Photographing women is a difficult task for a male photographer traveling in more conservative count

Photographing women is a difficult task for a male photographer traveling in more conservative countries. I can either try and sneakily take a candid or ask directly. Not wanting to disrespect anyone, I usually choose the latter option. I am often refused however, the reason being that they are Muslim or have overprotective husbands. Despite this, I continue to ask, the worst thing they can say is no.

In Rawanduz I again approached a group of women sitting in the shade. The elderly women quickly said no, saying that they were Muslim. I nearby woman called me over and allowed me to photograph her. She then led me to her family graveyard, plucked a flower and laid against the gravestone. I can only assume that the grave is that of her husband, this possibly a reason as to why she agreed to be photographed. Her tenderness and hospitality humbled me. I thanked her repeatedly for her openness. Before I left she handed me the flower and said goodbye. Seeing her was definitely a touching and moving experience, which shows a country still in the process of healing.
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