Eithics in Photography?

[college4christ81]

Hi I have a few issues I wanted to talk about from a Christian point of view. First issue, I am a amateur photographer and I notice when I go to a book store and pull and Photography magazine off the shelf more likely then not they have nudity in the magazine and it seems that is common place in many parts of photography. Does anyone else run into this problem? The second issue is what do people think of taking pictures of people just walking down the street? I ask this second question because I would like to get pictures of people in everyday life, in otherwords candid shots of people. Well just some ideas I'm wanting feedback on.

 

[flying_kiwifruit]

I do run into the problem of inapropreit photos as I do not look at those magazines. As for taking pictures of people, I will take pictures of my friends anytime, but strangers I try to do it in a way that there face is not visible.

Nat

 

[college4christ81]

Well I wouldn't read the magazines either but they give me tips on shooting pictures. With the pictures of strangers part, you make a good point. I once took a pic of a kid along lake Michigan but you can't make his face out cause its shadowed and all you see is the outline of his body with the back drop of water rushing up into the air.

 

[cristianna]

In regards to nudity photos, I really think it comes down to style and taste. I've seen some extremely classy ones of pregnant ladies wrapped in a sheet covering all but their bellies, even mothers with their newborns, but then of course there are some I find very distasteful. I think it's all in one's opinion and taste interests. I know many photographers who will not do any type of nudity shots. I also would not, but I would have no problem capturing the essence of a woman pregnant.

When capturing candid city life it's difficult to always ensure the faces aren't recognizable. If you do find you've captured someone easily identified I'd just ask them for permission, maybe offer them $10 bucks or so to sign a release. Generally they are flattered, and normally they don't care unless you're doing serious commercial photography.

 

[Alaskamomma]

I think God created the human body and that in its innoscence we can take pcitures of it to celebrate it. However, that can always be abused and we should not support it when it does. But like the above post of taking one of a mother and child, well, that is apporpriate, imo.

 

[Tiberius]

Hi I have a few issues I wanted to talk about from a Christian point of view. First issue, I am a amateur photographer and I notice when I go to a book store and pull and Photography magazine off the shelf more likely then not they have nudity in the magazine and it seems that is common place in many parts of photography. Does anyone else run into this problem? The second issue is what do people think of taking pictures of people just walking down the street? I ask this second question because I would like to get pictures of people in everyday life, in otherwords candid shots of people. Well just some ideas I'm wanting feedback on.

Don't confuse artistic nude photos with porn. Michaelangelo's statue of David is nude, but no one could consider it porn. Artistic nude photography is popular because it is hard - it takes a skilled model and photographer to do it well, so it's a way of bragging - showing that they can do it well.

In Australia, it's legal to take any photos you want as long as you are on public land, although you do need a model release if you are going to use a photo of someone in an advertisiment or similar. However, I don't think you need one if you're going to be selling the picture. If in doubt, play it safe and get a model release form signed by the person. If you've got any other questions, you'd be best talking to a lwyer, as they'd know the laws for your part of the world.

 

[Crucifix]

Don't confuse artistic nude photos with porn. Michaelangelo's statue of David is nude, but no one could consider it porn. Artistic nude photography is popular because it is hard - it takes a skilled model and photographer to do it well, so it's a way of bragging - showing that they can do it well.

Tiberius is correct about this aspect of photography. It can't be for prurient intests alone; there MUST be an element of professionalism to this. Otherwise, it's pornography. Anatomic artists (and photographers) who draw and take pictures for medical texts study to a further degree of fine art than the regular artist because of the specialized nature with which they are dealing.

As for the candids, you'll have to get your subjects unaware, unless they're being paid or don't mind being decoys for other people whom you might want to photograph. More than likely you'll have to get a consent form from each person if you publish your work. The aspect of privacy is a big issue.

Have you thought of joining a photography club (if you're not already a member of one) and ask the members if they would mind taking candid shots of each other in the environment you propose? This might be one solution to your problem.