Re: [Leica] model releases (now a safer subject, I hope)

["SonC (Sonny Carter)" <SonC@sonc.com>]

Kim,
After I used the phrase "I couldn't agree with you more, " I went on to
explain the circumstances and limits of my agreement with Dan.

Perhaps because of the preface, you misunderstood that I also agree with
much of what Johnny Deadman stands for in photography, especially his
passion, as evidenced by his latest post this evening and his body of work.
I just draw my philosophical boundary at the general publication of some
street photography, especially when it is demeaning or intrusive.

I like to think that in my days working for the TV station in New Orleans I
had a good bit of that passion; I think it showed on the screen.  I must
have done some of it right because the National Press Photogs Assn., the AP
and the UPI Broadcaster's Associations all gave me nice things to hang on my
wall.

There were times I turned off my camera though. Once I angered the reporter
who thought the pile of burned dead bodies of men trying to escape a fire in
the "Upstairs Lounge" in the French Quarter was suitable fodder for his
report.

On a Christmas Day, a fire claimed the lives of three firemen on Dryades
Street.  I shot film of these men going to their death, and the falling
balcony narrowly missed me.  When I got home my little girl was jumping up
and down with glee over Christmas Morning.

So, there was no major corporation standing behind me that morning.  I was
alone with a Bell & Howell 70dr with Angenieux primes, shooting the hell out
of the grim reaper doing his work.

I left TV news shooting and turned to documentary and commercial work after
that.

I hold no prejudice against street photographers, but I know some who claim
to practice it are prejudiced against tamer work.  Me? I enjoy looking at
and talking about photography and Leica cameras.  That's why I'm here.

Regards,

SonC
http://www.sonc.com





> Son,
>
> Forgive me if I misinterpreted your intent.  I was responding to your
letter
> that started like this:
>
> <<Dan,
>
>
> I could not agree with you more.   I spent many years in a serious career
of
>
> photojournalism, working for a major market CBS affiliate....>>
>
> since you didn't quote exactly what you were agreeing with Dan on, I
assumed
> it was in keeping with his general (apparent) disdain for street
photography.
>  Since you wrote about having a "serious" career in photojournalism, I
> assumed you were (like Dan) making a qualitative distinction between PJ
and
> street photography.  Sorry if that wasn't your intent--though it seems to
be
> the feeling of some LUG members that there IS an inherently
> qualitative/substantive difference between the two groups.
>
> It's too bad that the original discussion wasn't able to be conducted in a
> vigorous but respectful manner, because I think there are a number of
fascin
> ating and important issues bound up in the matter.
>
>
> Kim
>