Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Mitch, Thanks for the great big grin! I guess that's the difference between talking in person and corresponding through a time line. In an instant you'd have set me straight on your actions and we'd have gone off on a different topic. Just because work is critically acclaimed doesn't justify the means of acquiring it. A few years back, some photographer persuaded the health club where Princess Diana trained to install 2 way mirrors so he could shoot some pix of her working out. The photos were applauded by other photographers who could appreciate the ingenuity to achieve the result and could have wished to have thought of it first, and by the public who bought the papers in their millions with the pictures in, but would you want to have done that? But the topic was hot fun while it lasted. Jem - -----Original Message----- From: Zeissler, Mitch [SMTP:mzeissle@gcipoa.gannett.com] Jem... Man, who rattled your cage and took away the banana? <<great big grin>> Sorry I rubbed you the wrong way; evidently I did not provide enough detail. For the record, I did not take any photos during the services I observed; I merely noted that other tourists were escorted out when they did not follow verbal requests by the church members. Whenever I was specifically requested to abstain from doing something [by *anyone* I came in contact with, not just the religious community], I honored the request. After all, I was a guest in Austria, and I did not want to be considered an Ugly American and be given the ol' heave-ho. However, I feel compelled to point out that the history of photography is rife with others that *have* taken a stand opposite yours and that many of the Leica artists discussed in this forum have critically acclaimed works that explore all avenues of life, including worship. /Mitch Zeissler - -----Original Message----- From: Jem Kime [mailto:jem.kime@cwcom.net] Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2000 3:58 AM To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us' Subject: RE: [Leica] quiet cameras in cathedrals? Mitch, I have to say that for anyone to have the insensitivity to want to photograph others in the act of worship beggars belief! Where else might you expect to be able to walk into a meeting house and watch people involved in a private act and expect to photograph them? Rotary clubs? Masonic societies? Moms and Toddlers? Alchoholics Anonymous? Churches are open to welcome worshippers, they were never made or designed for tourists. I'm surprised they let you in at all during worship, look upon that as generosity on their part. I can understand their reticence to let photographers take pictures for free, many of them only have their historic beauty to capitalise on financially. If they can't sell you their photo postcards, guide book or permit to take pictures then what do they get out of your visit? Frequently nothing, and yet they face enormous bills trying to maintain the structure of these ancient buildings which people generally like to admire. Jem