10 great places to take photos of perfect strangers

With May designated as National Photography Month, the time seems right for a talk with renowned photojournalist Harry Benson, who has a 50-year retrospective at Houston's Decorative Center and a new book (RFK: A Photographer's Journal) due next month. He shares some of his favorite places around the world to take "people shots" with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen, Denmark

"Tivoli Gardens is unquestionably one of the most photogenic places I have visited," Benson says. "I first went there in 1964 with George Harrison when the Beatles were performing in Copenhagen. Tivoli has something for everyone: an outdoor theater, puppet shows, bandstands, flower gardens, amusement rides and the best cafes and restaurants in Copenhagen. There are plenty of great backdrops for people shots." www.tivoligardens.com

Anse Source d'Argent Beach La Digue Island, Seychelles

"When I first visited the Seychelles Islands in 1976, I thought it was the most beautiful, untouched place I had ever seen," Benson says. "Anse Source d'Argent Beach, on La Digue Island, is a marvelous spot known for its white sands, swaying palms and clear blue waters. It's the perfect place to photograph people because the setting is idyllic and the subjects — from tourists to local fishermen — are all so relaxed." exoticseychelles.com

Venice Beach Boardwalk Los Angeles

Skaters, jugglers, artists, street musicians, comics, fortunetellers, mimes — the Venice Beach Boardwalk has it all. "You'll see the most interesting mix of people imaginable here, and your photos can't miss," Benson says. "Another good Southern California people-watching spot is the landmark Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Tourists flock there to see the celebrity hand- and footprints, and the faces you'll encounter make snapping a good photo an easy task." laparks.org/venice/venice.htm; manntheaters.com/chinese

Kelvingrove Park Glasgow, Scotland

"Walking the streets of a familiar city provides great opportunities to take pictures of people in everyday life," Benson says. "Glasgow is my hometown, and I have photographed the city for over 50 years. Kelvingrove, one of my favorite spots, is a classic Victorian park set on the banks of the River Kelvin. Its gardens and fountains make it a delightful place to photograph people." www.glasgow.gov.uk