Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/05/19

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Asking permission, KISS & the decisive moment
From: "B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 07:02:00 -0400
References: <3CE73042.F9BA7390@mindspring.com>

P. S. - I would hardly call what HCB did making 'a snapshot art.' That
may be the myth - the reality is that he found a situation, and then
took numerous shots - framing, shoot; framing, shooting; framing,
shooting; framing, shooting - until he got what he wanted. 

B. D.

Howard Sanner wrote:
> 
>         This is something I've thought about for a while. B.D. Colen's and Ted Grant's exchange about taking pictures at Starbucks just
> pushed me over the edge. <g> (BTW, I agree that Aaron really "got it.")
> 
>         As I understand it, photographing the decisive moment is an attempt to make a snapshot art by capturing people at a telling in
> their daily or life's activities. (This is not meant as a criticism of anyone or any style photography. It is just the best way
> I've come up with to express my understanding of what constitutes "traditional Leica photography." I will be happy for
> correction, either of fact or phrasing.)
> 
>         This leads to a philosophical question. If you ask permission to photograph someone, how does that affect the "decisive
> moment"? Doesn't the photograph then become, at least to some degree, posed and studied, and, in equal measure, no longer a
> "slice of life" (a "less-than-decisive moment")?
> 
>         Though I'm breaking out the Nomex underwear because I suspect this'll push plenty of people's buttons, it isn't a troll or
> flame bait. It is, just what I said, a philosophical point I've pondered for a while now. I know that like other philosophical
> questions it has no real answer; however, I'd be very interested to read the opinions of those who practice this sort of
> photography. I also admit that whatever talent I have for photography most assuredly doesn't lie in this area.
> 
>         Thanks.
> 
>                                         Howard Sanner
>                                         flagstad@mindspring.com
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In reply to: Message from Howard Sanner <flagstad@mindspring.com> ([Leica] Asking permission, KISS & the decisive moment)