Candid Photography and Good Manners

[Christie Bates]

This doesn't really apply of course if you're taking shots of
inanimate objects. A tree is not likely to get offended if you shoot
it at a moment when its branches look forlorn and sad - but a person
might.
For example, you're prowling the backstreets of some Third World city,
or even your own, trying to capture a mood of desolation or
estrangement - don't ask me why, but people like shooting this kind of
thing - and you get an old woman in your viewfinder who has obviously
seen better days. Nevertheless, there's a certain grace in her pose,
and a nobility in her expression, so you shoot.
Later you can zap the pix in Photoshop, give it a good color balance
and your friends will admire it. You get that pleasure for your
efforts - but what did your model get?
Back when I was first taking photos I caught sight of a one legged man
on a crutch hobbling towards me along a city street. It was a striking
image, so being a god with a Nikon I brazenly stepped out and took it.
The subject got very upset - and I immediately saw his point: who
wants to be immortalized looking your worst?
When I returned to the darkroom I threw the negative out and made a
vow not to do that again. Should I have asked his permission first?
That would not have solved the situation and he most certainly would
have said no. The point was, why was I taking that shot in the first
place? If I'd thought about it I would have taken a shot from the back
and at least spared his feelings.
Sometimes you take a candid snap and the value of the shot is that the
person is unaware of your interest. These pictures can be great and
the effect would be spoiled by going up and announcing your intention
beforehand. However, what you can do is once you've got your shot,
approach the subject, let them know you'd like to take a photo and do
the best job you can of taking a flattering picture of the person.
They may never see it, but here, as in many things - it's the thought
that counts.
Another variation, especially if you're in that same Third World
country where the locals have probably been photographed every which
way by thousands of tourists, is to carry some small denomination
notes or coins in your pocket, and politely offer payment for the
modeling work. This is usually appreciated and it's good for your
conscience.
Some other examples:  one time I did my own personal photo essay
on a school. It wasn't practical to offer every student and teacher a
print but I cut a CD of the best shots and presented it to the
principal.
Another time, I shot a dog class and made some small prints of the ten
best shots and gave them to the trainer to pass out at the next class.
All this comes under the heading of good manners, and good manners are
always appreciated. Furthermore if you want or need to return and re-
shoot, you'll find yourself welcomed not resisted.
Try it.