If you have one available, a Polaroid would be ideal for photographing the children because a photo of themselves, or a photo of you with them, would be something they would cherish and something rare for them to have. I didn't have a Polaroid with me but a few times I would show the children their photo on my digital screen and they were delighted to be able to see themselves. Even the adults would appreciate seeing a photo of themselves, and especially if you are included in the photo.

Unless you are expected to pay for the photo no matter what, be sure to go beyond the photo and see if you can communicate or get to know a part of the people you are with. Show interest in their huts, their villages and their children. If you know even just a few words, they will be more than accommodating to teach you a few more.

You might be surprised that many African people will know at least a few English words, if not many. But if they know a few of your words, take that opportunity to have them teach you a few of their own. Especially if you want to ask to take a photo, knowing how to say 'hello', 'please' and 'thank you' in the language will take you much further than just pointing a lens in their face.

When it comes down to taking photos in Africa, the best advice is to look with your eyes and then follow with your lens. Don't wait for every perfect moment. Shoot like it's going out of style. Take in the scenery and get to know the beautiful people. Africa will enchant you and you will want to go back.

David Gewirtz is the author of How To Save Jobs and Where Have All The Emails Gone? For more than 20 years, he has analyzed current, historical, and emerging issues relating to technology, competitiveness, and policy. David is the Editor-in-Chief of the ZATZ magazines, is the Cyberterrorism Advisor for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals, and is a member of the instructional faculty at the University of California, Berkeley extension. He can be reached at david@zatz.com and you can follow him at http://www.twitter.com/DavidGewirtz.