Monday, July 29, 2013

Permission Granted

WNBR STL 2013 6

At the Maine Media Workshops, where I received my photography training, they drill one principle into you: ask permission. On the other hand, at least in this country, the law holds that if you are out on the street, you have no expectation of privacy from photographers as long as the picture isn't used for commercial purposes. Fine art, whatever that means, is always ok.

I asked for and received permission to take these pictures. A few people declined. When that happens I say no problem, that's why I ask, and the potential subject is appreciative. Later Saturday night, when the ride passed in front of the Arch, someone screamed at me for taking pictures, someone who was whizzing through a downtown street wearing, I presume, not much. (I never saw her).

I've got a tee shirt from a Diane Arbus exhibition with one of her most famous quotes across the back: one of the risks of appearing in public is the likelihood of being photographed. Should have worn it but didn't.                        

WNBR STL 2013 7

10 comments:

cieldequimper said...

I hope it's hot in St-Louis, otherwise they might catch a cold.

Cool reflection in the sunglasses!

Oakland Daily Photo said...

When you've got it, flaunt it.

Olivier said...

j'adore Diane Arbus et je trouve sa citation tres juste (et bien pour les photographes ;)) ) sympa les portraits.

Pour prendre des éclairs en photos, c'est comme pour prendre un feu d'artifice, la seule différence faut trouver un endroit ou tu es bien protégé et ou les éclairs tombent (ce qui n'est pas toujours le plus facile), techniquement c'est vraiment pas difficile. Et en plus j'ai de la chance , les éclairs tombent en face de mon balcon ;)


Kate said...

Some rather interesting subjects. Wish I could get my hands on a t-shirt like yours. Perhaps I could just get one made. . . now, there's a thought!

s.c said...

When I did a crash course of street photography with Foam, the famous photography museum of amsterdam, rule one was not photographing people that are posing for you. It say two things. In their eyes this is no street photography and second you can make very interesting pictures by letting people pose. I like them.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Real or fake :) these are fab fun shots Bob!

Birdman said...

Ya, I agree. Got it? Use it. If not as Kramer says, "Look away, I'm hiddious!"

William Kendall said...

Terrific shots!

Sister Mary Frances of the Sisters of Little or no Mercy would be shocked. Shocked, I say!

Jack said...

What an event! And I missed it!

Your subjects are all smiling smiles that mean "Sure, go ahead, I'm glad you like what you see!"

Stefan Jansson said...

Great street portraits Bob.