"What Are You Going To Do With That Photo?"

<p>I'm more and more getting asked that weird question photographing out in public with my DSLR and wonder what the motive and implications are behind the question? It's a different type of question from the normal..."Are you a photographer?" or "You really like taking pictures" or "Why are you photographing that?"</p>

<p>It's a very strange question when I think about it because to me, due to my noticing throughout the years the effects of the ever increasing awareness by the public of the ubiquitous nature of photography (cellphones, GoPros, DSLR's & P&S's) along with the increased public awareness through the media the damage a photo posted on social media can cause with the increased awareness of many with Photoshop skills, that folks seem to be more concerned for them self than the free speech rights of a photographer regardless of the type of camera used.</p>

<p>Are you seeing this kind of public awareness increasing and do you think it's going get worse or better for photographers who just want to express them self through photography? And if worse in what form will it morph into in the distant future? </p>

<p>How do you or would you answer back to someone asking this question out in public?</p>

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<p>I usually respond that I am going to put their head on a naked body using Photoshop. They laugh and don't seem to care after that.</p>

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<p>How do you or would you answer back to someone asking this question out in public?</p>

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<p>I would say I don't know how I will use it. And I don't know whether I will use it. Since I only process and share a small percentage of the photos I take, I might say "most likely I will not use it at all." If I do think there's a likelihood I'll use it, I'd be honest and say "I might post this to my web site or a photography site I belong to as part of my portfolio and I have a show every couple of years at a home gallery I've created where I might hang it." <br>

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I like when people feel comfortable enough to ask me questions on the street, so I try to give them as comfortable and honest an answer as I can. If they began to express a concern for their own privacy over my free speech, I'd be happy to get into a deeper discussion about that as well. <br>

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I would start by saying I don't see it only as a matter of rights. I would frame it in terms of concern for privacy, expression, and ethics. My own ethics tell me that if someone ever asks me not to take or show a photo of them, I respect that and don't. My own ethics also don't cause me to assume anyone would not want their picture taken beforehand, and I will decide on a case by case basis if I think it appropriate not to take or use certain pictures when I have no idea what the person would want. I have often chosen not to take a picture because I'm uncomfortable shooting people in some lights or when engaged in certain activities. I don't expect others to make the same decisions as me and I've seen photographs of stuff that I probably wouldn't have taken that I admire and get a lot out of. When I make a decision for myself, I don't universalize it to what I think other photographers should do. It's about my own comfort level and what's right for me.<br>

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I don't find it a strange question. People are sensitive to their privacy and perhaps sensitive to others' privacy as well and know that photos often end up on the Internet, something that didn't happen decades ago. So it makes sense to me that people in general would be more in tune with the potential for photos these days to be seen by a lot of people rather easily.</p>

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When people ask why I'm taking their picture (a candid), or want to take their picture (a street portrait), I usually say "It's for my photo

blog" or, "I'm documenting the city".

 

That almost always works. Short and simple is good, as is honesty (or in Jeff's case, humor).

<p>These days I shoot a lot more with a visible media pass. When that happens, I get a very different response, typically "Where can I see the photo?" </p>

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<p>I like when people feel comfortable enough to ask me questions on the street, so I try to give them as comfortable and honest an answer as I can. If they began to express a concern for their own privacy over my free speech, I'd be happy to get into a deeper discussion about that as well.</p>

<p>...I would frame it in terms of concern for privacy, expression, and ethics.</p>

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<p>Fred, that's a very diplomatic way of dealing with someone who would pose a question that has such a suspicious tone, the tone of which throws me off on how to answer back without coming across reactionary.</p>

<p>With some folks who come up to me in the my local park here in Texas asking this question I draw a blank on the first words that should come out of my mouth. I stair at them thinking what to say next but at the same time trying to figure out why they need to know what I'm going to do with the photos. What's the right answer that will make them less suspicious. I end up saying I plan to make (not publish) a book of photos showing the beauty of my small town. And then I add that I do this as a hobby in an attempt to quell their suspicion.</p>

<p>Or I think to myself maybe the tone or framing of the question isn't a reflection of their suspicion but more from their not being accustomed to introducing them self to strangers in a local park causing their words to just come out sounding that way. I'm never quite sure which it is.</p>

<p>After I give them the book explanation most don't hang around to engage in further conversation which tells me they were more interested in what I was going to do with the photos over just wanting to start up some friendly chit chat. It then kind of leaves me hanging wondering what the heck that was about.</p>

<p>Jeff, with the Texas Improper Photography Law I don't think your "photochopping" joke would go over so well. Almost every month I keep seeing more local people arrested for being a pedophile (even from a Christian learning academy) so any reference to nudes and photography would be asking for the kind of trouble I don't need as a photographer. But I do like how you think.</p>

<p>Brad, short and simple?...mmh...yeah...Got one!..."Book deal!"</p>

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<p>These days I shoot a lot more with a visible media pass. When that happens, I get a very different response, typically "Where can I see the photo?"</p>

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<p>That's a good idea, Jeff. I was thinking of something similar by making some type of hard plastic official looking ID badge that just states I'm a working photographer I could clip on to my shirt pocket. </p>

<p>Wonder if there are ready made's I could purchase at OfficeMax type places. Currently if the questioning gets a bit more prying I just pull out a business card that shows full bleed prints of various photos I've taken.</p>

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<p>Fred, that's a very diplomatic way of dealing with someone who would pose a question that has such a suspicious tone</p>

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<p>From what you wrote, I didn't pick up a suspicious tone. The question I read was, <em>"What are you going to do with that photo?"</em> Suspiciousness, I suppose, might come with the tone of voice in which it were said. Like I said, my first impulse, unless I have a strong feeling to the contrary, is always to assume people are just showing an interest, which is often the case. My street smarts have taught me that suspiciousness can often be disarmed by not responding in kind, but by acting as if the question were benign and reasonable. If, for any reason, I pick up on a more threatening vibe, I try to be polite and extricate myself from most dicey situations I encounter as soon as possible, whether that's when I'm out photographing or just walking about or hanging out on the streets.</p>

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>>> With some folks who come up to me in the my local park here in Texas asking this question I draw a blank on the first words

that should come out of my mouth. I stair at them thinking what to say next but at the same time trying to figure out why they need

to know what I'm going to do with the photos<P>

 

I think it gets easier with practice. And in perhaps less stressful/challenging situations if you are speaking of being nervous. Consider public

events, parades, etc where people making photos are expected and common. At parades, find out where they are being staged

and you'll have an hour or two to engage people who don't mind being photographed.<P>

 

I used to practice with cops on the street. Awkward at first, but it got easier with time. Initially some are suspicious because in their mind they might think your goal is to create

embarrassing photos to post online. Chatting for a few minutes alleviates that. After a year or two you'll end up with an interesting

law enforcement portfolio, new friends on the street, and have heard some interesting stories along the way.<P>

 

In any situation, offering prints, either via email or a paper print in the mail is a nice gesture.

<p>I tell the rednecks in the Charlotte environs that I am documenting the Old South before it's gone.</p>

<p>"Ah'm documentin' the Ol' South 'fore it's gawn."</p>

<p>Usually works.</p>

<p>--Lannie</p>

<p>My experiences and approaches are very much like those described by Jeff, Fred and Brad. I've closely read their descriptions of their experiences with candid photography for years, and incorporated a lot of it into my own approach. But each situation is different and I try to be intuitive about what's right for that moment and that person.</p>

<p>I think just doing it is part of the evolution of our approach and style. Sort of like jumping into cold water. But getting started is the hard part.</p>

<p>Tim, take a look at <a href="http://deinfaces.com/">Bob Dein</a>'s website and blog. Read <a href="http://deinfaces.com/about/">his descriptions of how he got started</a> in making impromptu portraits of people he's just met. It didn't evolve naturally for him. He took a workshop that changed his entire approach, and he's made it his own. It's truly remarkable stuff.</p>

<p>And take a look at the various "Humans of" photo blogs. On Facebook I follow the well known Humans of New York, but also Humans of San Antonio and Humans of Montreal. The Montreal photo blog in particular is remarkable, particularly for the empathetic and compassionate responses from viewers. I can't read most of the HONY and HOSA comments because too many people indulge in judgmental condemnation and ridicule. But the HOM photographer seems to engender healthier participation, and Facebook automagically translates the French language to English - usually pretty well.</p>

<p>Even if you don't photograph people, I believe it helps to get comfortable with chattering with people about photography. Rather than a distraction I consider it a new opportunity. Maybe we'll both come away with new views about photography. Maybe they'll agree to let me photograph them - which is often fun with folks walking their dogs. I try to get contact info and email them copies (although I'm behind on a couple of folks I photographed recently).</p>

<p>I've told this story before, but around 12 years ago I was photographing some of downtown Fort Worth's then-evolving architecture, a mix of old and new. I'd set up my TLR and tripod in a spot with the right view - but it happened to be in a parking lot. I didn't realize it was private property. A bicycle mounted officer stopped to ask what i was doing. I explained and showed him the view through the TLR finder. He said "Let me check with the manager - it should be okay." He got official permission. Problem solved. And while I was setting up a couple of ebullient young women walked by laughing and asked me to take their photograph together. That seemed to happen often with the TLR - maybe it's the quaintness factor.</p>

<p>Sure, there are occasional problems. But I prefer to think about those marvelous moments of positive human engagement.</p>

<p>Tim, I was thinking that despite how anyone you ask would handle it, you (or someone else considering photography) might not want to be polite, or even honest in your response. There may be a flip side or many various alternatives to consider. You might want to act and photograph with more of an edge, hopefully without putting yourself into any great danger. The reality of the situation is, you're feeling suspicion directed at you and maybe you want to go with that both emotionally and photographically. Someone might even want to create it. So the question gets raised about which photographers we appreciate who took some of those risks, didn't always come across as nice guys, even photographed surreptitiously or angered some people and yet came away with intimate and provocative photos. Conversation with potential subjects might not be for everyone. Rather than relieving it, can you turn palpable tension to photographic advantage or insights and would you even want to?</p>

<p>Whoops, that's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PortraitsDeMontreal?fref=nf">"Portraits de/of Montreal"</a>, not Humans of. The HOM site isn't just portraits and personal stories.</p>

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>>> Even if you don't photograph people, I believe it helps to get comfortable with chattering with people

about photography.

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Couldn't agree more with Lex's advice, especially if one is nervous around people with their camera, or without.

Striking up a conversation opens doors. The more you do it the easier it gets, camera or no camera.

Having approached a large number of people on the street for a photograph over the years, I have

never encountered a hostile situation starting a conversation and asking to make a portrait. People may say no (and that hasn't been very often), just thank them

and move on - or stick around to chat if it seems appropriate - you may end up with a photo after all, along with, or, an interesting story.

<p>I don't sell photographs and I have no intent of ever doing so. As a result, if I encounter someone engaged in something out there is the world, I try whenever possible to inform the person that I photograph strictly as a "hobbyist" and ask permission to shoot. If the person objects, I walk away - next case. Occasionally, there is some dialogue about my intent for the photograph, at which time I am open about posting many of my photos on PN. And if the subject is OK with my taking the shot, I always display it on my view screen afterwards. There are occasions when people ask for copies, leading to my taking note of their email addresses.</p>

<p>Maybe you look like a pro. So maybe they're curious because they're into photography as well. And they want to learn how to be a better photographer and learn what better to shoot. </p>

<p>On the other hand, if you say the wrong thing, they may want to kill you. </p>

<p>Please excuse the absence. I've been in a historic flood and had my computer unplugged and then got caught up and disgusted with Animal Planet's "The Cannibal In The Jungle" faux documentary (or is it?...oooh). Wanted to kick my TV. Thinkin' of starting a thread on the subject. It's photography related if you can believe that.</p>

<p>Anyway, appreciate everyone's very interesting, insightful and helpful responses.</p>

<p>Got a kick out of Lex's link to Bob Dein's "How He Got Started" story where it shows his Olan Mills style self portrait at the bottom of the page. I thought it was Will Ferrell at first and started laughing.</p>

<p>Just want to clarify I've been asked this question not by folks I'm shooting or happen to get in the frame. And none have shown any interest in photography. I've tried engaging them to talk. They usually just walk away or get distracted by either someone they know they see nearby or to answer their cellphone.</p>

<p>I have no problems talking or introducing myself to people and there are some that find me engaging. I just recently had a long and meaningful conversation in the park initiated by a tourist couple who noticed my feeding peanuts to squirrels but I didn't have my camera with me. The husband said he was a retired policeman and I told him I was hobbyist photographer that's found paradise here in my local park. The wife asked to borrow some peanuts so she could feed the squirrels and I obliged. We talked over an hour on a number of subjects while leading them to a female deer I feed peanuts to by hand and the couple was enthralled. When we parted ways I handed the husband my biz card that has my photos printed full bleed just to show I really am a photographer. He kept it, we shook hands and they strolled slowly over to a nearby group of other strangers and pointed to the deer we just fed.</p>

<p>I never heard or seen them again. This is all random. I have no idea why we clicked, but I started thinking it might have had something to do with my not having my camera with me.</p>

<p>Tim: Nice story about the couple. Hope the floods passed your home.</p>

<p>Thanks, Alan.</p>

<p>The waters haven't built up in my area as it has at Wimberley and Boerne which I find puzzling since New Braunfels is at the foot of the huge and very long Guadalupe River as it heads toward the Texas plains and into the Gulf Of Mexico. Canyon Dam is probably doing most of the heavy lifting on that.</p>

<p>Two nights ago when the first swells hit with the warning of possible tornadoes I high tailed to nearby Walmart where the city dug two enormous and deep retention reservoirs to improve flood drainage. They're working quite well.</p>

<p>I get very few questions like this these days, I think this is because everyone is out snapping shots with their phones, so photographers no longer stand out like they used to. I usually find that these questions are based on puzzlement as to why you would be taking such a "boring" picture, or of a bunch of people you don't know. So I think most are genuinely puzzled. I usually say something like, "Well I'm photographer and that is what we do, I'm always taking pics". That is usually the end of the conversation. Of course, occasionally one does get the "Don't take a picture of me - contact my agent" but these are few and far between. </p>

<p>Well, if its NYC I can tell you why the question: "Why are you taking a photo of that?" is asked.<br /> It's because it's a cop making sure you're not a potential terrorist preparing an attack. Don't laugh, I almost get into trouble going on to a bank's property to get a Photo looking south on Park Ave at night.<br /> At the time, an "Orange Alert" was on for all banks in New York because plans were found in an Al-Qaeda headquarters in Afghanistan to hit U.S. Banks. As well, next day was the Opening Of The United Nations when every world leader on earth would be staying in the very area I was in, including the President of the United States. On top of being a Stupid for being where I was with a camera, a Bank Guard ordered me off the Bank-Property and I argued vehemently when he then ordered me off the sidewalk too. All this guy would had to do was call 911 and tell them a man was taking pictures of the bank and now beginning to "fight" him. Every police terrorist team in NYC including Feds and Secret Service would have zoomed in and met me with drawn guns, had me on the ground cuffed, and taken me in for intense questioning.<br /> As far as the rest of the interest, may just be "excitement" of meeting an "artist" photographer in real life. That kind of thing...</p>

<p>I don't hear those questions anymore. Photo taking has become so ubiquitous that people no longer give it much thought. Either that, or maybe I finally look as though I know what I'm doing.</p>