Robert Rauschenberg wrote that the camera was his "social shield." Forty-four years later, every photographer still knows exactly what he meant. + NEW WORKSHOP
This was me - in 1978 I was offered a job as a press photographer. I remember one of the first jobs - a concert at the The Ursuline Convent in Brentwood. As my Nikon FM2 went clunk someone told me to go away and I did. I was shy! A year later I was sent to cover the same job and had learnt how to deal with being told to go away. A really interesting post Wesley
I don’t think having a camera justifies my invasion of someone else’s space. I still feel like I’m imposing, especially on the street. It’s very voyeuristic but I can’t resist capturing what always feels like something special - like that moment in history never to be repeated. But to use it as a social crutch which is what I’m reading and what I experienced is just that- a crutch (perhaps at the expense of others?) . It’s my way of dealing with the world, understanding and organizing it, to engage and feel purposeful, but I don’t think it necessarily justifies the intrusion upon others. I wish it did…
I absolutely loved this. So many of your points resonated with me. As a professional portrait and wedding photographer for over 35 years, I so agree with the ability to talk to anyone as long as I have a camera in my hands. And as far as capturing a moment in time, absolutely. Thank you for this.
This was me - in 1978 I was offered a job as a press photographer. I remember one of the first jobs - a concert at the The Ursuline Convent in Brentwood. As my Nikon FM2 went clunk someone told me to go away and I did. I was shy! A year later I was sent to cover the same job and had learnt how to deal with being told to go away. A really interesting post Wesley
So glad you enjoyed it Stewart! Thanks for sharing your experience as well!
I don’t think having a camera justifies my invasion of someone else’s space. I still feel like I’m imposing, especially on the street. It’s very voyeuristic but I can’t resist capturing what always feels like something special - like that moment in history never to be repeated. But to use it as a social crutch which is what I’m reading and what I experienced is just that- a crutch (perhaps at the expense of others?) . It’s my way of dealing with the world, understanding and organizing it, to engage and feel purposeful, but I don’t think it necessarily justifies the intrusion upon others. I wish it did…
Thanks for sharing the Rauschenberg quote and the post. Best of luck with the workshop. Sounds fun.
thank you!!
This resonates so much with my observations that my camera is both a shield and a key. I wrote a short article about it last year https://dereckjohnson.substack.com/p/how-my-camera-became-my-shield-and?r=1g2mn6&utm_medium=ios
great minds :)
Oh the lucky few!
Great subject. Enjoyed this! 👌📷
I absolutely loved this. So many of your points resonated with me. As a professional portrait and wedding photographer for over 35 years, I so agree with the ability to talk to anyone as long as I have a camera in my hands. And as far as capturing a moment in time, absolutely. Thank you for this.
Rauschenberg's note is fantastic, thanks for bringing it to the fore!
Sounds like a great event/workshop. Wish I could make it!