Photography with respect

Egypt rewards cameras and punishes entitlement. The difference is knowing when documentation becomes extraction.

People first

Street portraits require consent — especially women and children. A nod or asked permission beats a telephoto theft. Vendors are not props; workers are not backdrop.

Sacred spaces

Mosques and active churches restrict photography in prayer areas. Assume prohibition until signage permits. Flash is rarely acceptable near ancient pigment.

Tomb policy

Many tombs ban cameras entirely to preserve fragile paint. Arguing with guards damages everyone's access. Buy official postcard reproductions if memory needs color reference.

Better habits

• Shoot details, not surveillance panoramas of poverty
• Lower phone during human moments you would not interrupt aloud
• One hour without lens often improves the other hours with it