I was exploring the traditional marketplace in Vientiane, Laos, with my good friend David Smith. We looking for pretty light and interesting faces. We found both. This little girl and the boy behind her were hesitant to allow me to take their picture. I think they were a little unsure of me and camera shy.. but with a little persuasion, a smile and some begging on my part. Then I pulled out the big stop.. I kissed my heart and crossed my elbow and said that I was a kind-hearted soul! However, they remained unimpressed with my amazing 'kissing heart' skills... ::wait....I just realized something.. Do you kiss your heart or do you cross your heart and kiss your elbow??? Oh, I did the honesty-swear backward! My what a problem,. This may have been why they were thoroughly unimpressed by me.. :-) :: But in the end, they must have felt sorry for me, so they let me take their picture.Sometimes you just have to be brave enough to ask. Most of the time people will oblige your photo request, especially if you smile and show your kindness to them. And if they don't, there a millions of other photo opportunities in the world so don't let a few "no's" ruin your bravery. Keep asking and eventually you'll receive. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, that I am trying to put into practice more often, with photography and in life in general.

Matthew 7:7-12 (ESV)

Ask, and It Will Be Given

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?

11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!