I think one must distinguish between the taking of a photograph, and how it is to be used.
For all your examples, I would say that there's nothing wrong with taking those photos. Ever. Period.
How they're used may or may not be a different story, I'll admit. In fact, were we sitting, having several beers, I could discuss it for hours. Quite frankly, I think anything less would do the subject disservice, so I won't comment at this time. Simply not enough space.
regards, frank
"The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true." -J. Robert Oppenheimer
From: Robert Gonzalez <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: The morality of taking a photograph Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 00:10:15 -0600
Bob Blakely wrote:1. It is never immoral and should never be illegal to freeze an instant (anyDon't you think there have to be exceptions to this? I'm sure everyone has seen the wedding picture of the bouquet being thrown at some women and one of the women's top comes off when she jumps up to catch the bouquet, exposing her top a little more than she would like in public. While this was seen by a small number of the public, do you think that she had the expectation of this being plastered all over the internet? Similarly, I don't believe that *every* public situation, esp embarrassing ones come with any expectation of mass publication. I can name a few "instances" that can have massive consequences:
instant) in time of any one or thing seen in a public place. There is
clearly no expectation of privacy in the public arena.
a) a pic of a teen walking into an abortion clinic
b) pics of people leaving a gay bar or a brothel or adult bookstore
c) inebriated folks using the great outdoors for a bathroom
An individual looking at something or even a few individuals seeing something does not mean that a subject gives permission to the whole world to see them, esp if its in an unflattering manner. People can't live in a cave to avoid others looking at them or judging them. But if they expect a certain level of privacy when going out in public, for whatever reason, this should be respected.2. The presentation of truth clearly available to the public is never immoral. It is simply the truth.
They may know the truth, but may not be prepared for the whole world to know as well.3. Because something is unflattering, even unsympathetic doesn't mean it's unkind or inappropriate. Some folks need to know the truth, whether to do something about whatever it is or learn to live with it with grace.
The opposite can cause just as much harm also. Is it ok for an overweight child to be taunted by his classmates?4. Avoiding the elephant in the middle of the living room does no one any good and can actually cause harm.
Shouldn't that be her opinion?5. You are not denigrating the subject. If denigration is involved (and I don't believe it is) she is doing it to herself.
6. Not all things that cause (or could cause) pain are unkind.See, judgement, denigration...
7. Your job is to depict the truth. Period.
8. She looks like three pigs fighting under a blanket.
more judgement... more denigration...9. I bet that's a diet drink she has there - or perhaps a new prescription for her glasses.
Regards, Bob...
From: Shel Belinkoff [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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
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