Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/05/25
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gerrywalden@cwcom.net (Gerry Walden)5/25/019:01 AM
> At 08:57 25-05-01 +0200, you wrote:
> >It follows then that a photographer who takes pictures of
perfect
> >strangers in public must be guilty of a form of photographic
rape.
Very interesting perspectives coming up in this discussion. I
have no doubt that each one of us has felt, and thought about
this issue as we've worked at finding something of value to
"say", using cameras as a visual communication tool.
Some of us use the camera as a journaling device; simply
recording people, places and things which we find interesting as
we move through our lives. We may even add written words to our
journals to note, describe and enhance our observations.
Others, photojournalists, actually earn money recording and/or
creating news and feature photographs.
Others, stalk stars for profit.
Others, stalk birds and mammals for fun and profit.
Others record special events at the request of those organizing
them.
And on and on.
The best in each category offer something more than voyerism. The
important issue to me rests in the final image. If the image
speaks to me with some combination sensitivity and respect for
the subject, insight into the situation, decent humor, visual
irony, superb design; then I feel grateful for the effort and the
photographer's offering. If the image has none of this. I feel
offended and embarassed in my association with the profession.
And I would bet that most subjects would react in a similar
manner.
In other words: If I'm sitting on the curb and a "photographer"
chooses to photograph me in a way that ridicules me, I will feel
that my privacy has been abused. If the "photographer" uses me as
a subject to say something relevant and true about our world, I
will feel understood and honored.
A few have said things on this subject which make sense:
1) Exercise courtesy and respect for your subjects
2) Take the time to meet and understand your subjects
3) Do not ridicule or expose your subjects to ridicule
4) Photograph thoughtfully and with some purpose
5) Publish thoughtfully and with some purpose
I for one, would like to thank each and every photographer,
writer, illustrator, artist and film maker who has offered a
thoughtful comment on the world in which I live; both
historically and currently.
George