We've all been in situations where our street subjects angrily call out, "No Pictures!" And most of us quickly put away our cameras and fade away, embarrassed.

I have a different strategy. I immediately approach my subject, hand outstretched in greeting, a big smile on my face. "Hello," I announce. "My name is Mel Snyder, and I'm from New York."

No matter how much the world hates America and Americans, only jihadists hate New York City. Everyone has a relative in New York. Everyone who hasn't been there wants to visit there. Everyone of every nation (with the possible exception of Red Sox Nation) who's visited there wants to go back. We chat, I explain I take portraits of people all over the world, and email the images to them. Occasionally, someone has religious objections, and I respect that. But even then, I'll stay and chat. A mullah relaxing in the Arab quarter refused, but offered me tea. But in at least 80% of cases, I get a portrait -- often appealing. Like this handsome vendor in the Ha-Carmel Market in Tel Aviv.