RE: [Leica] quiet cameras in cathedrals?

[Jem Kime <jem.kime@cwcom.net>]

Mitch,
Thanks for the great big grin!
I guess that's the difference between talking in person and corresponding 
through a time line. In an instant you'd have set me straight on your 
actions and we'd have gone off on a different topic.

Just because work is critically acclaimed doesn't justify the means of 
acquiring it.

A few years back, some photographer persuaded the health club where 
Princess Diana trained to install 2 way mirrors so he could shoot some pix 
of her working out. The photos were applauded by other photographers who 
could appreciate the ingenuity to achieve the result and could have wished 
to have thought of it first, and by the public who bought the papers in 
their millions with the pictures in, but would you want to have done that?

But the topic was hot fun while it lasted.

Jem


- -----Original Message-----
From:	Zeissler, Mitch [SMTP:mzeissle@gcipoa.gannett.com]

Jem...

Man, who rattled your cage and took away the banana?  <<great big grin>>
Sorry I rubbed you the wrong way; evidently I did not provide enough 
detail.

For the record, I did not take any photos during the services I observed; I
merely noted that other tourists were escorted out when they did not follow
verbal requests by the church members.  Whenever I was specifically
requested to abstain from doing something [by *anyone* I came in contact
with, not just the religious community], I honored the request.  After all,
I was a guest in Austria, and I did not want to be considered an Ugly
American and be given the ol' heave-ho.

However, I feel compelled to point out that the history of photography is
rife with others that *have* taken a stand opposite yours and that many of
the Leica artists discussed in this forum have critically acclaimed works
that explore all avenues of life, including worship.

/Mitch Zeissler

- -----Original Message-----
From: Jem Kime [mailto:jem.kime@cwcom.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2000 3:58 AM
To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us'
Subject: RE: [Leica] quiet cameras in cathedrals?


Mitch,
I have to say that for anyone to have the insensitivity to want to
photograph others in the act of worship beggars belief!
Where else might you expect to be able to walk into a meeting house and
watch people involved in a private act and expect to photograph them?
Rotary clubs? Masonic societies? Moms and Toddlers? Alchoholics Anonymous?
Churches are open to welcome worshippers, they were never made or designed
for tourists. I'm surprised they let you in at all during worship, look
upon that as generosity on their part.
I can understand their reticence to let photographers take pictures for
free, many of them only have  their historic beauty to capitalise on
financially. If they can't sell you their photo postcards, guide book or
permit to take pictures then what do they get out of your visit? Frequently 
nothing, and yet they face enormous bills trying to maintain the structure
of these ancient buildings which people generally like to admire.
Jem