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05/25/2004 09:20:51 PM · #1 |
As I mentioned in this thread, I happened across a house fire today as I was driving home from work. Of course, my camera was sitting two miles away in my living room. Of course, part of me was kicking myself for not having my camera along. But I was also thinking about the ethics of photographing someone's home burning.
I'm really uncomfortable with the idea of profiting from someone elses misfortune, either directly by selling photos to the local newspaper, or indirectly by having photojournalism shots for my portfolio. I can see some other angles to the situation, i.e. it is a newsworthy event, the photos might help the family get donations from the community, the photos would showcase the fire department serving our community, and so on. I guess I'm just looking for feedback on what others would do in that situation, and what others feelings are on the ethics of photographing this kind of event. |
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05/25/2004 09:23:13 PM · #2 |
Take the photos, and offer them a free set of prints (if they want) -- might be handy for insurance purposes for example. It's newsworthy, you're in a public place, it is completely legal and legitimate.
If it makes YOU feel uncomfortable, don't do it.
Message edited by author 2004-05-25 21:23:27. |
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05/25/2004 09:36:12 PM · #3 |
I'm in the interesting position of having been on both sides of the fence here. I was a volunteer emergency medical technician for several years, and I'm a photographer.
In general- so long as the photographer is not causing a dangerous situation, or getting in the way of the public safety officers I'd say taking appropriate images of a newsworthy event is legit.
Speaking as a former first responder- I consider people who stick cameras in the face of victims of tragic events the worst kind of vulture. Few things made me angrier than journalists sticking cameras in my face while I was trying to work. I've had police remove photographers from areas I was working, and they were not too polite about it. I've called photographers some pretty unkind things. In one case I had a photographer hit me in the face with his camera while trying to get a shot. I wasn't too pleased. In many cases these were not professionals. These were college paper photographers, serious armatures, and so on. Pros generally know how an emergency scene works and can avoid the worst of the confrontations with first responders.
Remember that first responders are dealing with very stressful, emotionally charged scenes. A first responder will not react well if you have a camera in their face right after they pull a body from a burning house. They are human. Respect that.
What looks chaotic to you is actually a very specifically organized work environment to a first responder. Walking into the wrong place at the wrong time can literally cost someone his or her life. That someone might be you. Respect that.
If you want to learn how to safely work an emergency scene- ask your local volunteer fire department if they have photographer positions open. It's a great way to give back to your community, and you learn some amazing photojournalism skills.
Again, on the ethics issue keep in mind a burning house is a newsworthy event. There's nothing wrong with taking pictures of something newsworthy.
[edited for spelling]
Clara
Message edited by author 2004-05-25 21:40:02.
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05/25/2004 09:37:40 PM · #4 |
| I agree with Gen. I don't think there is a "right" or "wrong", it depends on your intent, and what you end up doing with the photos that can justify it or not. As was pointed out, good could be done with them, like insurance, public awareness to help the family, cudos to the FD, etc. I don't know if any one seeing you photograph it would think that you mean well, but it could still help out in the end. If someone asked, of course you could explain your intentions. All in all, as Gen. said, if you don't feel right, then it is probably not in line with the ethics/morals that have been instilled in you, and maybe shouldn't do it. I know, not much help, but them's my thoughts... :) |
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05/25/2004 10:03:32 PM · #5 |
Clara, thanks for that information. It's definitely something to remember if you come upon that sort of situation.
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05/25/2004 10:32:19 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by blemt:
In general- so long as the photographer is not causing a dangerous situation, or getting in the way of the public safety officers I'd say taking appropriate images of a newsworthy event is legit. |
Yes, I'm pretty much talking about taking pictures from across the street, down the sidewalk, or other such out-of-the-way place. |
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05/26/2004 07:58:22 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by blemt:
In general- so long as the photographer is not causing a dangerous situation, or getting in the way of the public safety officers I'd say taking appropriate images of a newsworthy event is legit. |
Yes, I'm pretty much talking about taking pictures from across the street, down the sidewalk, or other such out-of-the-way place. |
:) But many people don't think that way. Emergencies are exciting things. People naturally want to become a part of it.
Clara
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