Learn Hardcore Japanese: koko de syasin wo totte mo ii desu ka.

Breakdown of koko de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka.

Why is で used after ここ instead of に?

で marks the place where an action happens. Since 撮る means to take/photograph, this sentence is asking about doing an action at this place.

So:

ここで = here / at this place for an action
ここに would point more to location/existence/direction, not the place where the action is carried out

In this sentence, the speaker is asking whether it is okay to take a photo here, so で is the correct particle.

What does を do in 写真を撮って?

を marks the direct object of the verb. It shows what is being affected by the action.

Here:

So を tells you that 写真 is the thing being taken.

Why is the verb 撮って instead of 撮る?