“You are reminded that under UK law, there are no restrictions on taking photographs in a public place or on photography of individuals, whether they are adults or minors. There is no right to privacy in a public place, although photographers are of course subject to the usual libel laws in the same way as any other citizen and should observe them. Equipment or film may not be confiscated, or images deleted by any person or officer unless a warrant for such action is issued. Any attempt without a warrant is considered assault under UK law“. This is a passage of text carried by a well known photojournalist to protect himself from confrontation with the public when taking street photography
I am a big fan of street photography and photojournalism, I love to look at pictures that capture a moment in time of the reality that is around us everyday. I see the artistic quality in good street photography, I also see the historic significance of people attempting to capture life in this way. I believe it is a very important way of recording life as it happens, especially when it is unscripted and shot in a natural environment. That way there is no bias and no ulterior motive behind the image, just the image and how we personally choose to understand it.
I however am constantly struggling with the ethics of photojournalism and street photography because there are 2 points of view. I feel sorry for those ‘personalities’ that the media latches on to and decides are ‘newsworthy’ and there to be ’in the public interest’ because this ultimately gives the press (in their eyes) the right to make sometimes disgusting and wholly unethical invasions into their private lives. I find this, at times, to be unsettling, especially after what happened to Princess Diana who ultimately lost her life to the intrusion of it by the press. When you now look at the treatment of celebrities such as Britney Spears or Amy Winehouse you worry that it is not long before a similar tragedy happens to them. I understand this is the price celebrities pay and they have a responsibility to be good role models however members of the press are more and more taking advantage of this. Yes these ‘photographers’ have their own name, ‘The Paparazzi’ and should, in theory be grouped separately just as trashy tabloids are grouped separately from the broadsheets. Unfortunately more and more it is the case that they are not in the eyes of the general public.
The problem is the reputation and image of street photographers and photojournalists is being lumped together with ‘The Paparazzi’ by many of the general public and are being viewed with distain. The average Joe on the street is becoming more aware and suspicious of street photographers, often feeling a certain hostility towards SLR holding ‘snappers’. I added the text above to reassure those of us about our rights to photograph in public places and societies need to have these people. However we must also be aware of our responsibilities and the boundaries we must observe to avoid upsetting an already wary general public
Some of the photo’s I have included have been taken on the street, some without the subject being aware of the shot being taken. I’d be interested in what you all think about the ethical side of publishing these shots and whether they could be considered art, journalistic or simply an invasion of privacy? It has bothered me as to whether I should show them on Redbubble or not, what do you think?
Alternatively please feel free to comment or debate about what I have said I’d love to hear your side of this argument.
Ben
Paul Louis Vil..., 9 months ago
In our city streets we are often under the monitor of CCTV for the council whether we like it or not.
What you are discussing is art. Life is art.
Redtempa, 9 months ago
Your right Paul, I am probably filmed almost everywhere I go during a normal working day in London on CCTV. The strange and slightly worrying thing is I have almost stopped noticing anymore. I suppose that is the difference between CCTV and somebody snapping in front of you with a camera, the CCTV is far more subtle, not as noticable.
Barssel, 9 months ago
I agree Paul, however I am sometimes made to feel very uncomfortable by street subjects…......................once had to flee from a man wielding a nasty looking umbrella! And in the case of children, well I personally don’t.
I suppose we just need to be a bit sympathetic…..................is that what you mean RT?
Redtempa, 9 months ago
In terms of kids I agree, I personally would take photo’s of chldren at anytime without the parents express permission. However whether people do or not is their choice as long as it is done ethically I don’t have a problem… some of the greatest photojournalistic shots have been of children.
As you say Barassel being sypathetic is what is needed but also thoughtful and ethical to your subjects is the key because there are far to many supposed photographers (Paparazzi) that really do not give a damn about peoples feelings.
Anthea Slade, 9 months ago
The photographer and artist is always recording, interpreting and creating from life and it is the raw quality of capturing people natural, uninhibited in such moments of time that create, I believe the best photographs and art. That being said, I can understand also the need to respect the sensitivity of the subject and taking that into account. Photography as art is not hurting the subject I believe it is taking the subject and creating a new context and new perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed your piece here and found it to be very provocative and stimulating of thought.
Redtempa, 9 months ago
Thanks Anthea : )
Melissa Vowell, 9 months ago
Photojournalism and street photography is not something i’ve ever really done. But I do have an opinion on it and that is that it is fantastic. It is one of the most real, gritty, beautiful and sometimes eye opening forms of photography. I think people these days are too paranoid, too frightened of everything. I would never, ever have even considered lumping photojournalists/street photographers with the scum that is Paparazzi. I would love to try street photography. The problem is, i’m frightened to :)
coffeebean, 9 months ago
This is very interesting and yes I’ve wondered about some of the ethical issues too. I love street photography because it is a slice of life that should be recorded and often makes the most thought provoking images imaginable. Whenever I have taken to the streets I’ve felt quite self conscious and a little worried of a negative reaction so I mainly shoot sneakily! As long as we shoot with a conscience I believe street photography has a valuable and necessary role to play. Where else are we best seeing humanity just doing what it does. And photography is art and we should be able to express that moment in time which is so fleeting and never seen again in exactly that same way. Just my thoughts anyway and I’m going to keep on doing street photography hopefully with a little more confidence that it’s ok to do so.
Redtempa, 9 months ago
I’m glad you feel that way Melissa, I agree!
In terms of being frightened, well I think that is a positive quality to have as it makes you think twice about the feelings of the subject. I know I always go on a shoot with a certain element of fear anyway… I find it keeps me alert to whats going on around me and thats a good thing I find
Charlotte Morison, 9 months ago
Personally city streets and city life is my favourite thing to photograph, I often try to use the movement of the scene to disguise people’s faces so that they can remain unrecognisable.
I do not shoot unknown children without their parents expressed and written permission, however freely photograph the children in my family, although I would not publish their pictures without the permission of their parents.
I agree that a sympathetic and thoughtful view point is needed to ensure that people’s privacy is protected and the feel/art of the scene is captured.
Street photography is essentially a type of voyuerism that captures the hearts and minds of a culture, event and the beauty of everyday life.
I love it!
Melissa Vowell, 9 months ago
well, this and this would be the only two pieces of “street” photography i’ve ever taken. One was okay because it was 4am and no one was ON the street lol. The other was okay because they didn’t know as their backs were to me. But if I were to pursue this form of photography, where do you think would be the best place to begin, that wouldn’t be too frightening!
Marnie Kirkness, 9 months ago
Your piece was great Redtempa. I often wonder how street people feel about me wandering around snapping raw moments. I keep my distance so that it doesn’t feel invasive. But, as you have mentioned CCTV is capturing us all the time – maybe we should have a sign on our back that says ‘SLR in use’. I feel its journalistic afterall, just like the UK quote mentions – we are already in public view.
Redtempa, the images above are wonderful. I have no hesitation placing images of people on Redbubble where there faces arent recognizable, as for the others, that’s where i get stuck.
willd, 9 months ago
great thread, and one close to my heart…..Street photogrpahy is my passion above all else, and the buzz of capturing the right shot is amazing – as it is so instant, and you have to be so alert. I’ll get straight to my opinion (which if you have seen my portfolio should be obvious) I think including people in shots is fine – essentially they ‘make’ so many shots, and I think the shot above are awesome.
the reason for this is that I genuinely believe that the subjects on seeing the final images would be pleased to have been taken. if i think if i was the subject of a Winogrand,Meyorowitz (?), Parr, Frank or Klein (my heroes and obviously way out my league) i would be made up.
If you are in public you should not be doing anything to be ashamed of in the first place. eg – kissing in a crowded tube carriage – could be seen by a few dozen people at least. If i shot this that number would not increase significantly, even if published or exhibited ( i wish) then those poeple, if conscious, should have restrained in the first place. I guess in summary 1 person or 1 thousand people is there any difference?
Kids is definately a different thought process when considering whether to show images -but in capturing for me is entirely the same. I have a few shots of children in RB – though some are mine other arent. I ilke to apply the same theory – that the parents and children would like them. Would obviosuly never stray near ‘dodgy’.
Massivley hung over & tired – so this may make no sense to me in the morning but what the hey – I think (and hope) the point is put accoss.
ps – for all those nervous to get out there and shoot people – I have never had a negative reaction in 1000’s of shots (maybe luck) so I am unsure how i would react but the buzz mentioned earlier is worth the risk -
Charlotte Morison, 9 months ago
Willd, I totally agree, people shots are the most amazing, also I am perhaps a little more conservative in my expressed opinion above.
People convey the mood, culture and express that through the shot. It’s what gives so many of our best shots the emotion.
You may be hung over and tired, but what you say rings true for me!