I selected this forum for the quotation since many of us find ourselves doing (or trying to do) street photography or photography in places where such activity might be restricted or frowned upon.(posted 8328 days ago)Part of my interest in this issue was in reading an article in a current America Photo magazine about Henri-Cartier Bresson being photographed by David Douglas Duncan, and Bresson's upset over the photos being published. Bresson evidently was a man who believed in photographing anyone anywhere, except himself...American Photo, May/June 2001. There is also a beautiful photo of Bob Dylan and Joan Baez backlit on a stage platform (page 56) by Daniel Kramer in the same issue.
The Sontag quote made me think of this. If we go on the street and roam around town looking for potential photographs, what restrictions do we place on ourselves to photograph or not to photograph?
Often I find people in situations that would make an interesting image or tell a story or whatever. Most often I refrain from taking the photograph due to my respect for their privacy. With regard specifically to People Photography, is every person a potential photograph, and when do we say Yes and when do we say No to ourselves to take or not to take that photograph.
I've been exploring how to deal with restrictions placed on us from the outside regarding photography (by theaters, concert halls, night clubs, public parks, and such). Now I am exploring what restrictions we might place on ourselves regarding what we allow ourself to photograph and what we reject...on this forum, specifically people.
Is learning when NOT TO SHOOT an important lesson?
I would be interested in hearing thoughts from street photographers on this.
That's the reason for posting the quotation...it didn't seem to arouse much interest. Sorry.