You might be interested in Suson Sontags 'on photography'. She is a philosopher who wrote at length about our relationship with the camera and how it affects our relationship with the world. I don't agree with her conclusions but it's interesting to think about.
Your thoughts on guilt got me thinking about an interaction I had while shooting in the streets a few weeks ago. A gentleman saw me walking around photographing people. He approached me and asked me why I didn’t take a picture of the guy sitting in the chair. I told him I don’t like taking pictures of homeless people. He replied back to me by doing that you’re treating him as if he isn’t there, he deserves to have his photo taken just as much as anyone else out here, he has a story too. That got me thinking that maybe I don’t take photos of homeless people because I feel guilty doing so. I essentially feel like I’m taking something from them without giving them something in return. Also, I think I don’t feel comfortable photographing homeless people because so many other people say it’s wrong. Since then I’ve started photographing homeless again. It definitely isn’t what I solely go out to photograph, however, if I see someone that looks interesting, I’ll photograph them and when it’s appropriate I’ll ask for a portrait and take some time to talk to them or help if I can. I’m not sure if this is was exactly related or unrelated from your thoughts on guilt, but after reading it, this is what popped in my head so I thought I’d share. Anyway thanks Gajan, I really enjoy these reads.
You might be interested in Suson Sontags 'on photography'. She is a philosopher who wrote at length about our relationship with the camera and how it affects our relationship with the world. I don't agree with her conclusions but it's interesting to think about.
Thanks for this recommendation. I'm gonna check this out.
seconding this
Your thoughts on guilt got me thinking about an interaction I had while shooting in the streets a few weeks ago. A gentleman saw me walking around photographing people. He approached me and asked me why I didn’t take a picture of the guy sitting in the chair. I told him I don’t like taking pictures of homeless people. He replied back to me by doing that you’re treating him as if he isn’t there, he deserves to have his photo taken just as much as anyone else out here, he has a story too. That got me thinking that maybe I don’t take photos of homeless people because I feel guilty doing so. I essentially feel like I’m taking something from them without giving them something in return. Also, I think I don’t feel comfortable photographing homeless people because so many other people say it’s wrong. Since then I’ve started photographing homeless again. It definitely isn’t what I solely go out to photograph, however, if I see someone that looks interesting, I’ll photograph them and when it’s appropriate I’ll ask for a portrait and take some time to talk to them or help if I can. I’m not sure if this is was exactly related or unrelated from your thoughts on guilt, but after reading it, this is what popped in my head so I thought I’d share. Anyway thanks Gajan, I really enjoy these reads.
Thank you for sharing this. Intention is everything and it's great to hear people rediscover theirs through experience. Wishing you all the best.