We have ALL been in this situation...likely on both ends.

You are walking the boardwalk on Hampton Beach, maybe in Ogunquit, ME, or some other scenic coastal town. You spot a couple trying to take a selfie with the beautiful sunset in the background...

You make eye contact. They start approaching you. You know what is coming next: "Do you mind taking a picture of us?"

What goes around comes around - at some point in our lives, we are both the photographer and the subject of the photo (asking a stranger to take one of us).

But it begs the question, how long can you ask a stranger to take photos of you without it being weird, or annoying?

My answer - 30 seconds - one round of photos.

If a stranger asks me to take a photo, I will happily do it. I will get as many as I can in about 30-60 seconds...and then I am DONE.

I won't say, "let me know if they are good or if you want me to take more."

Instead, I say, "I took a bunch, I hope one is good," and then I walk away.

Being the person asking, I think you get one shot at a stranger. If it was not the right angle or not the best lighting, you have to move on and ask someone else.

If I take a picture for someone and it is not what they wanted, the second round of the photo shoot won't be any better...I promise that!

Others will disagree and say it is the right thing to do by making sure you get a good photo...I say it is not my issue. I will ALWAYS offer and do the best I can, but I am not there to take 3 rounds of photos: One serious, one goofy, one candid...

Keep scrolling to see a Gorgeous Cabin for Rent in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, you absolutely will want to take photos here: