I think Tibetans are probably the most photogenic people I’ve photographed… ever. No matter what they are doing, I can’t shoot them wrong. Their wizened, serene demeanour just made them look naturally Nationally Geographic.
But as I was shooting this little old lady in the Dukezong town, a little boy caught sight of me and started pulling her toward me. Then this little old lady started wagging her fingers at me, I thought to myself, oh oh… first morning in Shangri-la and I’ve already offended the sensibilities of a Tibetan elder woman.
Then she pointed at my camera, and I showed the photos I’ve taken of her and she smiled and gave me a finger – her thumb.