Ask questions before taking close-up portraits, religious ceremonies, private homes, or children. A brief gesture and a few sentences can change the entire interaction.
Seeing a place still being lived
Markets, temples, villages, and neighborhoods are not backgrounds. Do not block the road, block entrances, or treat people as background objects.
Occasionally put down the phone
Skipping a few minutes often improves the choices that are truly worth filming later on, and makes it easier to notice conversations and details.