by Amy Weston/Wenn.com via NY Mag
To borrow a line from The Clash, “London’s burning”. And the photographs of the mayhem are stunning. The above shot here is by Amy Weston/WENN.com, as seen in NY Mag. (That image and a bunch more images from NY Mag here).
I’ve been been near riots of this magnitude on two occasions – Paris in 2005-6 and Seattle WTO riots – neither of which I photographed. I’ve also seen a guy get hit by a car and had my camera at the ready but did not shoot. And plenty of other things that I’ve not wanted to photograph. As a pure photographer, only-career-I’ve-ever-had guy, I’m not sure what’s in me that doesn’t pull me to want to shoot so many of these photos, even when I’ve had the chance (like this post). I’m deeply moved by such images -ala London riots, or trama, or the war in Afghanistan. Often times these images are so important to our culture, but at other times it’s shallow and cold to shoot them. I’m especially conflicted with the images coming out of London.
How about you… When do we shoot? When do we help or decide not to spread the horror?
UPDATE: Interview with the photographer (Amy Weston) that captured the stunning photograph in the earlier post below in an article over here at my Google+ page …offers some insights into what she was thinking and plays well with the ongoing discussion here on the blog and over at my Google+ page. (Add me to a circle if you’re G+ing so I can meet you too).
Interesting article. Living in London I know people that have been affected by the rioting issues. Political issues aside I agree there are times where I would never take my camera out of respect. However I have to say some of the images i have seen of this and other times or trouble (including the image above) are extremely emotive and carry such power to the viewer. They tell it how it is, there is no media twist, bullshit or hype. An image of this type (i.e unedited reportage) can’t lie to you and gives far more than just words could ever convey.
Chuck the camera and help. I see many who say “if you’re a journalist, it’s your duty…” but I wonder if those journalists have forgotten, perhaps, that they are humans first, like it or not. And the highest calling of all humans is to serve others.
Of course, it can be argued that taking photos might actually BE the best way to “serve others.” So it must be left up to the individual’s own moral compass. I’d just be a little wary of one who might decide to snap images and forget to apply that direct pressure to an open wound.
I don’t even like to shoot weddings! But not because of the high competition, high stress, and low pay…. but because I don’t like to be the photographer standing around being so out of place it’s silly. The presence of a photog, however necessary and even desired, seems to cheapen the whole event, simply because he wasn’t fully celebrating the new couple – traditionally what that ceremony was about!
To be sure, I don’t condemn any photog who shoots pain or strife, but I am very encouraged by Chase’s decision not to, and I stand with him on it.
Thanks to all.
If you are a photo journalist, then it’s become your duty to show. At the same time it’s your social duty too not to horrify your viewers by showing something that helps spread the evil.
NOt to shoot but to help people around.
Maybe it has been said, but we all are different types of photographers. And I’m not talking style or title, within us, I’m talking more like a personality.