[Leica] Requesting opinions about the dignity

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

Tina offered:

>>Subject: Re: [Leica] Requesting opinions about the dignity

>>Any time someone asks not to have their photo made, it's good to respect
their wishes.  I don't always ask ahead of time because I don't want posed
photos, but if I do take the photos I always give the person my card and
tell them if they want copies to contact me.  That way they can tell me if
they don't want the photos 

published.  So far, very few people have said they don't want to be
photographed.  Digital helps because you can show them the photo
immediately.<<<<

 

Tina,

If I'm asked not to take a picture of someone, even in a public area, as you
do, I respect that wish.

WHY? 

Well out of respect if the roles were reversed and I asked a photographer
not to take my picture, I'd expect he or she to comply. Remember? Do to
others as you'd like them to do to you.

I also shoot first and ask after if I see an absolutely compelling moment to
be photographed. If you ask first in some cases the moment will be lost
forever.

By the same token if it's a situation happening and probably will continue
and you ask without changing the momentum, then ask first. 

As you say, digital has been helpful in showing the photo to the subject. In
each case it was accepted with a smile and positive re-action of OK.

Many years ago when on a tourism assignment we were always collecting names
and addresses of subjects with the promise to send a print later.

Just imagine how many photo situations you shoot and names and addresses you
collect during a 2 month shoot everyday during a summer shoot? We'd arrive
back and spend a fortune in time and paper just making free prints and
mailing. Only to find out later we'd missed a few. :-(

The secret is, hand people your card! Then put the responsibility on them to
contact you. However it must include a description of picture or pictures
also what they were wearing, where and colour of clothes. 

In this fashion you've shown honourable intention to give them a print "if
they contact you!"

And right there is the secret to getting them out of your face and not
having to make 2000 free prints! People lose your card, forget it and or
don't bother, so you never hear from them.

However, read my lips as this is the very important part! "probably the MOST
IMPORTANT!" When a response is received you had better send a print. WHY? 

Well don't ever think . "Hey I'll never see those people again to hell with
sending a print!" SURPRISE!!!!

You are going to run into them sometime in the future and the first question
they will ask even if it's ten years later. "Where the hell are my
pictures!"

And you are standing there like a complete ass for not doing what you said.
"here's my card contact me and I will send you a print!"

Don't scoff at this, as it's simple plain old fashion life experience. Trust
me! Do you ever feel utterly stupid! :-(

ted