There’s something quietly compelling about the Amish. Their way of life feels like a window into another century—horse-drawn buggies, kerosene lamps, wide-brimmed hats, and clothes sewn at home. For travelers in the Finger Lakes and Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the first instinct is often to pull out a camera. But that instinct quickly collides with one of the most important questions: can Amish be photographed?
The answer isn’t simple. Amish photographs aren’t just about art—they’re about respect. Taking a picture of an Amish person isn’t the same as snapping a shot of a covered bridge or barn. It touches on deeply held religious beliefs, centuries of tradition, and the community’s desire to live apart from modern vanity.
I’ll be honest—when I first drove through Penn Yan in the Finger Lakes, my camera was in my lap, ready. The scenery was picture-perfect: laundry lines stretched across fields, children walking in plain clothes, a buggy heading up a hill. But when my instinct was to lift the lens, I stopped. Why? Because I remembered what I had read: Amish people generally prefer not to be photographed.
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Why Amish Photographs Are a Delicate Subject
The Amish take guidance from the Second Commandment, which prohibits “graven images.” For many, photographs feel too close to creating such an image, something that emphasizes pride or vanity. That’s why when you ask why can’t Amish be photographed?, the answer often ties back to humility.
It’s not that Amish reject beauty—they create quilts, furniture, and barns that are works of art. But a photo of a person is different. It freezes them, makes them an object, and in some ways, highlights individuality in a culture where community comes first.
This is why you’ll often see Amish and photographs come up as a sensitive subject on travel forums. Some Amish tolerate being photographed from a respectful distance if their faces aren’t shown. Others avoid it entirely. As a visitor, the best approach is to assume caution—don’t photograph the Amish without explicit permission.
The Work of Bill Coleman: An Amish Photographer Who Wasn’t Amish
One of the few names that always comes up in discussions about Amish photographs is Bill Coleman. Coleman, a well-known American photographer, spent decades capturing Amish life in Pennsylvania. His images—children walking through fields, families gathered in simplicity—are widely admired.
But Coleman wasn’t Amish. He built trust with communities and often photographed without showing faces, focusing instead on silhouettes, backs, and daily routines. He respected privacy while still portraying beauty. That’s why people call him “the Amish photographer,” though in truth, he wasn’t Amish at all—just someone who understood the boundaries.
Our bus driver Tim was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We learned a lot about the Amish and this area. The stops on the tour were fun to explore and the scenery in Lancaster County is beautiful.
💡 Traveler Note: If you’re curious about Amish photography, Bill Coleman’s work is the best introduction. But notice how rarely you’ll see faces—that’s the key to respectful imagery.
Why Don’t the Amish Like to Be Photographed?
If you’ve ever wondered, “why don’t Amish like to be photographed?”, the answer lies at the crossroads of faith, humility, and cultural survival.
The Religious Foundation
The Amish trace their roots back to the Anabaptist movement of 16th-century Europe. Deep in their theology is the Second Commandment, which warns against graven images. For many Amish, a photograph feels like a modern version of that forbidden image—something permanent that places attention on the self rather than God.
When outsiders ask “why can’t Amish be photographed?”, the response often isn’t angry, just firm. The Amish believe that life should be lived humbly, without vanity. A photograph freezes a person in time, capturing individuality in a culture where community matters more than self.
💡 Traveler Note: Think of it this way—Amish life is about blending in, not standing out. A picture makes someone stand out forever.
Cultural Identity and Separation
Another reason Amish avoid photography is cultural. For centuries, they’ve chosen separation from the outside world to preserve their way of life. Allowing constant photographs risks turning them into spectacle rather than neighbors.
If you type “can you photograph the Amish” into a search engine, you’ll find heated debates. Some travelers argue they took candid shots from far away. Others admit they were scolded or received disapproving looks. The truth? The answer depends on the community. Some Amish tolerate distant shots that don’t show faces, while others object completely.
The safest path is simple: if in doubt, don’t.
Respect vs. Curiosity
It’s easy to be curious. Amish farms, buggies, and quilt barns look like scenes from another century. But when curiosity crosses into intrusion, it breaks trust. Outsiders sometimes forget that Amish children playing in fields aren’t “picturesque subjects”—they’re children who deserve privacy, just like any others.
💡 Traveler Reflection: On my second trip to Penn Yan, I saw a tourist jump out of a car to photograph Amish kids playing baseball. The kids scattered instantly, clearly uncomfortable. The photo may have looked innocent to the visitor, but for the children, it was invasive.
Exceptions to the Rule
Does this mean Amish photographs never exist? Not quite. Some Amish don’t mind being photographed from behind or in group activities where faces aren’t visible. Others may consent if asked politely, though that’s rare.
And then there’s the artistry of people like Bill Coleman, Amish photographer by reputation. He proved that it’s possible to create striking imagery while respecting beliefs. He captured Amish and photographs in harmony—scenes that conveyed beauty without violating trust.
His work shows us the guiding principle: photograph Amish life, not Amish people.
Photographing Amish Country Respectfully
So by now we’ve answered the question: “can Amish be photographed?” The truth is, you can capture their world—just not always their faces. The challenge is to find ways of photographing Amish life that honor their beliefs while still telling a story.
Amish Markets and Auctions
One of the most tempting spots for photographers is at Amish markets and auctions. Rows of pies, fresh bread, and handmade quilts practically beg to be photographed.
📌 Etiquette Tip: Photograph the products, not the people.
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Snap a shot of baskets stacked neatly on a table.
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Focus on rows of canned preserves with handwritten labels.
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Capture the colors of a quilt hanging from a barn beam.
The mistake many travelers make is aiming the camera at the auctioneer or the bidders. These are private moments for the Amish, even when held in public spaces.
we enjoyed walking and browsing among the hundreds of shops. The people were friendly and the prices were pretty good. It seemed to be popular with local people and tourists alike.
💡 Traveler Note: I once attended a benefit auction near Dundee where cameras were clearly unwelcome. Instead, I focused on the food tents—pies, stews, and whoopie pies lined up like edible art. Those photographs tell a story without crossing a line.
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Roads and Scenic Drives
Driving through Amish country in the Finger Lakes, you’ll see buggies clip-clopping along narrow backroads. It’s natural to want a photo. But again, respect is key.
📌 How to Capture a Buggy Respectfully:
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Shoot from behind or at a distance so no faces are visible.
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Include the countryside—the barns, fields, and laundry lines—for context.
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Use golden hour light to silhouette the buggy, making the scene atmospheric without focusing on individuals.
If you search “Amish photographs” online, many of the most beautiful images are just that: silhouettes of buggies at sunset, barns in the snow, children in fields from a respectful distance.
Darryl was the best! So personable and helpful. This was the perfect addition for a bachelorette trip. Would totally book again!
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Why Ethical Photography Matters
There’s a difference between Amish and photographs that honor them versus images that exploit. When travelers sneak candid shots of Amish children, it feels like taking something without permission. Over time, that erodes the fragile trust between Amish communities and their neighbors.
But when photographers approach with sensitivity, they create a bridge. This is why the work of Bill Coleman, Amish photographer by reputation, remains so influential. He proved that it’s possible to capture beauty while honoring privacy. His photographs didn’t steal moments; they celebrated them.
💡 Traveler Reflection: The first time I looked at Coleman’s Amish photographs, I realized he wasn’t showing individuals—he was showing atmosphere. The way sunlight fell on barns. The quiet dignity of work in the fields. That’s what makes his photography timeless.
Tips for Travelers Who Want Amish Photographs
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Think Landscape First: Photograph farms, barns, buggy silhouettes, and roads.
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Focus on Details: Jars, loaves of bread, quilts, and wagons make wonderful images.
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Use Distance: If people appear, keep them unrecognizable.
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Respect Auctions: Photograph items, not bidders.
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Never Use Flash: It draws attention and feels invasive.
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Ask If Unsure: A polite question is always better than an assumption.
Do’s & Don’ts of Amish Photography
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Photograph barns, fields, buggies, quilts | Photograph Amish faces or individuals |
| Focus on landscapes & details | Intrude on auctions with cameras |
| Use silhouettes & distance | Use flash or telephoto intrusively |
| Ask politely if unsure | Treat Amish as tourist attractions |
| Learn from respectful photographers like Bill Coleman | Sneak candid shots of children |
A 3-Day Respectful Photo Itinerary in the Finger Lakes
📅 Day 1 – Penn Yan & Dundee (Yates County)
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Morning: Capture barns and roadside stands.
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Afternoon: Silhouette shots of buggies from a distance.
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Evening: Golden hour farmland photos.
📅 Day 2 – Romulus & Ovid (Seneca County)
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Morning: Visit produce auctions—photograph vegetables, pies, and crafts.
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Afternoon: Drive countryside roads for landscape images.
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Evening: Sunset over vineyards and Amish barns.
📅 Day 3 – Naples & Hammondsport (Ontario & Steuben Counties)
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Morning: Snap grape harvest and jam jars.
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Afternoon: Farm details—quilts, tools, and wagons.
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Evening: Lake views with Amish farms in the background.
Final Thoughts
Amish photographs are less about people and more about perspective. They challenge us to slow down, look closer, and capture atmosphere rather than faces.
The Amish remind us that not everything needs to be documented. Sometimes, the best memory is the one you carry in your mind.
Photographers like Bill Coleman, Amish photographer in reputation, showed us that respect and artistry can coexist. His work remains proof that the Amish world can be photographed in ways that honor both tradition and beauty.
So the next time you find yourself wondering “can you photograph the Amish?”, remember: it’s not about what you can do—it’s about what you should do.
Suzanne’s Up Town Food Tour was an unforgettable adventure! Trendy, delicious bites, and a guide who knew all the hidden gems as well as the unique history of Canandaigua, 5/5 recommend!
Frequently Asked Questions about Amish Photographs
Not usually. Many Amish avoid direct photos because of religious beliefs about humility and images.
You can—but it’s disrespectful. Even candid shots without consent cross boundaries.
They believe photos highlight vanity and individuality, conflicting with their values of humility and community.
Because it captures their image in a way that feels permanent and prideful.
Yes—photographing objects, scenery, and silhouettes is generally acceptable.
A non-Amish artist who earned trust in Amish communities. His photographs emphasized atmosphere, silhouettes, and daily life while avoiding faces.
