Vivian Maier

[ravnostic]

I haven’t had any problems photographing either, knock on wood. However, I’d imagine a frumpy looking woman might not be as intimidating as ‘some guy who could be a terrorist–or a pervert’. A woman photographing children? Few people would think twice. A man doing the same? Instant pedophile in a lot of people’s minds.

//she looked frumpy to me, at least in the two images I saw of her. And some people DID look displeased to be photographed.

[ennuipoet]

The whole anti-photographer movement actually began in the mid-90’s or so (IIRC) when the Internet made the exchange of child porn so simple. A spurt of news stories broke and people began marking photogs as potential predators. Then 9/11 and the security crack down, now we are potential predators and terrorists. Couple that with the egregious behavior of the paparazzi and you have the formula for an anti-photography blow back.

I also quite sure than an unassuming woman carrying a TLR (she shot Roliflex primarily) can be far more discreet than a big guy with huge lens on his digital SLR. I’ve taken to shooting my street work at public performances and parades where people are far less self conscious over the camera. A photographer at these events is natural and people ignore me. I am free to parse the crowd looking for good street shots without coming across like a predator. It is a (bad) compromise but one that I am forced to make.

[Curious]

Don’t know if any of you have seen this before, but I printed a copy and keep it in my photo carry bag just in case. I’ve never been hassled while photographing, but it’s good information to have.

i have copy of that also. and it totally pisses me off that i feel the need to carry it.

ennuipoet you make a good point about the CP problem but again it pisses me off.

that whole “see it, report it” mentality goes against everything i was brought up with.

i don’t do street art/people photography anyway but still this is nonsense. i did take some people shots at a ren faire but even there i used the camera at waist level with a wide angle and hoped rather than using the viewfinder. some realized they were being photographed and posed, most had no idea.

[olavf]

I do a fair amount of street photography as some may know. But I’m really careful if I’m going to take pictures of kids. I’ll generally ask the parents’ permission first, though I may not ask an adult for the same permission.

As far as color vs B&W in that arena, it really depends. I have pics in both mediums that I’m really happy with, but wouldn’t work at all in the opposite.

[orionid]

Hmmm…. So I just need to chop swap a ccd into a rolleiflex. Or sell a kidney for a hasselblad with a digital back. Option 1 sounds easier.

[ennuipoet]

Hmmm…. So I just need to chop swap a ccd into a rolleiflex.

Good god man, don’t even JOKE about that! Scientist have been trying for years to do just what you’ve suggested and NONE OF THEM HAVE BEEN HEARD FROM SINCE!!!! (Jarring Chord)

[orionid]

(Jarring Chord)

(Orchestral climaxing harmonies) That only makes me want to try it more.

[Kestrana]

The irony is, when we’re out using the vintage cameras, no one seems to object at all and we get remarks like “cool man” and “wow that looks old” etc – especially from kids.

So I guess the lesson is, if you’re a pedophile/terrorist, shoot old film (??) :/

[olavf]

The irony is, when we’re out using the vintage cameras, no one seems to object at all and we get remarks like “cool man” and “wow that looks old” etc – especially from kids.

So I guess the lesson is, if you’re a pedophile/terrorist, shoot old film (??) :/

I’m almost always out and about with Kat, and I think that makes a huge difference too.

[ennuipoet]

The irony is, when we’re out using the vintage cameras, no one seems to object at all and we get remarks like “cool man” and “wow that looks old” etc – especially from kids.

So I guess the lesson is, if you’re a pedophile/terrorist, shoot old film (??) :/

I know, I shoot 90% of my street stuff on either my Petri 7 rangefinder or the Yashica. Of course, I’ve got a ton of film piling up to be developed when I find the time, but that is part of the fun and surpise!

olavf: I really have to find a lady photo partner so I downgrade the “creepy old man factor”. Plus, you know, it would be nice to find someone who shares my passions to feel passionate about 🙂

[orionid]

olavf: I really have to find a lady photo partner so I downgrade the “creepy old man factor”. Plus, you know, it would be nice to find someone who shares my passions to feel passionate about 🙂

Talk to Gwenny. Convince her that she can find good PS fodder that way.

[olavf]

olavf: I really have to find a lady photo partner so I downgrade the “creepy old man factor”. Plus, you know, it would be nice to find someone who shares my passions to feel passionate about 🙂

First of all, find a woman with patience. A LOT of patience. Someone who enjoys the camera aspect can be secondary…
/I’ll explain more tomorrow

[ennuipoet]

I know that when I am photog mode I am not good company. Most of my friends recognize the glazed expression, hands reaching for the camera bag as I wander off to photograph something they didn’t even notice. I’ve actually made a rule that if I intend something to be a photo outing I don’t ask friends to go along. They are not going to have a good time and I am not going to take good pics.

[Curious]

over the last ten years my lady friend and my relationship has gone through several changes. but one of the reasons we still have a relationship at all is photography. she has gone from being bored by it to an avid photographer. while she hasn’t developed an interest in the finer technical points and uses an inexpensive point and shoot camera she is always up for a day trip/photo excursion. and will point out things i didn’t see. or things i don’t want to shoot 🙂

she has even started taking photos of things that “might be useful for a future farktography contest”. after a couple of years of just looking over my shoulder and saying things like “you could use that shot” i signed her up for fark and she now enters occasionally on her own.

[olavf]

I think that’s all that really matters Curious. If it’s a common hobby, there’s always something to talk about even if she isn’t so interested in the technical. The this-and-that, sharing nifty websites, talking about ‘where are we going next time’, giving each other ideas on how to capture something…you never run out of things to talk about, really.

ennuipoet, I’d never invite a non-photographer along on that sort of outing for the same reasons. We have gone out with our photographer friends, though, and that’s always amusing to notice that everyone keeps wandering off in different directions because they saw this or that, and then wandering back together, and then off again… As long as there’s a commonality to the group it can be pretty fun 🙂

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