"A Portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it."
-Edward Steichen
It's been a long time since I've taken my camera out to some of the projects that Ten Thousand Homes does. I love photography, and I love connecting to people through it.
But I've seen it abused so many times. We don't realize how privileged we are. We use exotic scenery and people different from our own cultures to get likes and views. We forget about respect and dignity and humility. We forget that first and foremost we must honor the subject of the picture. Because after all, that subject is a human with a very real story and perspective. He or she is a child of God.
I never want to be the person who takes advantage of someone who does not know why I'm pointing my strange equipment at them. And that's actually really hard to do.
But I'm slowly learning. I would rather be slow than ruin a trusted bond with somebody. And I think it's important to share what you're learning with others.
So here are a few tips.
But I've seen it abused so many times. We don't realize how privileged we are. We use exotic scenery and people different from our own cultures to get likes and views. We forget about respect and dignity and humility. We forget that first and foremost we must honor the subject of the picture. Because after all, that subject is a human with a very real story and perspective. He or she is a child of God.
I never want to be the person who takes advantage of someone who does not know why I'm pointing my strange equipment at them. And that's actually really hard to do.
But I'm slowly learning. I would rather be slow than ruin a trusted bond with somebody. And I think it's important to share what you're learning with others.
So here are a few tips.
Responsibly Photographing People:
Questions. | Respect. |
Can I take your picture? What's your name? What are you up to? What do you think about ... ? Take the time to ask something which makes the person feel valued/noticed. | No one will be vulnerable if you don't show express your care for them. You must build your trustworthiness from scratch. Portray your subject with respect. Then they'll open up, and show you more than what originally meets the eye. That's when the candid shots start rolling in. |
Blend. | Show. |
Being an invasive photographer gets you nowhere on the streets. Try to blend in and be a part of the scene. This opens such a wide horizon of subjects. After all, you ain't no tourist! | Give the person the end results! It can simply be on your display screen. Or, if you have time, print out those shots. The subject deserves to see what they allowed you to create. |
Consent.If using photos or the story for something specific, it's a good idea to ask permission. A simple explanation usually results in 'of course!' Never assume that someone will be OK with you in their personal space. | Purpose.Not every great shot needs to be public. If content contains something sensitive, consider how your audience will interpret it. You always share a story with an image. Are you sharing it just to get attention? Study your motives & audience. |
Hear me loud and clear. Photography is an incredible creative tool. But it comes with a responsibility. Hopefully these help you do it with excellence. And they're just my guidelines that help me maintain a healthy balance. I'm not saying you have to sit down with every person you photograph and fill out a contract.
There are also instances of barriers, such as language. Consider the non-verbals that you can use to show these 6 things. Sometimes if you want a truly good shot or story, it might take some extra work, such as pulling in an interpreter. Just as long as you take the time to put yourself in your subject's shoes. Use it as a way for you, and your audience, to connect with and understand him or her.
You don't have to look far to see the effectiveness of this. Most successful and famous portrait photographers or photojournalists have attained this level of humility and wisdom in order to create such great shots...
There are also instances of barriers, such as language. Consider the non-verbals that you can use to show these 6 things. Sometimes if you want a truly good shot or story, it might take some extra work, such as pulling in an interpreter. Just as long as you take the time to put yourself in your subject's shoes. Use it as a way for you, and your audience, to connect with and understand him or her.
You don't have to look far to see the effectiveness of this. Most successful and famous portrait photographers or photojournalists have attained this level of humility and wisdom in order to create such great shots...
“A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.”
— Annie Leibovitz
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”
— Edward Steichen
“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.”
— Eve Arnold
— Annie Leibovitz
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.”
— Edward Steichen
“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.”
— Eve Arnold