Hey Shel, welcome back! I think the best argument for taking this picture is that you generally cannot go back and recreate a missed opportunity. "Shoot first, ask questions later". Even if the questions are only to yourself regarding not only technical aspects but personal/moral aspects about the photo. I would think this is the best way to learn what I would be comfortable shooting. If you decide later that you are not comfortable with the photo, you can always choose not to display it. But you will have learned in the process.
As to the photo, the only thing I really see as perhaps judgemental is the title "big eater". You asked the question yourself, is it a medical condition? Perhaps it's emotional or hereditary? Maybe she just likes to eat. A title that didn't indicate a preconception, such as " at the Park Cafe" or some such would require the viewer to judge these questions for themselves. I think many people would judge her to be a glutton, but then most people make incorrect judgements about other people on a daily basis. One can hardly control the reaction another will have to a certain photograph, though I think it is possible to make assumptions as to how a group in general might react. I think some controversy just goes with the territory in "documentary" photography. Of course there are different ways to approach this type of photography, and I think all are valid. ( I'm not talking sneaking photos in peoples homes and similar of course). Some situations require quick action, such as this picture, some require more involvement between subject and photographer (your lovely photo, "Grace" comes to mind). In the end, does the photo work for you? Does it help you at all in your own situation? Do you like it? I think every picture I take is a self portrait. I can learn more about myself from the photos I take than from photos taken of me. If looking at this photo helps you to learn more about yourself and your photography, great. If not, then you're not looking hard enough <g>. William in Utah. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Shel Belinkoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "PDML" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 9:10 AM Subject: The morality of taking a photograph > Hi gang, > > Notice I said "taking," for this photo wasn't offered, and the shutter > was tripped surreptitiously. The woman had no idea that I was going to > take this picture of her. > > I have mixed feelings about this shot. On the one hand it seemingly > reflects an aspect of American culture, yet, on the other hand, it's not > a very complimentary portrait, and one could argue that it in some ways > denigrates the subject. Is food the problem, or perhaps a medical > condition? Am I being judgmental or just recording a scene? Having > battled weight problems throughout my life, I'm somewhat sensitive to > this woman's situation. Still, the photo does, IMO, tell a story ... > and perhaps asks a question or two. > > My question to the list: Should this photo have been taken? Do you > think it is overly critical of the subject or sympathetic, or perhaps > judgmental? Maybe I'm being critical of myself, using the photo to work > through or better understand my own situation and problems. > > See for yourself, and share your thoughts: > http://home.earthlink.net/~scbelinkoff/bigeater.html > > > shel > >
