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Three Muses, Just Hangin'.

Image by andyi
Comic-Con did provoke me to think about what constituted proper photographer behavior in this kind of environment.

In "the real world" the strict legal question is usually "does this person have a reasonable expectation of privacy in this place and under these circumstances?"

I tend to linger on the more important ethical and humanist questions: would it seem in any way creepy to be taking this photo? Would I be intruding upon whatever Moment this person is having? Am I taking a shot intended to embarrass this person? Would I be miffed if someone were taking a photo of me in this circumstance?

The classic example: the marcher at some Fourth of July parade who was wearing a ridiculously offensive Halloween-style Indian costume. He was literally parading down the middle of Main Street, and he got upset that I took his picture. Oh, please: If this man didn't accept that he was going to be photographed, then this man was insane.

It's a case-by-case thing, for sure. The Golden Rule is the only firm constant.

So what would the proper rules be at a Comic-Con? If you're in costume, you're certainly mentally prepared to be photographed. Indeed, many of these folks are actually hoping to be photographed.

(And that doesn't speak ill of them. They worked hard on their costume and "publishing" their work is both a source of pride and a demonstration of the level they're aiming for. It's the same reason why I'm publishing these shots on Flickr instead of just keeping them on my hard drive.)

Correct. But most of these people in costume are probably still hoping to have some level of control. They hope that a photographer will ask permission and give them a chance to put down the tub of nachos and maybe preen a bit.

Anyway. In this venue, I felt that it was OK to take candids of people in costume.

But it's important for photographers to always go through that thought process. I can't abide the photographers who arrogantly say "I have a legal right to take this photo and you're a **** for objecting." The ethical dimension trumps the legal one. Every time.

"In Bed"

Image by The Kozy Shack
from Ron Mueck's solo exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. Totally amazing.
1.25.07


more here and here.

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Image by Jeffrey Hsi