Re: [Leica] Personal portfolios of misery

[Dan Cardish <dcardish@microtec.net>]

In a recent interview with Natchwey in "Camera Arts" magazine, he stated,
"I understand what my function is, but I also recognize that there are
times when I'm the only one who can actually make a difference in saving
someone.  When that's clear to me, I put down my camera and do my best to
help."

Dan C.

At 01:43 PM 29-08-00 -0700, Paul Chefurka wrote:
>>From: Jim Brick [mailto:jim_brick@agilent.com]
>
>>
>>What I don't like, actually detest, is the merging of a 
>>terribly troubled
>>soul with fine art and/or a personal portfolio.
>>
>>Neither a personal portfolio nor fine art should be made, 
>>based upon the misery of another human being.
>
>I'm not sure I understand you here, Jim.  Where do you draw your line and
>say "this is OK, that isn't" in cases like this?  Is Natchwey's "Inferno"
>not a personal portfolio, and based on the individual misery of many people?
>What about "Minimata" - that essay violates the fine art/misery proscription
>pretty handily.
>
>Lots and lots of photo essays have been done of people in desperate physical
>or mental misery.  Many of these have raised the awareness of folks like me,
>who don't come in contact with such situations very often.  And these have
>been done by photographers as personal work, with no medical intent, purely
>one of expanding the awareness of viewers.
>
>In a way I'm amazed by the strength of the negative reaction this has
>generated.  To me, it's honest work about a difficult subject - one that is
>sufficiently important for people to think about that a visual prod like
>this is totally appropriate.
>
>So, respectfully, I disagree.
>
>Paul Chefurka
>
>