Gift of Gab
The majority of photography is spontaneous. See something, take a picture.
Ninety percent of the time there is no additional consequence. To stop and ask
permission may alter the situation forever. To acquire a permit may be impossible.
Personality, rationality and the law may be of no help in the heat of the moment. Good
photographers develop a brazen attitude that convinces people that their intentions
are reasonable. Some call it chutzpah. Others gall. Applied with finesse, it can get you
good pictures. Used poorly, it can get you into trouble. Nothing is worth physical harm
or worse. I have spent time in jails all over the world and I can categorically say it is not
worth it.
Extremes
There are many explorers and adventurers who are taking photography to places
beyond all human endeavors. Humanity is advanced by these courageous acts. Many
fail. Lots of people can get there but the glory goes to those who come back with proof.
What is legal? What is blood?
Social networking has attracted a new brand of thrill seeker whose only interest is
attention with little regard for propriety, property, physical harm or personal safety.
URBEX (urban explorers) are diving, flying, and climbing all sorts of challenges: caves,
cliffs, super skyscrapers. Similarly, others are chasing wars, drug cartels and the
unknown with little preparation. Every photograph we take has a risk/cost analysis
that goes with it. Sometimes the balance is not right.
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