Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/07/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On Jul 16, 2008, at 4:12 PM, Tina Manley wrote: > At 06:59 PM 7/16/2008, you wrote: >> Wondering what some of you think about shooting pictures of people >> whose religion forbids being photographed (i.e., Amish)? I >> struggle with this regularly as there are lots of Amish in Ohio and >> they live in such picturesque environments. My personal approach >> has been to photograph their farms, buggies, etc. at will but not >> to photograph them from the front. Usually, I just do grab shots >> from the car but never of them unless they don't see me (i.e., from >> behind, long tele, etc.). Am I being too sensitive? >> >> Rob > > Rob- > > The Amish religion does not forbid being photographed. The Amish > are particularly sensitive to being a tourist attraction and do > value their privacy. Many photographers who have established a > relationship with the Amish people have published photos and books. > Just one example: > http://amishphoto.com/ But he has spent 36 years photographing the > Amish and gaining their trust. I think that is totally different > from grab shots from a photographer who has no relationship with the > people. Taking the time to develop a relationship makes all the > difference in the photos and their use. If you make the effort to > meet the Amish and talk to them about their religion and society, I > would think they would be very welcoming to your photographing their > lives with sensitivity and not exploitation. As a photojournalist, > not a paparazzi. You are not being too sensitive and your instincts > are right. I agree entirely with Tina's point of view and feelings. The issue reminds me of the Hopi people, who are private, sensitive, do not wish to be a tourst attraction or exploited... but if you are a friend, and develop a relationship... they are very congenial, and not adverse to photopgraphs, except during religious ceremonies. Steve > > > Tina > > Tina Manley > www.tinamanley.com > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information