Good Manners and Photography
Of course if you are shooting the local forestry this would not really apply. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad – but a person might.
For example, you’re prowling the backstreets of some Third World city, or even your own, trying to capture a particular mood. You get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously seen better days. All the same, there is something you see in her pose, something noble in her expression, so you shoot it.
Later you can fix the shots in photo editing software, give it a good color balance and your friends will admire it. Obviously you derive the pleasure of your efforts – but what did the model get?
Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a powerful image, so thinking myself a god with a Canon I boldly took the shot. My subject became very upset – and I could see his point: nobody wants to be recorded for posterity looking bad?
I promised myself I would never do that again and threw away the negative when I returned my darkroom. Should I have asked for his OK first? Because he most likely would have refused permission, this would not have resolved the situation. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first place? Had I thought about it a little more I probably would have taken my shot from behind and spared his feelings.
Sometimes the true value of the image when you take a candid shot, is in the subject not being aware of you. These photos can be terrific but presenting yourself and your intention ahead of time could spoil the effect. However, what you can do is once you’ve got your shot, approach the subject, let them know you’d like to take a photo and do the best job you can of taking a flattering picture of the person. As in many things it is the thought that counts and this hold true here even though they may never see it.
Another suggestion, often appreciated in poorer countries or areas where the local people have been assaulted photographically on a daily basis by throngs of tourists, is to offer at least some polite financial exchange for the modelling services provided. This is usually appreciated and it’s good for your conscience.
As another example: I once conducted a photo essay for myself on a particular school. It was impossible for me to provide all the teachers and students with a print each so I burned a CD of some of the better shots and gave it to the head teacher.
Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.
All this comes under the heading of good manners, and good manners are always appreciated. Also you will probably find yourself to be welcomed back in the case of having to re-shoot anything later.
Try it.
