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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 15,385
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Photographers who didn't step in
Quote:
The Bystanders: photographers who didn't step in to help - in pictures
What's it like to witness a mob attack, a starving child or the aftermath of a bomb, and take a photograph instead of stopping to help? As two journalists are under fire for recording rather than intervening in a sex attack in India, we ask people who know
What's it like to witness a mob attack, a starving child or the aftermath of a bomb, and take a photograph instead of stopping to help? As two journalists are under fire for recording rather than intervening in a sex attack in India, we ask people who know
What do you think?
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: uk/usa
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I'm afraid I'd never make it as a journalist, as my gut reaction is to step in, and see if I can help, not reach for my camera. On a long road trip a couple of summer's ago, there was a horrific crash on the freeway, and we stuck near the front, and there were helicopters landing to airlift people and lots of emergency services, plus people who were injured walking around. I was amazed how many people stood there taking pics, I had my camera in the front seat next to me, and never once felt the urge to pick it up. I only got out the car to let the dogs stretch their legs, it felt wrong gawking.
I certainly couldn't photograph a sex attack, just the thought of grabbing the camera, and not doing something just seems so wrong to me.
Like I said, never going to be a photojournalist .
I certainly couldn't photograph a sex attack, just the thought of grabbing the camera, and not doing something just seems so wrong to me.
Like I said, never going to be a photojournalist .
 Fondly Remembered
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Perthshire Scotland
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It's a difficult one.
I guess my reaction would differ depending on whether I was there to photograph something or if I'd just happened accross something whilst out with my camera.
I know it's not quite the same thing but Kevin Carter springs to mind as it was his philosophy to be an observer and never get involved.
http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/20...lking-a-child/
He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for his haunting picture of the vulture and the Sudanese child. Shortly after collecting his award Carter committed suicide - according to many, because of the violence he'd encountered in his life as a photo journalist.
I guess my reaction would differ depending on whether I was there to photograph something or if I'd just happened accross something whilst out with my camera.
I know it's not quite the same thing but Kevin Carter springs to mind as it was his philosophy to be an observer and never get involved.
http://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/20...lking-a-child/
He won the Pulitzer Prize in 1994 for his haunting picture of the vulture and the Sudanese child. Shortly after collecting his award Carter committed suicide - according to many, because of the violence he'd encountered in his life as a photo journalist.
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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I studied this subject for my degree - and it was fascinating. I don't know if I still have the essay I wrote on the subject, I'll have to have a look. It would be interesting to see if my opinions have changed at all. I have a feeling that the laptop it was on is absolutely banjaxed though - and I don't know if I backed it up. Might have hard copy somewhere though, provided that didn't get destroyed in the flood too!
Anyway - Greg Marinovich (featured in the link) along with Kevin Carter are two of my idols, and I think Greg Marinovich summed up how I feel about things in his slot.
I dunno... I think getting involved is frequently risky and usually pointless. Of course there are odd occasions where you can make a difference by helping, and in Suzie's case, the car crash is not something I'd happily photograph... but then, I think that photographing certain events will make far more impact and difference in the long run, than helping individuals. That photo that won the Pulitzer for Kevin Carter was key in changing the way people thought about The Sudan and increased aid to the area... so he did more good than he could have done by *not* taking the photo (considering there wasn't a whole great deal he could have done for the child anyway).
It's a very very tough subject of course - and not one that everyone could ever agree on.
xx
Anyway - Greg Marinovich (featured in the link) along with Kevin Carter are two of my idols, and I think Greg Marinovich summed up how I feel about things in his slot.
I dunno... I think getting involved is frequently risky and usually pointless. Of course there are odd occasions where you can make a difference by helping, and in Suzie's case, the car crash is not something I'd happily photograph... but then, I think that photographing certain events will make far more impact and difference in the long run, than helping individuals. That photo that won the Pulitzer for Kevin Carter was key in changing the way people thought about The Sudan and increased aid to the area... so he did more good than he could have done by *not* taking the photo (considering there wasn't a whole great deal he could have done for the child anyway).
It's a very very tough subject of course - and not one that everyone could ever agree on.
xx
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