Street photography during difficult times

[Nh3]

I have been quite tempted to take my camera and go to the financial district and photograph people and the displays showing the fall in stocks and other typical photographs of the financial sector in crisis and worried stock brokers, but I can't seem to motivate myself to go ahead with it.

I feel its too intrusive and almost predatory to photograph people when they're 'down'. I think photography should create awareness, not gloat on other people's misery. Photographing a famine would be informative, photographing downtown stock brokers in panic is gloating.

And in conclusion I feel there are times that one should put the camera down and just be another human being. Especially during difficult times when people are edgy and unhappy. I think its more important to know when not to take a picture than when to press the shutter.

 

[Gumby]

These may be historical times. Give it a second thought. Just make sure you hug anyone who is threatening to jump out of a window!

 

[usagisakana]

I have thought about it in the past, but my current thinking can be summarised by something Jeff Mermelstein says, that he's ok with taking photos because he knows he's not hurting anyone. I feel the same way when I am shooting. That said, there are obviously situations when I wouldn't shoot (ie to help someone who needed mecial attention or something like that).

 

[Nh3]

For example, lets say you're just sacked from your job or you have just lost a lot of money in the stock market and as you walk there is this guy who's taking your picture.

I think I would be extremely annoyed, so as HCB said that one should have the greatest respect for the subject and oneself, I agree with him on that.

I think, I'd rather go and photograph fall colors and leave people alone until there is some sort of calm in the economy.

 

[usagisakana]

I don't think I'm disrespecting people by photographing them. Quite the opposite. I see your position, I just don't think that taking photos is harming people.. any perceived harm is purely social conditioning at work, IMO.

 

[Gumby]

For example, lets say you're just sacked from your job or you have just lost a lot of money in the stock market and as you walk there is this guy who's taking your picture.

...

I think, I'd rather go and photograph fall colors and leave people alone until there is some sort of calm in the economy.

Ha... that describes almost anyone who works, has some investments, or has a company pension plan. Some have lost more than others, and some may not have the ability to make up for the loss before they need that money they were counting on for a "rainy day", but most of us are hurting from some degree of financial loss right now. Maybe you're right... fall colors! 🙂

 

[pesphoto]

For example, lets say you're just sacked from your job or you have just lost a lot of money in the stock market and as you walk there is this guy who's taking your picture.

I think I would be extremely annoyed, so as HCB said that one should have the greatest respect for the subject and oneself, I agree with him on that.

I think, I'd rather go and photograph fall colors and leave people alone until there is some sort of calm in the economy.

Thats cool if that ' how you feel. Remember all the FSU photographers during the depression. Without their work we wouldnt have the historic images that now reside in the library of congress to look back on. It is about respecting people and recording history.

 

[user237428934]

Thats cool if that ' how you feel. Remember all the FSU photographers during the depression. Without their work we wouldnt have the historic images that now reside in the library of congress to look back on. It is about respecting people and recording history.

They were jounalists. Most members here are doing street photography for their own pleasure. Of course it's disrespect if you photograph a person in a uncomfortable situation for your own pleasure.

 

[pesphoto]

They were jounalists. Most members here are doing street photography for their own pleasure. Of course it's disrespect if you photograph a person in a uncomfortable situation for your own pleasure.

I dont agree. Im empathetic but if I see someting I want to shoot and I can do it in a resectful way I do it. I may not be a paid "journalist" but that doesnt mean I can't shoot that way if I happen on a situation I can relate to.

 

[Nh3]

I should add that this is purely my opinion. I will not say that others should do the same thing. This is not an ethical stand but more like a decision based on personal rules.

 

[user237428934]

I dont agree. Im empathetic but if I see someting I want to shoot and I can do it in a resectful way I do it. I may not be a paid "journalist" but that doesnt mean I can't shoot that way if I happen on a situation I can relate to.

Ok. You say those are respectful photos.....

Is the title "They always drink too much" ?
---
Edit: I should add a smiley here. Without that it sounds quite rude. Sorry.

 

[dave lackey]

Well,

I just lost my job. I have no employment, no hopes of finding a job in my field, no car and no money.

Would I object to you taking my picture? No, not as a photographer I wouldn't. As a recently canned, pissed-off employee who walked out the door, I wouldn't have cared less, personally.

In fact, I am now documenting my own misery photographically.

YMMV, but that is how I am dealing with it along with exercise and chocolate!😀🙁

 

[pesphoto]

Ok. You say those are respectful photos.....

Is the title "They always drink too much" ?

sorry, i dont shoot flowers and sunsets........

 

[btgc]

If one feels involved, what's wrong getting into contact and finishing with picture?

"For pleasure" sounds sick, I agree. Though one making passionate contact doesn't do it for sick pleasure, I assume. Anyone believes photographers make pictures of bloody kids or raped victims because of pleasure?

 

[Nh3]

Well,

I just lost my job. I have no employment, no hopes of finding a job in my field, no car and no money.

Would I object to you taking my picture? No, not as a photographer I wouldn't. As a recently canned, pissed-off employee who walked out the door, I wouldn't have cared less, personally.

In fact, I am now documenting my own misery photographically.

YMMV, but that is how I am dealing with it along with exercise and chocolate!😀🙁

I'm sorry to hear that. But its good to hear that you already have figured out the coping mechanism.

 

[pesphoto]

Well,

I just lost my job. I have no employment, no hopes of finding a job in my field, no car and no money.

Would I object to you taking my picture? No, not as a photographer I wouldn't. As a recently canned, pissed-off employee who walked out the door, I wouldn't have cared less, personally.

In fact, I am now documenting my own misery photographically.

YMMV, but that is how I am dealing with it along with exercise and chocolate!😀🙁

yes, I'm sure all will work out for you. My best to you.

 

[Nando]

I think I would be extremely annoyed, so as HCB said that one should have the greatest respect for the subject and oneself, I agree with him on that.

HBC also said "Take the picture and scram!"

 

[Roger Hicks]

Of course it's disrespect if you photograph a person in a uncomfortable situation for your own pleasure.

Except perhaps if they deserve it, i.e. if they were responsible for the cock-up -- the 'bonus culture' brigade who made what they thought were one-way bets. Then it's not just my own pleasure: it's everyone's. Reprehensible, perhaps, but reasonable.

The difficulty, of course, lies in determining whether they were responsible or not.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

A lot of those leaving will be catering staff, office workers, janitorial staff and so on.

Nothing they ever did brought the bank down.

They never got a big bonus each year for a new Ferrari.

Tell their side of the story.

 

[Roger Hicks]

A lot of those leaving will be catering staff, office workers, janitorial staff and so on.

Nothing they ever did brought the bank down.

They never got a big bonus each year for a new Ferrari.

Tell their side of the story.

Dear Jon,

Quite.

The mirror image of my suggestion.

Cheers.

R.