"Can I take your picture/a picture of you?"

[MinorFatality]

Just asking for the quick best translation of that question. Wanting to ask locals if I can take their picture while I'm over there on vacation without offending anyone.

[Alta]

我可以给你拍张照片吗？

[Lu]

I think that means 'can I take a picture for you [with your camera]', no? I would say 我可以拍照吗？ while indicating them and your camera. (Most people are willing enough, although in some more picturesque and touristy areas they might charge for it, so yeah, wise to ask.)

[liuzhou]

Also bear in mind that some minorities have taboos against having their photograph taken.

[anonymoose]

Yes, that's an important consideration when going to Papua New Guinea.

[liuzhou]

Yes, that's an important consideration when going to Papua New Guinea.

How droll.

It also applies in parts of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan and Tibet.

[kdavid]

Don't forget to get some pictures with foreigners as well.

We love it when Chinese ask us for photos just because we're different. /sarcasm

[Kenny同志]

It also applies in parts of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan and Tibet.

In which area of Hunan?

[liuzhou]

In which area of Hunan?

I came across it in western Hunan (near the Guizhou borders) when I lived there in the mid 1990s. Particularly among the older generations of the Miao and Tujia minorities.

[Kenny同志]

Well, that's very likely. I mean the older generations there might be sort of xenophobic.

[liuzhou]

It is nothing to do with xenophobia! They were some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I have met. They just have a taboo against having their photos taken.

[Kenny同志]

I am sorry. I have never been to 湘西 so I really don't know how things stand there. I shouldn't have ventured the guess.

[Lu]

Also bear in mind that some minorities have taboos against having their photograph taken.

I assumed that's why OP wants to ask first?

[liuzhou]

I assumed that's why OP wants to ask first?

Possibly, or just out of general politeness. I was merely pointing out one possible reason why a very few people may say no. There are other potential reasons.

The vast majority, however, will be happy to pose.