First, an explanation of
candid vs. portrait street photography:
Candid street photography means snapping a photo and not asking permission beforehand.
Candid street photography is an instant in time documenting a person and their surroundings. The person may or may not be aware of the camera.
In the above black and white photo the couple didn't notice me walk by and click off a shot of them.
Portrait street
photography changes the dynamic of the photo. The person poses for the camera in
his or her surroundings.
In the above colored image I approached the subjects and asked permission to take their photo.
Now we come to the ethics
of candid street photography.
Ethics is in the eye of the beholder. If you take images which you feel are exploiting people you are unethical. You, as the photographer, are the final person in determining what is and what isn’t exploitive.
There are many top street photographers who get right into peoples’ faces but don’t feel they are being exploitive. Joel Meyerowitz is one such photographer. Take a look at one of his videos.
Ethics is in the eye of the beholder. If you take images which you feel are exploiting people you are unethical. You, as the photographer, are the final person in determining what is and what isn’t exploitive.
There are many top street photographers who get right into peoples’ faces but don’t feel they are being exploitive. Joel Meyerowitz is one such photographer. Take a look at one of his videos.
If your intent is to document people, candid street photography isn’t exploitive. Taken tastefully every photo is unique, it captures a moment in time. If taken right, you can see the emotions and mystery of the moment.
If I plan on using an
image on my blog which shows a close-up of someone’s face, I generally approach the person and
start a friendly conversation after I have taken the shot. I hand them one of
my photography business cards. I offer to email a copy of the photo(s) to them at no cost.
Using my camera’s picture review mode I show them the photo I took of them while explaining I’m a photographer and blogger. I have found that people are very flattered that I think they are interesting enough to have taken their photo. I have never, in 20 years of street photography, had anyone get angry when I've approached them with this technique.
Do I always do this? No. It's not always practical. Or I may be in a busy area where I don't want to miss a shot.
Check the legality of street photography in your area. The laws vary dramatically.
Street photography recommended reading:
39 comments:
Mari, you have really touched on the hot button relating to street photography, the ethics. As you have said ethics is all up to the photographer and their moral code.
As towards the law in most countries, if you are in a public place (esp Canada, US) people are allowed to photograph you by law as protected by the constitution. In fact, as long as the photo is not being used for commercial purposes the photographer can publish it.
This is where ethics have to take over for the street photographer, they are not making photos to be exploitive but rather to make art. If someone is truly seeking privacy, off to a side or tucked away most street photographers will leave them alone. This is a reason most street photographers don't think it is right to be using telephoto lens. Aside from 50mm and under making usually bettter photos they also place teh photographer into the scene. There is a skill required for moving with the ebb and flow of the street to capture the right moment. But by being close the photographer can usually tell if the person wants to be photographed or no or at least they can move out of the way.
The final point is a lot of street images aren't using the person as the subject but more as part of the overall composition. These are usually what make the greatest and most difficult photos to do. THink of Henri Cartier Bresson's photo of the man jumping over the puddle. You can't recognize the man, and yet it is one of the most iconic street photographs of all time.
Now you are correct, some street photographers are agressive and in your face (check out bruce gilden) but again that fits into his ethical boundaries and is allowed.
I guess it comes down to in the end that like most things street photography is starting to become stereotyped negatively by most that truly don't understand it. If after this you still don't like the idea of being photographed in public, that is your right to feel that way. Just remember it isn't only street photographers, what about all those cameras on every corner of the city, security cameras, google street view, and the list goes on. We are being photographed without our permission everytime we walk out the door, at least the street photographer is making art of it and only sharing the best images :)
Sorry for the long comment :)
Aaron
http://streetogroffy.blogspot.com
Thanks Mari a very good article. I am not a " street photographer" although I do on occasion do street photography. If the image is candid and the people are not the main focus of the image, think of a scene of an event where there is a crowd of people watching, it would be ridiculous to think the photographer was going to get permission by dozens of people and in most places not required by law. By law in US you can photograph anyone in a public place where they are in public view and you can publish their photo without their permission ( or post it to your web site) You cannot use it to sell something.You do not need permission from someone to take their picture if they are in public view. However if they in an area where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, you are not allowed to invade that privacy by photographing them. So for example you can't use a telephoto lens to peer into someone's bedroom. Neither can you photograph someone in a private changing room or a public restroom even if, for some reason, you can see into it. There's a reasonable expectation of privacy in such areas and if you take a photograph and the subject files a complaint with the police, you may be arrested for charges related to invasion of privacy. A good primer on photography and privacy issues can be found athttp://www.rcfp.org/photoguide/. The article covers privacy laws of all 50 states.
You can even photograph children in a play ground ( as creepy as that sounds ) BUT be prepared to be questioned and possibly getting a punch in the face! Even at a wedding I will show the parents a picture of the child I have photographed and ask if they have a problem with it. If they do I erase itThat being said in most cases I will tell the persons that I have photographed them after the fact and offer them a free copy. I have never had anyone object.Now my disclaimer.. I am not a lawyer and do not state that I know the law in the US or anywhere else. If your going to be doing this talk to a lawyer in your area.
What a great post. I have to go back and reread your taking it to the streets post, too. I recently posted a similar topic on my blog (http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2011/07/lets-talk-appropriate-travel.html) and got some very interesting responses. I hadn't thought about the differences between taking the picture and posting it (I know - that should have been obvious, but somehow I missed it). I really like your approach. Thanks for the ideas.
Rinda
I never even thought about it before but I can understand why some people would feel it might be exploitative. I've only just started taking candids but I think the idea about offering to email a copy is excellent advice, if they don't like it you can just delete it.
These are gorgeous photos, Mari! It's so interesting for me to learn about some of the issues surrounding street photography...not being a photographer, I have never had to deal with any of these. Thank you for broadening my understanding!
It's also not good policy, and quite possibly illegal, to photograph identifiable people and then use the images to make a point that may not be true of them. Example: photo of 10 identifiable people waiting in line for a movie with the caption that 3 of every 10 people have a drinking problem, or some such claim.
not really into people photography..bad experiences from the past such as people trying to hit you and other stuffs..I'd rather let sleeping dogs lie..
Mari,
Speechless. Absolutely beautiful. I love love your work. The BlogNostics badge looks great.
Lovig you
Jess
Yes, you have to consider the ethics of candid people photography. And seems to revolve around what you as the photographer do after taking the shot. As you say, you discuss with the subject and seek their approval which should be the way of things.
So taking the shot is less important, it is what you do with it afterward.
Interesting street photos and text regarding this practice. That's remarkable that no one has been offended at you snapping their pic but then again I believe everyone should feel flattered that you find them interesting subject matter. Thanks for clearing up the issues. Nice post!! :)
Syed - wow! if people tried to hit me I wouldn't do this either. Maybe it's my grey hair and sweet little old lady looks that keeps me safe lol. You always find such interesting and beautiful things to photograph that you don't need to add this to the mix anyway.
Could be very true!
It's an art form that I love. But flowers and nature are more fun.
Yes, there's always the delete button. I prefer a zoom lens not a close up lens. I'm to old to run fast lol. I'll be doing a few more posts on this subject. If you'd like to share any of your photos, open your comment box and click the + symbol in the lower left corner. It's fun to view other's photos.
Love the long comment! This really added a lot to explaining my post - Thank you.
Thank you Jim for your words and especially the link. This is great information.
I'm now following your blog and feel that I've found a kindred spirit in art and photography!
Thank you Jessica.
If the person is clearly visible and obviously the focus of the image I ask permission. If it's a crowded street scene then of course I can't ask permission of everyone.
That was very interesting Mari. Candid photography and portrait street photography...the difference.
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/08/reawakening.html
Interesting photos. Learnt something about street photography as well. Thanks.
Wonderful and informative article! And the video was fun to watch!
“The Controversy of Street Photography” sheds clear light on
the subject of street photography ethics.This video offers a good lesson in paying attention. Photography must require a good bit of
instinct too. It isn’t just a matter of
‘eye’ but intuition and following the creative impulse.
hi mari, this is a great comment box.
beautiful shots- angles and all.
i like your black and white style, its just the right shade of b/w.
i don't fancy charcoal black/ glaring black shots- which makes a great Photo looks stiff and depressing :)
your blog is always my no 1 favorite- honest to goodness comment :) have a wonderful day
I always love your photos! And this is such a great topic. A fellow missionary and I were discussing this the other day. Makes for a lively discussion!!
Very informative Mari! You always have me itching all over to change my profession to a photographer. Thank you for sharing this!
That is really a cool information for me. I never thought about the ethical side of it. But it is nice to know. I wouldn't mind someone taking my picture at the street... as long as they put a nice caption...like handsome guy or something like that:D
This is a great read, and the pictures have such insight. I appreciate you posting. I have always found it odd that people are comfortable taking pics of the homeless without getting their permission. I find that to be a commentary on our view of them here in the U.S. As you may, or may not know, in the U.S. we trend to have more respect for oriole suffering in other counties than we have for oriole suffering in our country.
Anyway, thanks.
I'd definitely add handsome guy under your photo. :D
I think if done ethically you could get some wonderful street shots! I'd love to see them. They don't have to be close-ups of people, take them from the distance. I'll be calling for guest photographers to send in street photos of their area of the world - would love to see some from you and perhaps your friend as well. :D
Wan you are a blessing. Your comments always keep me going. You know I love your posts as well and all the wonderful recipes. Some have become family recipes :D
Thank you. Joel has a number of videos on YouTube - he is a master of street photography.
Kerrie - thank you. I'm working on a series regarding street photography. Stop by again :D
I'll be asking for guest photographers when I finish this series of posts on street photography. Maybe Ron would like to participate. Not all photos need to be close-ups if he's more comfortable taking photos from a distance. The faces don't have to be clear or in focus. Many street photographers start by taking photos at fairs and concerts.
Oh thanks for sharing this Mari...I've always wanted to take images of kids in our street... or beggars and most of the times, it takes me aback, because I'm afraid I'll be exploiting them and my country for its poverty...Sometimes, I'd like to offer them money so I could take a shot...but that is also beyond me...hmmm...
I've always been interested in street photography...I especially like portraits... candid shots are also welcoming but I have yet to muster the courage to do that....
Thanks...perhaps I'll try...let's see...
First check the laws in your city and country. There are many famous photographers who photographed street children and beggars. Do a Google search and read up on them and look at lots of their images - it's a great way to learn. Try your library for books on the subject. I would definitely use black and white as the starkness would add to the drama. If you are comfortable getting up close and personal use a 50mm lens on a dSLR camera. If you don't have a dSLR camera iPhones and Point and Shoot cameras are becoming very popular in street photography. My next post will be about types of camera, lenses and I'll post a list of famous photographers along with what they use to capture their images :D
Mari I have always wondered about the ethics of doing this. SO glad you sorted it out for me and as always your photographs are fantastic! Thanks a ton for sharing this with us...
Great Post! Thanks for giving detailed description about blog.
nice post. I am sure that in most parts of the world taking photograph of people in street (candid) is not illegal. However, unsaid ethics require photographers to show respect to the subject and should they address any concerns.
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