how to ask "May I take your picture", or "May I take a photograph of you?"

Question

Is there a 'best' way of asking that question of total strangers?

Answer 1

Hello Lih and Welcome to the SpanishDict forum

You can say it in any of these ways:

¿Podría ver su fotografía, (por favor)?

o

¿Podría sacarle una fotografía?

o

¿Le molesta si saco su foto?

These are using tomar in an idiomatic but not a literal way

These are three options that I checked with a native friend of mine from Chile

I hope this helps

Just like this. - Vicente1, Apr 23, 2011

Answer 2

There are several ways to phrase that question, but one way to handle it is to say "Me permite sacar una foto?" (Literally, "Would you allow me to take a picture?") Another polite way to ask would be, "Le podría sacar una foto a usted?" ("Could I take a picture of you?")

Answer 3

As in all languages, "the best way" is in the opinion of the speaker and listener.

In your case, I would say "¿No sería tan amable de permitirme retratarle (retratarla)?"

Keep in mind there are various ways to say this.