Make the request specific
“May I take a photo of your work?” and “May I take a photo of you?” ask for different things. Practice work, you, and this display separately so the request matches what you actually intend to photograph.
Taking and sharing are separate questions
If you intend to post it, also ask, “Would it be okay to share it online?” Someone may agree to a photograph without agreeing to publication. The exercise is about making those two requests clear and separate.
Practice more than one answer
Practice responses such as “No problem,” “Not this one,” and “I’d rather not.” If the answer is no, “Of course, thanks for letting me know” can close the exchange without pressure.
The conversation
Your work is lovely. May I take a photo of it?你的这件作品很漂亮，我可以拍一张照片吗？
Yes, but please leave the people beside it out of the picture.可以，但请不要拍到旁边的人。
Of course. I’ll photograph only the work.当然。我只拍作品。
Thank you for asking.谢谢你先问。
Would it be okay to share the photo online?我可以把照片分享到网上吗？
Could you keep this one private for now?这一次先不要公开，可以吗？
No problem. I won’t post it.没问题，我不会发布。
Thank you for understanding.谢谢你的理解。
Make it a small practice
- Practice taking and sharing as two separate requests.
- Prepare an answer for both yes and no.
- Swap roles and check that both people mean the same subject.
Return to this space and sign in to publish the writing, photos, or work you make from this exercise.