Photo's

[TonyHD]

Having traveled through Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica, I have consistently noticed the indigenous people are hesitant towards being photographed. I never photograph people without their consent; however, I have noticed that those who allow me to photograph them do not smile when their image is being captured. Children who are playing and laughing immediately stop when when an image is being captured. I have stumbled upon groups of women talking and laughing whom after agreeing to be photographed, “turn off” to pose for the picture, then carry on afterwards.
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I have heard rumors that people of Mayan decent believe when their image is captured on film and carried away, that a portion of their spirit is also captured and carried away. Is this true?
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Can anyone offer some insight towards helping me understand this?
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Thanks.