[Leica] Photojournalists and permission

[Thinkofcole at aol.com (Thinkofcole@aol.com)]

In 1929, very soon after Leica was born,  Leica began producing  right-angle 
finders so that photographers could look elsewhere but point their  lens at 
the subject. Production of improved versions of this device continued  for 
10 
years and are still being used today. In fact, I have one but have used  it 
only 
once or twice, a very long time ago. 
 
As far as I'm concerned, the Golden Rule should apply in taking  
pictures...do unto others as you would have others do unto you. I agree with 
 Karen 
Nakamura: very high ethical standards should prevail. 
 
   Remember, Jackie Kennedy? She took a photographer to court for  pestering 
her and taking her picture and her childrens' picture and, of course,  she 
won.
   Body guards of famous people have regularly broken  photographers' 
cameras 
and, on occasion, have roughed up cameramen. I'm sure  there are many, many 
other examples. 
  These people have less protection because they are considered public  
figures. Normal people, however, are entitled to consideration unless they 
are  
involved in public events, like a parade, a demonstration, a political rally 
or  
some such event. 
 
    How would you like your photograph being taken while  picking your nose, 
scratching your behind or touching your crotch? Of course, if  you stick out 
your tongue, you might be fair game --it the photographer is  quick. 
 
   If, before snapping, you ask yourself how you would feel if  you were the 
subject of the photograph, you might think twice before taking the  picture 
you have in your sights. 
 
   The fact that Eugene Smith, HCB or Weegee did whatever they  did a very 
long time ago is --today -- irrelevant. 
   The fact that your picture , after getting permission,  might looked 
posed 
is irrelevant. 
   The fact that you might not get the picture you want is  irrelevant. 
   The fact that some people expect to be paid is irrelevant. 
   What is relevant is that times have changed and  photographers --along 
with everyone else -- have to change with the times. 
 
   All of this seems to be so obvious that it seems to me to be  almost 
self-evident...bob cole