I haven't started a discussion in awhile, mostly because my photography career is actually booming at the moment. Hey...I'm not gonna complain. However, I came across an interesting situation with a friend and wanted to see what everyone's response would be.
My friends uncle passed away this last weekend. He was a military veteran, so his funeral was conducted with full military honors. She texted me on her way down for the funeral to ask if she was crazy for wanting to shoot photos of the funeral since the color guard would be in full dress uniform for the event.
What situations would you say people should refrain from shooting photography? Is there any such thing as a situation to avoid with a camera?
Funny you should ask this.. there was a discussion last week, a student asked for input as he wanted to shot a funeral scene as part of a school project, and the overwhelming answer from most people was to not shoot a live funeral but to set one up...
different opinions all relevant to the person answering,, but just an opinion no less..
I feel that it all depends on the situation and people involved.. everyone will have a different reason for pro and con.. and I FEEL there is no right or wrong answer in this situation...
I'd have to agree with @nikkers . Having had my dad buried with full military honors, the moment was incredibly moving and emotionally overwhelming. Can't say that I'd have even noticed if someone would have been photographing it, but it's incredibly personal and both the veteran and family should be respected.
I think it is up the family of the deceased, if they would allow photographs of certain aspects of the funeral, such as the color guard. Not sure if the Military has any rules on that sort of thing. My two cents...
I wasn't speaking strictly of my friend's funeral, however. I only used that as an example. What about other events?
This past week the World Press Photography awards were presented. One photo that just floored me was a man throwing the dead body of an 8-year-old boy into a pile of bodies behind a hospital (this was their morgue). The photographer shot the photo as the dead boy's body was suspended in mid-air, as if it were merely a bag of garbage.
What about child birth? Or an abortion?
What about shooting graffiti, which is a popular subject, despite the fact most graffiti in public spaces is an illegal crime (destruction of private property)?
Do you think paparazzi who spend their careers tracking down every single waking moment (and a few sleeping moments) of celebrities is okay?
Think of some other situations, other than just funerals. And I agree with what @hjbenson said: public events should have no restrictions, private events should have permission. But when do you avoid even asking permission?
I think if you feel weird about shooting something, go with your gut and don't. But....there are so many amazing photographs from historical events that are the only visual record we have of those events. I went to the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas today and saw some superb historical treasures. I think people get too caught up in being PC. There are people in this world who run around naked...photographers don't avoid shooting them because we happen to be a modest society. Shit happens and the world is a wild, morbid, and fascinating place. Everything you can photograph is real; emotions, tragedies, dead bodies, landscapes, crime, disasters....photography isn't meant to be pretty all the time, it's meant to capture the world.
@jasonbarnette Ok I see what you mean..
and my answer to that is ..... it depends on the culture... in some cultures we cant eat pork or cow and in others thats a staple... so what we would consider to be crass, illegal.. disrespectful or unethical in one country , would be different in another..... again the opinion from one person is just that...
Its hard to determine as each of us have different life experiences that form who we are and determine our responses..
@sdpace Plus if we dont record the "ugly' in life how do we avoid it in the future. I.E the holocaust. we need these images to remember and stop it from happening again....
@nikkers Exactly. We were going to go to the Holocaust Museum today, but ran out of time. People in America NEED that to really have any understanding of what happened and how bad it was. Think of all the famous historic images that bring about emotion for you (or anyone)...we can't remember (or understand) the emotion if we can't remember the event.
My common sense and my manners tend to dictate what I should and shouldn't shoot. Paparazzi have the right to shoot photographs in public places...unfortunately they break those rules all the time, as hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line. So I see both sides of the coin...the need to photograph events of the world, but to do so in as non-intrusive a way as possible.
Wow, just checked out the World Press photos...that was intense.
I like @sdpace's comment about photography not having to be "pretty" all the time, but being about "capturing the world"...
I would say, aren't some of the best pieces of art (in all media - not just photography) those which make you think? They may not always seem very pleasant, at the time, but a hard-hitting piece, that challenges, and provokes emotion or questioning, is what many artists strive for...
@sdpace I really like your response, and I completely agree. We need to document these events, no matter how ugly it is.
I enjoy shooting landscapes and history, which involves mostly shooting historical buildings and locations. I don't shoot many people, but I would absolutely love to. I would give up my "home life" in a heartbeat to travel the country or the world documenting intense moments in history, such as what is happening in Japan right now.
I do not believe a situation exists where you can't take photos. Sometimes, maybe you shouldn't, but never a "can't".
One of my very first assignments as a student photographer in college was to shoot some events for President's Day. Part of the event was a prayer while the color guard held the flags in place. I didn't shoot any photos because I was too nervous to pop off the strobes and shutter clicks when everyone else was so silent. But the first thing my boss asked was "Where are the photos of the Marine Corps. colonel leading prayer with the flags in the background?"
@aj1268 Did you find the photo I was talking about? Those photos were just amazing, and although they almost all surrounded terrible moments in history, those are the kinds of moments I wish I could document as a photographer.
@jasonbarnette Oh, yes I did. They were kind enough to give you warning before you viewed the photo...had to steel myself for that one. But they were all incredible. I'm off to show my husband the one from Budapest, as he is from Hungary. That one was really intense, also.
@jasonbarnette my photo partner Jenny was actually paid to shoot a funeral last year. She thought it was so strange, but seeing as the man was a fire chief or chief of police or something....it was a huge funeral with tons of honors that the son really wanted captured. She was tasteful in the shots she took, but she tried really hard to do a wonderful job for them. And to be honest, that one shoot changed so much about her life, and my life. We are now close friends with the son, attend his Bible study on Wednesdays and now work really closely with him as far as his wedding video business.
My opinion on it is if they ask, you do the best you can as a photographer to document it for them. I probably wouldn't have said that without our particular experience, but there's my answer for you now that I've been there. (or well, been there through my friend and co-photog)
@sdpace I really like your response about the other situations too. I can't say I'd be able to be one of those photographers...probably for the same reason I can't be a doctor and I don't do well at funerals (I'm a sunny, happy, butterfly person if you haven't noticed by my pics...lol) but yes, there is a need to shoot the raw, ugly as well. Otherwise, how else will history be documented? Someones words and stories about something that happened could easily be exaggerated or twisted. But the photo speaks for itself, if the photographer does it right.
I shot my own child's birth and when he almost didn't make it and than did (scored 3, not great... a quick trip to the NICU and he came out fighting) I shot the set-up in the church and during the wake at my own father's funeral. Next time I am home and they have the grave marker up I may shoot his headstone...
I have shot my wife breastfeeding, people after a miscarriage and drunks on the street...
It is not all stuff I would share, but when leafing through photos (I still print most things) I really enjoy having those photos to remember the events as much as my wedding photos, ect...
@amyhughes I actually think it's kind of great that this may be a new request, as it may mean we are less squeamish about death. After losing my daughter and taking pictures at her funeral, I had no reservations about taking photos at my Dad's funeral last year. After taking the photos at my baby's the whole situation has given me such a different outlook on life.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
different opinions all relevant to the person answering,, but just an opinion no less..
I feel that it all depends on the situation and people involved.. everyone will have a different reason for pro and con.. and I FEEL there is no right or wrong answer in this situation...
I actually shot a Military Funeral once. However, it was requested by the Family, because of the Pomp and Circumstance as yo mentioned.
However, when I shot it, I was careful not to shoot pictures of caskets and grieving widows.
My work was to capture the honor and respect that is deserving of a Military Veteran.
I hope that provides a visual for you.
I wasn't speaking strictly of my friend's funeral, however. I only used that as an example. What about other events?
This past week the World Press Photography awards were presented. One photo that just floored me was a man throwing the dead body of an 8-year-old boy into a pile of bodies behind a hospital (this was their morgue). The photographer shot the photo as the dead boy's body was suspended in mid-air, as if it were merely a bag of garbage.
What about child birth? Or an abortion?
What about shooting graffiti, which is a popular subject, despite the fact most graffiti in public spaces is an illegal crime (destruction of private property)?
Do you think paparazzi who spend their careers tracking down every single waking moment (and a few sleeping moments) of celebrities is okay?
Think of some other situations, other than just funerals. And I agree with what @hjbenson said: public events should have no restrictions, private events should have permission. But when do you avoid even asking permission?
and my answer to that is ..... it depends on the culture... in some cultures we cant eat pork or cow and in others thats a staple... so what we would consider to be crass, illegal.. disrespectful or unethical in one country , would be different in another..... again the opinion from one person is just that...
Its hard to determine as each of us have different life experiences that form who we are and determine our responses..
Wow, just checked out the World Press photos...that was intense.
I would say, aren't some of the best pieces of art (in all media - not just photography) those which make you think? They may not always seem very pleasant, at the time, but a hard-hitting piece, that challenges, and provokes emotion or questioning, is what many artists strive for...
I enjoy shooting landscapes and history, which involves mostly shooting historical buildings and locations. I don't shoot many people, but I would absolutely love to. I would give up my "home life" in a heartbeat to travel the country or the world documenting intense moments in history, such as what is happening in Japan right now.
I do not believe a situation exists where you can't take photos. Sometimes, maybe you shouldn't, but never a "can't".
One of my very first assignments as a student photographer in college was to shoot some events for President's Day. Part of the event was a prayer while the color guard held the flags in place. I didn't shoot any photos because I was too nervous to pop off the strobes and shutter clicks when everyone else was so silent. But the first thing my boss asked was "Where are the photos of the Marine Corps. colonel leading prayer with the flags in the background?"
@aj1268 Did you find the photo I was talking about? Those photos were just amazing, and although they almost all surrounded terrible moments in history, those are the kinds of moments I wish I could document as a photographer.
My opinion on it is if they ask, you do the best you can as a photographer to document it for them. I probably wouldn't have said that without our particular experience, but there's my answer for you now that I've been there. (or well, been there through my friend and co-photog)
I have shot my wife breastfeeding, people after a miscarriage and drunks on the street...
It is not all stuff I would share, but when leafing through photos (I still print most things) I really enjoy having those photos to remember the events as much as my wedding photos, ect...