Is there a photograph worth dying for?
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 20:45
An I right in assuming you mean (in more detail) ' is there any situation that getting a photograph of it that serves a greater good is more important than an individual photographers life?' An example of this might be war-zone reportage.
Or are you talking more about the sort of dare-devil thrill seeking sort of shot, like from the top of skyscrapers, where its a risk just for the thrill and kudos?
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Or are you talking more about the sort of dare-devil thrill seeking sort of shot, like from the top of skyscrapers, where its a risk just for the thrill and kudos?
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Last Edited by McGregNi on 21/01/2015 - 20:46
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 20:49
Almost reminds me of the MarsOne issue; where astronauts will basically be going on a one way ticket to Mars
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 20:52
Not really ... They're not going to Mars just to take a photograph.
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 20:56
But they are also not going to Mars to live there for very long.
Using technology of any possible budget; it's highly unlikely they will live there more than two years. Plus remember; that long in space added to even the most trivial of medical issues only leaves one solution
Using technology of any possible budget; it's highly unlikely they will live there more than two years. Plus remember; that long in space added to even the most trivial of medical issues only leaves one solution
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 20:58
The OP asked specifically if it was worth dying to get a photograph ... That's all. 2 years living on Mars is really quite different.
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:06
Whilst there are some things in life I would be prepared to die for, a photo isn't one of them, unless, of course, not taking the photo would result in the death or destruction of someone or something I am prepared to die for.
If the shot was that good, or important, surely you'd want to be around to see the benefit of it or know that it had made a difference?
If you died in the process you'd die ignorant of whether it had, or would, be seen by anyone, and if it were, whether they cared.
If the shot was that good, or important, surely you'd want to be around to see the benefit of it or know that it had made a difference?
If you died in the process you'd die ignorant of whether it had, or would, be seen by anyone, and if it were, whether they cared.
Last Edited by JohnX on 21/01/2015 - 21:12
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:16
Hello,
I was thinking about how we may not consider danger whilst in a creative moment. Daredevil for bragging rights isn't what I was referring to. Not into that myself.
I have found myself in situations where the creative brain has somehow de-tuned the possible dangers about me. I have stood at police scenes where stuff is still happening. If I see creeps near my shop I will often photograph them, some see me do it as I have let myself be seen and other more dangerous ones I have remained concealed, all the while knowing that if caught I might be in danger. But I keep doing this as I know that I may one day have to prove something, that the photo may bring justice.
The most interesting part for me is how caught up I can get when taking photos, I do take chances and that's part of it, mostly it's about not missing the shot of a lifetime. I would love to hear how far past reasoning and rational thought the creative process has brought people. Only to later think 'man that was stupid'.
Going to Mars, now that's commitment.
Regards,
JMD
I was thinking about how we may not consider danger whilst in a creative moment. Daredevil for bragging rights isn't what I was referring to. Not into that myself.
I have found myself in situations where the creative brain has somehow de-tuned the possible dangers about me. I have stood at police scenes where stuff is still happening. If I see creeps near my shop I will often photograph them, some see me do it as I have let myself be seen and other more dangerous ones I have remained concealed, all the while knowing that if caught I might be in danger. But I keep doing this as I know that I may one day have to prove something, that the photo may bring justice.
The most interesting part for me is how caught up I can get when taking photos, I do take chances and that's part of it, mostly it's about not missing the shot of a lifetime. I would love to hear how far past reasoning and rational thought the creative process has brought people. Only to later think 'man that was stupid'.
Going to Mars, now that's commitment.
Regards,
JMD
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:25
I would recommend always considering personal safety and others safety as the first priority when photographing .... Not doing so is irresponsible.
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My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
Last Edited by McGregNi on 21/01/2015 - 21:25
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:43
Yes considering the safety of others is most important. It's like owning a gun. Or driving a car.
We have been charged with this responsibility. A camera is a bit different.
I do consider my own safety, but during acquisition of a shot, my ego may have me think I am impervious to danger or that danger doesn't really exist, there have been times when the thrill of the hunt has dulled my senses to my environment. I am curious about the creative force in people. How far will we go....and will we find ourselves inadvertently possibly putting others in danger.
Is there a point when clear cognitive rationalism diminishes and the thrill of the process takes over...
If so, I would love to hear some examples and possibly some descriptions of the mental processing during and especially after the shot. Is there a force that takes over that can circumvent rationalism.
I only ask, because when I took the shot I am referring to, I was very aware of the danger I was in, but the shot was so breathtaking that the beauty overtook me and I really didn't care about the danger anymore. I had to take the shot.
Regards,
JMD
We have been charged with this responsibility. A camera is a bit different.
I do consider my own safety, but during acquisition of a shot, my ego may have me think I am impervious to danger or that danger doesn't really exist, there have been times when the thrill of the hunt has dulled my senses to my environment. I am curious about the creative force in people. How far will we go....and will we find ourselves inadvertently possibly putting others in danger.
Is there a point when clear cognitive rationalism diminishes and the thrill of the process takes over...
If so, I would love to hear some examples and possibly some descriptions of the mental processing during and especially after the shot. Is there a force that takes over that can circumvent rationalism.
I only ask, because when I took the shot I am referring to, I was very aware of the danger I was in, but the shot was so breathtaking that the beauty overtook me and I really didn't care about the danger anymore. I had to take the shot.
Regards,
JMD
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:46
No is the short answer. For those photographers that actually are risking their lives (war photography, most likely), many probably believe they'll be OK - hazard of the job. The 'standard' comment when faced with life-threatening situations appears to be that the viewfinder 'seemed like a window' and the photographer believed they were 'safe' behind it.
Turning the question around, if you thought your life was in danger, would you try and run for it or (attempt to) take photos?
Robert Landsberg's photos of Mount St Helens erupting are an example: link
John.
PPG Flickr
Turning the question around, if you thought your life was in danger, would you try and run for it or (attempt to) take photos?
Robert Landsberg's photos of Mount St Helens erupting are an example: link
John.
PPG Flickr
Last Edited by johnha on 21/01/2015 - 21:51
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 21:55
I do agree that it's possible for all those emotions to take over when you are so excited and motivated to catch a special thing ..... But I would question whether losing so much situational awareness is really a positive thing for creatively? Do we not really need to retain this self-control, and responsibility, to make the best photographic decisions ultimately?
My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
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My Guides to the Pentax Digital Camera Flash Lighting System : Download here from the PentaxForums Homepage Article .... link
Pentax K7 with BG-4 Grip / Samyang 14mm f2.8 ED AS IF UMC / DA18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR / SMC A28mm f2.8 / D FA 28-105mm / SMC F35-70 f3.5-4.5 / SMC A50mm f1.7 / Tamron AF70-300mm f4-5.6 Di LD macro / SMC M75-150mm f4.0 / Tamron Adaptall (CT-135) 135mm f2.8 / Asahi Takumar-A 2X tele-converter / Pentax AF-540FGZ (I & II) Flashes / Cactus RF60/X Flashes & V6/V6II Transceiver
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 22:22
i have had a tide come in on me and had to scrabble up an old jetty, up tp my knees in water by the time i got out. has anybody stood in a river to get a shot or stood on the edge of a cliff, i expect there are quite a few that have.
odd lens or 2
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Last Edited by redbusa99 on 21/01/2015 - 22:24
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Posted 21/01/2015 - 22:49
I personally wouldn't risk my own life for a photo...no matter how good...UNLESS as johnx alluded to it was in pursuit of a cause i had already decided I WAS prepared to die for. Getting a bit deep and philosophical here though...photography is a great hobby but that's all it is really...a nice diversion along the way.
At the risk of going off at a slight tangent...how do people feel about the ethics of taking a photo of someone in need of help...maybe even about to die...yet making the decision to take the photo rather than help? Something I have never faced, yet can only imagine ever taking one course of action...but some of the pictures you see in Sunday supplement type 'assignments' to various danger zones etc leave you asking that particular question.
At the risk of going off at a slight tangent...how do people feel about the ethics of taking a photo of someone in need of help...maybe even about to die...yet making the decision to take the photo rather than help? Something I have never faced, yet can only imagine ever taking one course of action...but some of the pictures you see in Sunday supplement type 'assignments' to various danger zones etc leave you asking that particular question.
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VividArt
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I want to hear how far people have gone and are willing to go. Of course we all want to stay alive, but we do take chances.
Just curious. Please add opinion if you feel like you have one