them, taking their photo with a flash at a short distance, without asking, without consideration to the fact that the flash could bother them or even hurt them!
The Maiko and Geiko walking down the streets of the Hanamachi is a beautiful sight — I hope we can keep it this way.
