The world has changed Street Photography

johnny scarecrow said:
Did you read my post? No matter.

I'm 59, I have a wonderful family and life. The last few times I've been out street shooting I've been accused - either implicitly or explicitly - of being a "paedophile". The equation here seems to be: older guy with camera = paedophile. No matter that I'm pleasant, I engage, I do not hide what I'm doing or sneak around and I do NOT photograph children, scantily clad babes or various other things which are on my "leave it out" list. It is the observed increasing frequency of this response that leads me to my present position.

You, presumably, are young. You therefore can't perhaps understand what it means to be constantly labelled, in the course of doing something harmless and that you love - and have done without being hassled for many years - something disgusting which is the complete opposite of who you are and how you have lived your life. I have friends who have never had this happen to them, but they are either younger, female or both. I'm sure there are other men my age in my city who likewise never have a problem, but then again I highly doubt that it's anything about me in particular.

So as a result I not only don't enjoy it any more, it is something I have come to dislike. That's just me. When I was younger, yeah, sure, what's a smack on the head or a confrontation with overzealous soldiers other than a good story? Get abused or called a name? Who cares - sticks and stones, right? But at my time of life, being regularly accused of being a monster? Because I take pictures in the street? No thanks.
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Ah. Ok. I didn't catch the part where you don't enjoy it anymore! My apologies, both for being thick and for your loss. That's a testament to the political climate we live in. Fear mongers everywhere.
 
Roger Hicks said:
Ah, les Anglo-Saxons...

Doesn't happen much outside the USA and the 51st state -- England.

Very occasionally a problem in Paris. But not, as a rule, in the civilized parts of Europe.

Cheers,

R.
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I'm not sure what you are referring to but I find that France is one of the most difficult places in the world for street photography. It's the only place where I've ever been attacked while photographing. I find that in public Americans are a lot friendlier and open-minded.
 
phatnev said:
Ah. Ok. I didn't catch the part where you don't enjoy it anymore! My apologies, both for being thick and for your loss. That's a testament to the political climate we live in. Fear mongers everywhere.
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Cheers Phatnev, I appreciate it.

No matter - nothing will stop me enjoying photography.
 
lamefrog said:
I'm not sure what you are referring to but I find that France is one of the most difficult places in the world for street photography. It's the only place where I've ever been attacked while photographing. I find that in public Americans are a lot friendlier and open-minded.
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Have you ever heard of the 'Paris Syndrome'? - Paris must be the place where image, at least of some, and reality diverge more than of any other place. Paris Syndrome is an actual, technical medical term describing an emotional breakdown following disillusion, inflicted are mostly Japanese, sometimes Chinese: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_syndrome
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/6197921.stm
 
f16sunshine said:
There are far more important things in this world than being a proffesional photographer.... you do know that don't you?
Reading your posts over the years, you seem to believe you somehow live in some rarified air since you are a "Pro".
How can you of all people use the term "photo ego" ?
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Not surprisingly, you have missed the point. There are also far more important things in life than satisfying a desire to as a hobby, obtain photographs of people that one does not know in a manner of approach and thinking that is clearly becoming outdated. I wrote what I did because without those procedures, there is no way in hell I would engage in "Street" photography, my gut tells me it is just not right anymore, especially children.

The world, the whole of it has changed. And because of the onslaught of a "Social Moore's Law" of sorts, it will change even faster.
My opinion, based on the how's and whys of why or how I engage with people I don't know with my camera is wholly unique to me, what I have seen arrive and what I think is coming....and going.

Until laws are more rigorously enforced, if at all, I feel that it is the reasoning of the individual with the camera who will make or break his or her ability to successfully obtain the desired photograph on the streets, not just a press pass or letter of assignment. But in my experience, combined with a deep sense of always putting my subjects or potential subjects first, those credentials sure do help and I feel they will help even more into the future as more people refuse to allow the image maker to have a say in the recording and possible publication of their likeness. In this day and age, people have a right to know why and how a photo of them is to be used, you are engaging in a fool's errand to think otherwise.

Let's always remember that when regarded in it's most evocative result, street photography often contains the likeness of people. Put the people in your photographs first, because it is not about you anymore, it is about them and *clearly* the world is showing us that more and more each day.

To more and more people, telling them you want to or did take their photograph for "fun" is not a good enough reason for doing so, hence the backlash. It's not snobbery on my part, it is what I witness, what I hear from the people **I** photograph. I'm in the minority here and I always will be and that is fine by me, go ahead and beat the crap out of me, hate me, piss on my grave, what ever makes you feel good.

But crapping all over me and my insight does not and will not change the increase in challenges or reaction those with a camera will experience if they can not give a damn good reason for photographing people they do not know. You can count on it getting harder to do because clearly, that is where it is headed.
 
Lauffray said:
I've been asked which newspaper I work for and whether the pictures will end up online, very often I smile, I say I don't have a facebook and I shoot film which requires dev and scanning. I don't know if they really believe it but for now it works.

If someone reacts angrily or aggressively from the start I just ignore them, no point arguing, otherwise I try to look friendly, confident and calm. If you start believing you're doing something reprehensible people can smell it off you
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I use this approach as well. I also don't have facebook and shoot film, and shooting film requires effort, depending on the person I shot I usually compliment them on their good looks/interesting expression, or I convince them I'd not waste my film on them - but putting it nicely of course.

I had a father yelled at me when I took a photo WITH a young girl, with her mom's approval. She looked at my Rollei and I asked if she wants to hold it. Then I ask if I can take a photo with her holding the camera. Dad was about 30 meter away and I didn't see him, she was only with her mom. I explain that I mean well, I just tried to be friendly and I asked her mom's permission first. He's so upset that none of my word seem to be heard. Luckily the mother explained everything but at that point I was parting ways with him. :eek::eek:
 
lukitas said:
A Strange Story.

I'm a train conductor. The guy with the striped hat, who whistles when the train has to leave, closes the doors and punches tickets. Always have my camera with me, over my left shoulder, under my coat. The job comes first, of course, but often, I get a chance to take a picture. Doesn't take more than a second or so.

Yesterday, I tried to photograph three train drivers marching in goose-step, and missed the shot. One of them followed me, wanted to know the eternal 'Why?'. I tried to reassure him that he wasn't in the picture, that it was a failure, and I wouldn't show it, on my word of honour.

Today, they kept me back from work for half the day, I had to explain my taking of pictures to my 'immediate superior'. The guy had complained, and somebody who doesn't like me had compiled a 'dossier' about my photographic and professional missteps.

The guy making the complaint must be very scared having his picture taken, if he cannot accept my reassurances to the point of filing a complaint.
Then there is the person writing the dossier, who cited an event that happened a year ago : I tried to take her picture, she refused, I didn't take it.
Now she's using this to accuse me of malfeasance.

Some people have very strong feelings, not about pictures, but about the taking of them.

I just hope they won't forbid me to have my camera with me. A silly interdiction, Everybody in the firm has to have a phone, all of them have built in cameras.

Sorry for the rant.

Cheers!
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I hope this ends well for you..:):)
 
Are you looking for the perfect photograph or the perfect experience?

(Yeah. **** Bruce. He's horrible, with his flash and in-your-face and oh-my-ewwiehowdareeeee!!! But he get the shots that he seeks out. What do you have?)
 
lamefrog said:
I'm not sure what you are referring to but I find that France is one of the most difficult places in the world for street photography. It's the only place where I've ever been attacked while photographing. I find that in public Americans are a lot friendlier and open-minded.
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Where?

I've lived in France for the last 13 years, and had visited often before that (or I'd not have moved here) and I have had just one confrontation in all that time, in Arles a few years ago.

Cheers,

R.
 
The making of this image got me into trouble yesterday. I had a borrowed 20mm Nikkor lens, and saw an opportunity to show what was in a shop window display and the street outside. I took a shot, and a lady from in the shop came out and said I don't think you should be taking photos of that. I said Australian law says I'm in a public place and can photograph what happens there. If you don't want these things seen or photographed you'd better cover them. She turned and left me alone. But I don't feel like it was a good interaction I'd normally like to have with people.
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My support goes out to Lukitas in his photos-at-work problem. It must feel terrible to have this going on. I can only suggest that you make sure that you know the law that applies in your situation and say that you want to see what law you have broken, or written workplace rule, if that is more applicable. Ask for support from your union or other worker representative. Solidarity!
 
KM-25 said:
To more and more people, telling them you want to or did take their photograph for "fun" is not a good enough reason for doing so, hence the backlash. It's not snobbery on my part, it is what I witness, what I hear from the people **I** photograph. I'm in the minority here and I always will be and that is fine by me, go ahead and beat the crap out of me, hate me, piss on my grave, what ever makes you feel good.
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Ok, since you used "fun" I'm going to assume that you are referring to me and my post. Honestly, I have no problem with your opinion, because it is only that... your opinion. It means nothing to me because I don't know you, I don't know your photography, and all of us, whether pro or not, make choices as to what we photograph (and what we have to take responsibility for).

I think it is a sad world where people assume the worst if you photograph strangers (even other people who photograph). Some of the best (my opinion) photographs ever made were made in this manner. Sure, it might be outdated to some, but I think documenting all times is important. Why should only one period of time be considered worth documenting? Why should only people with "credentials" only be allowed to do it? Does documentation always have to be cutting edge or an important event? Times change and so does everything with it. If we truly think that public photography is coming to an end, that makes it even more important to do it now.

It appears to me that you have a problem with people who don't photograph for a living or in the manner you deem correct. You **** all over the hobbyist on this site all of the time. That's sad.

I do agree that people can say no to being photographed and one should comply, but to assume everyone in public has a problem with being photographed is just silly. I have random people ask me to take their photo at times. Clearly not everyone is opposed to it. I do agree that children are off limits for the most part...but that is my opinion and my feeling. I also struggle with what is right and wrong to do while out on the street. However, I photograph with women and they seem to get away with photographing children in a manner that men can't.
 
KM-25 said:
there is no way in hell I would engage in "Street" photography, my gut tells me it is just not right anymore, especially children.

The world, the whole of it has changed. And because of the onslaught of a "Social Moore's Law" of sorts, it will change even faster.
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I'll bet nobody in the world has ever gotten older and said those words, concerning art, music, film, craftsmanship, morals, ethics, lifestyle, etc...

So by your standards, the following shots are somehow unethcial?




Untitled by gaijin_punch, on Flickr


Vending Machine by gaijin_punch, on Flickr


Holding On by gaijin_punch, on Flickr
 
lukitas said:
Some people have very strong feelings, not about pictures, but about the taking of them.
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And also might have strong feeling about what you look like (not you specifically). I think people react not only to the camera, but to your appearance when you photograph in public. If you are not aesthetically pleasing to them, then you are a creep.
 
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