But is it the truth. I Have posted a couple of shots on here recently to see what reaction I got. 1.Cocktails....this made some members uneasy, i understand why,i also feel uneasy sometimes taking a shot like this but his expression made me curious as to what the conversation was about,it was said that some would have liked the ladies face in shot I agree but this is a tight crop and a van was parked to the right of the man.I admit I shall stop doing this kind of shot as they aren't actually on the street and are having a personal one to one. 2.Red riser.No one said they liked the shot even though I liked it for the colours in it,comments where made about the sadness of being Homeless this I agree with,the full story of this shot is when I walked into this affluent area where apartments cost £800 a week I know this as I spoke with two gentlemen who where looking at the tent one being a Caretaker he had received complaints about the tent and residents wanted it removed,he had been in touch with the council but they refused to attend,he asked me to look in the tent and in it there was no evidence of anyone sleeping in it bedding etc but there was a lot of discarded drug taking stuff needles,tin foil spoons etc.I wonder what the picture story would have been if I had simply colour popped the riser taking the tent more out of the scene. 3.Raw street or Portrait. This was a quick grab shot I got of the man who I heard singing behind me when doing the girl singer shots,this made some members uneasy as I suppose it was an in his face shot,i explained how I got the shot and this seemed to put it into perspective and more acceptable. I am of course wanting reactions to this thread in the hope it might enlighten me more on what is or is not acceptable.It came about as I saw a deeply distressing picture on the internet on a piece similar to this the picture was of a well dressed African man in long white robes (from the waist down)he was carrying a large bag of Maze or rice crawling behind him was a skeletal child dying with one arm raised towards the man begging.The photographer claimed the wealthy man had taken the bag from the child for him self, every picture tells a story or so we are led to believe.Thanks for reading.
And cheers for posting that. I don't think there's much that's not acceptable on here, and folk use thread titles wisely to forewarn us: we've had nudes, candids, bug porn, street images, even shots taken on a Canon. I know you are remarkable with the banter and can get shots from strangers with your usual charm and affability. I wish I could! Each one of us is togged a million times on the streets of a city these days as CCTV pokes its nose in, so I suppose we shouldn't be shy about togging anyone in a public place. There are limits though, and personally as well as for professional reasons, I'd not post anything of any identifiable young people without consent (and, sad to say, stating that as well). Hmm, thinking about it, I suppose if people deliberately and happily put themselves before the cameras in a concious manner, it's a bit different. I've togged a few carnivals where under 18s were visible and that "felt" acceptable. Am I talking myself into knots?!? There's plenty that's hard to accept on the net as a whole of course. I try not to go looking for it but sometimes we need to see bad news and not live in an echo chamber of our own happy little world. Your red riser was a good shot - and again, visible to all probably on Google Street View, but you're right - it's not a shot we "like" but a shot we "admire", if you get me. You're stuff is of course usually either good or better, and you engage, join in and give us some banter and background too - so keep them coming!
I have never seen anything here by anyone that I find un acceptable. Your street shots are what they are i.e., real life as it is nothing taken out or added in it is what it is. There are a lot of things in this world that are upsetting but I see no harm in them being recorded to bring them to the attention of others. Mabey it might make a difference sometimes.
Why do we worry so much about what people think about our shots. Some shots may make people uneasy (maybe that is there purpose) some shots make others happy or sad but should we as the maker be too concerned about these reations. No reaction to me is much more concerning or does that in itself mean that I am concerned. JMT
I have my own lines and sometimes I have commented if shots have made me uneasy. Personally I would never photograph anyone down on their luck or in an unfortunate situation. The homeless are everywhere sadly and I have worked with them in the past. I pass them every time I have a trip up to London and I prefer to keep my camera pointed the other way. Introduce yourself if you wish and offer to buy them a hot drink or a meal. Ask politely if you can sit down and join them. I've had many interesting conversations like this. On the other hand, normal members of the public are fair game. I never ask. For me that would spoil the candid nature, but then I wouldn't have the nerve to do so anyway
Photographing the homeless or those down on their luck, IMO, can be done with compassion and empathy. I don't see them as being any less 'fair game' as you put it than the general public, in a public place they have no right to privacy but it would be unfair to just take a picture an walk away, I often go back many times to the people, having a hard life, just to talk and check that they are OK (or even in need of a meal or a little money) ......
Yeah every picture does tell a story, I can look at some photos many times and still not know what to say, so might not say anything. Street photography has never really been my cup of tea, but it doesn't bother me looking at it, commenting is another matter.
