As someone who got their background in photojournalism, this has always been a topic that interested me, and I've debated it in classes many times.
The question of privacy in the digital age is even more tricky. Before the internet, at least internet 2.0, there was no such thing as "going viral" really. Embarrassing photos usually were laughed about in parties, or at worst went around school. Today, they can be seen by millions.
Despite that, my personal view has always been that there was never this idea of privacy. It's never existed. If you're in public, you are visible. Period. If you choose to act a certain way in public, then you are implying you're ok with that act being captured and documented.
Now, moments of grief have always been tricky though. Because people like to claim that documenting someone's pain and grief is an invasion of privacy. But it isn't, it's an invasion of emotion. It isn't a private moment, it's a painful one. There is a huge difference. Paparazzi climbing a tree to photograph a celebrity in their home while naked? THAT'S an invasion of privacy to me. Regardless of where the papo was while shooting the photo. But public gathering of mourners, are still public.
My opinion has always been twofold. 1. If you're in public and don't want to be documented doing something that is private, then don't do that in public. And 2. For national travesties and such, these are the powerful images that people remember. They are the ones that spark progress, or devolution, of a moment that leads to change. Do you think we should have asked JFK jr. for permission to take his photo while saluting his father? Should we have asked permission of the couple kissing during the hockey riots in Canada? What about the people being attacked during the civil rights movement? Should we have asked them if they were ok with being photographed?
As a photojournalist, we don't have time to think about whether the person being photographed will appreciate it. I'm not saying they don't have a right to be upset, or they should just "shut up and accept it." But as a journalist, you are there to be an objective observer, and document the story as it unfolds. Interjecting your feelings and thoughts is how news and reality get skewed. The Foxification of the news so to speak. Having observer input changes everything, and that's how we end up with photos being photoshopped to make a better story.
Regardless of my opinion on the event as a whole, the photo in question is a very powerful one that speaks volumes to a nation in grief over continuing national hurting. And these are the photos that bring the topic from being ignored, to actually discussed. And that was one thing I loved about photojournalism. Telling a story, just not my story.
How do you feel about the issue of privacy and modern journalism and social media?
Pro tog, Cheap Camera (A Buzz Lightyear Camera :D )
Madison
I'm doing this.
Forget Everything And Remember
Stunningly beautiful and inspiring.
Art Squared
A local art gathering in Fountain Square, Indianapolis, Ind. Featuring local vendors and a parade.
Food and Fashion Bridal Expose
A runway show for A Step Above Bridal's new 2013 designs, by Antonio Fermine. Held at the Indianapolis Zoo and Whiter River Gardens.
Beginnings
After much time, wasted and waiting on others, I finally have my site up. It's a big step. A forward progression to shooting for purpose rather than just fun. Although my shoots are always intended to be built on fun.
I look forward to continuing my journey as a photographer, and the new faces in places, that it will bring me to. As well as new ideas and creations.
If you have any comments, please feel free to leave them. I welcome any critiques or suggestions.