DigPhotog: Photographer's Rights & Street/Public Photography (a YT playlist+) (W14-P4) Sp16

Remember what Gordon Parks said about the camera as a weapon to social ills?
"I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera." -- Gordon Parks

What would happen though if you as a journalist or even as a citizen, did not have the right to use your camera in public?

To explore this idea, let's first answer a set of related questions

Questions to keep in mind when watching the clips below.

• What is street/public photography?
• What are some do's and don'ts of street photography?
• What are the rights of photographers in public spaces according to the ACLU?
• In what ways are street photography and public photography relate?

In the video above Kai suggests that we should "google it" to get a definition of street photography. When you do so, you'll find this definition that works well. Street photography is "a non-formalised [unposed] genre of photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places such as streets, parks, beaches, malls, political conventions and other associated settings"(Fogherty).

Kai also mentions the famous street photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson. If you are curious you can see some Cartier-Bresson's street photos here. Also, if you are curious, I recommend you check out "10 Things Henri Cartier-Bresson Can Teach You About Street Photography."






If you are interested, click on the word "Playlist" or the playlist symbol to see the other videos in my playlist on street photography and the related idea of taking photos in public.

So...
What is street photography?
What are some do's and don'ts of street photography?
What are the rights of photographers in public spaces according to the ACLU?
In what ways are street photography and public photography relate?  How do paparazzi fit into this discussion?  Did I say paparazzi? :)

One of the video clips in the above playlist makes reference to the ACLU and photography in public spaces. Read the following: "Know Your Rights: Photographers"


Other types of photography

Street photography is just one type of photography that you can focus on.  There are such types as black and white photography, portraits, still life, architectural, landscapes, close-up nature (flowers, etc.), children, sports & action, etc.  I'd suggest you "focus" on one type until you developed some skills in that area and then move on to other types, if you want.

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