To Shoot or Not to Shoot?

After weeks of resisting the temptation to take a picture of the traditional women and their llamas that make their living by posing for photos with tourists, today John caved in.  He was attracted to a particular elderly woman that was posing with several other family members.  This woman had a beautifully weathered face and it was very enticing to want to take a picture of her.  Against his better judgment, he took this picture.  The women were confused that we didn’t want to be in the picture with them.  The payment was “voluntario” but they weren’t satisfied with our contribution, leaving John feeling badly for having participated in such a sordid touristy encounter.

Do our readers agree that paying people for posing for photos is a bad practice?  What are the implications or ramifications of doing so?  Is this begging?  What is the difference between this and street performers asking for payment?