I actually stopped at one of the outdoor fashion shows once and the newspaper not only took my picture but then made up an interview to go with it.

Then again there are days that I see a girl posing for a picture and I jump in and wrap my arm around her before they even notice a foreigner was around.

So to answer your question, yes but I also just force myself into people's pictures as well.

Yes, I get at times over the top aggressive to the point I've slapped a phone out of a persons hand once or twice (after repeatedly telling them to stop in 3 languages and warning them the BIG tattooed covered man is angry so stop) they laughed and continued so smack!!! I'm sure others on the forum will contest that I don't understand the locals and you know, I don't want to understand that level of stupid as I think it would drag my I.Q. level down....

Speaking of stupid... it appears wenna7 and other annoying locals are gone!?! Oh happy day!

When I go out with my child, I often see girls who want to take pictures of him. To avoid, I either say "no picture" or I stand between the camera and my child.

If really they insist, I just tell them to "leave us alone".

I think many foreigers here got panaorid issue .

I have been asked on a number of occasions if it is ok to take a photo with me. Not too many times as to be anoying. I even laugh with my friends and tell them if I hang around the tourist places in Shenyang I could make a living. The ones that have asked me have been kind of shy and sort of cute. No probs to me, if it makes someone happy no skin off my back.

If they're total bumpkins, I don't mind. I really don't. I recognize it's rude and such, but if they really are in Beijing on holiday and have NEVER seen someone who isn't Chinese before, what's the harm?

Once at Tiananmen, a visiting friend and I had just finished having our photo taken by his GF. Right after she finished an entire FAMILY, grandparents and all, motioned if it was okay for them to take a picture. Then they all crowded around us. My buddy picked up their toddler for the photo. They all laughed and said thanks, it was actually kinda sweet.

I should add I've had the opposite. Two times I've had newspaper articles completely fabricated. One I had a friend phone the paper and demanded a retraction. Fat chance, but I wanted them to know I know what they did.

I get the feeling people are doing it all the time . I usually stare intensely at them even well after they have stopped and looked away and they feel extremely uncomfortable . Or I pull out my phone and do the exact same thing . They feel really stupid .

Yes, i often take out my phone and act as if i am taking a photo of them. If they look nice i sometime ask in Chinese if its ok to take a photo of them, they are almost always shocked i can speak alittle Chinese...
Most common is at tourist places, people have a camera out and are thinking about take photos anyway...really weird when your eating a bowl of noodles in a local shop but still happens a lot....

I once said hello to a girl who was taking a photo of me, she instantly screamed, turned and ran.... hope it didnt blur the photo ...

I've mostly had that happen at touristy places. Funny that when the Chinese are literally surrounded by their own amazing and neglected history, which they boast so much about, all that seems to interest them is seeing a white guy.

If it's the elderly or some girls, I let it slide. If it's a guy my age, I make sure face is lost, and I make sure I see him deleting the picture.

I grew up near a reserve, mostly around natives, who were really really really against cameras for religious reasons. I'm really not used to having them shoved in my face at all times, and it bothers me to no end.

The local always ask me and it usually with them, I am 185cm so it's a bit hard on my back!.
My students try to do it without me knowing. I just tell them no video, as it is illegal to post video on the WEB without permission.

The only people who take my photos that I've noticed are students in my classes, usually just the freshman. Considering that this in only the second week of class or so, I know it's because many have never had a foreign teacher. I'll let it slide for now. They guys get especially giggly and shy when I talk to them, it's funny. Well, maybe a person or two at the train station has as well, I don't know.

yes chinese have done it so many times , i hope they use the picture for good use

I have been photographed many times and often without my permission. I was also lucky enough to have a few pictures posted on someones weibo blog..(by lucky I mean THE MISFORTUNE)

I am happy to have some Chinese friends that have my back and got them removed.