How does the society feel about photographers? While I was out in the snowstorm taking photos using flash, I got some curious glances from passerbys. Somehow I was reminded of articles from abroad, discussing the changed attitudes towards photography. Are we learning to fear photographers? On the other hand, someone using a camera in a snowstorm is certainly an odd sight.
In March 2008 Times Online published an article titled Street photographers fear for their art amid climate of suspicion: 'Now, a new poster campaign by the Metropolitan Police is inviting Londoners to call a hotline if they don't like the look of a photographer. “Thousands of people take photos every day,” runs the text. “What if one of them seems odd?” The poster states that terrorists use cameras for surveillance. Life with a camera might be about to turn tougher.'
This campaign generated a lot of opinions, encouraging photographers to resist, for example by learning How to Shoot (Photographs) Like A Terrorist. Bruce Schneier wrote an excellent essay (as always) on this, titled The War on Photography, using the term movie-plot threat: "The problem with movie-plot security is it only works if we guess the plot correctly. If we spend a zillion dollars defending Wimbledon and terrorists blow up a different sporting event, that's money wasted. If we post guards all over the Underground and terrorists bomb a crowded shopping area, that's also a waste. If we teach everyone to be alert for photographers, and terrorists don't take photographs, we've wasted money and effort, and taught people to fear something they shouldn't."
What can be done? Well, I for one will just go on taking photos in public places.
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2 comments:
You should try going out with a pro size SLR and lens, you suddenly become even more conspicuous. I am enjoying following your blog, your photographic production rate puts me to shame!
Using big equipment like that certainly raises interest. But it is surprising how some professional photographers still manage to not be intruding despite all that gear. Probably a skill that you develop when doing a lot of assignments.
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