Public photography is becoming increasingly challenging - and it seems the tech companies are partly responsible for this trend
New and Unfiltered Perspective:
Hey there! I'm out and about, snapping some shots on a sunny Sunday – my go-to pastime while traveling. This time, I was focusing on some century-old buildings downtown, taking advantage of that sweet golden hour light.
Now, I often wander around unfamiliar cities with my camera, capturing urban life, architecture, and the unique vibe of each place.
I'd found a striking art deco building, and the scene was nearly perfect: morning rays highlighting copper detailing, geometric patterns casting cool shadows. Just as I was framing it all, a nondescript car catches my eye, parked along the curb – you know, that blend of everyday elements that brings authenticity to street photography.
"Hey! What the hell are you doing?" a guy came striding toward me, looking ticked off.
I set my camera down, composed myself, and greeted him with a friendly tone. "I'm just shooting some photos," I said, gesturing toward the building.
"That's my car you're photographing. Did you get my permission? You can't just snap pictures of people's license plates without consent!"
I tried to explain that I was in a public space, that his car was just part of the background, that street photography has a rich history. I even offered to share the images with him.
Alas, it fell on deaf ears. He demanded I delete any image with his car in it, threatening to involve the law if I didn't comply.
Why the Change?
It wasn't the first time this had happened, and it wasn't a total shocker. But two decades ago, it wouldn't have been like this. Back then, people generally understood – or at least tolerated – photographers capturing life in public spaces. What happened?
I reckon the tech titans have a big part to play in that. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, harvesting our data, tracking our moves, monetizing our lives – all while making us sign away our rights with convoluted terms of service.
In doing so, they've helped create a culture skeptical of cameras, having lost trust in technology. Remember, they've invaded our spaces, auto-tagged our kids, and stored our likenesses in databases. Many people learned the hard way that images can be used against them.
It's a cruel irony that while these tech giants keep a visual record of billions of people, often without regard for privacy, they're the ones who get away scot-free, while innocent photographers catch the brunt of public anger.
Stay Curious, Stay Snapping
If you're not deterred by these encounters, check out our recommendations for top cameras for street photography and reasonable lenses for street shooting. You can also explore some must-read street photography books that'll inspire and enlighten you.
Bye From Tom
Hello! I'm Tom, a freelance writer specializing in art, photography, design, and travel. I've worked with a variety of magazines and publications, including Professional Photography, Creative Bloq, net magazine, and more.
FYI:
- Privacy Concerns: The rise of tech giants has led to increased concern over privacy, which is why some people get tense when they see photographers in public spaces.
- Misconceptions about Photography: Tech companies have blurred the line between surveillance and artistic photography, which can lead to misunderstandings between photographers and the general public.
- Evolving Social Norms: With the pervasive use of cameras for surveillance and data collection, people have become more protective of their personal information and images. This shift has affected the practice of street photography.
- Impact of AI: The advent of AI has introduced new creative possibilities, but also raises questions about image authenticity and privacy – further complicating the landscape for street photographers.
- After that unsettling encounter, I decided to delve into the world of technology for a better understanding.
- In my research, I discovered the latest video reviews on mirrorless cameras and their capabilities for street photography.
- The news about the advancements in drone technology sparked my curiosity, considering their potential in capturing unique landscape perspectives for travel photography.
- I found some fascinating photography books that focus on lifestyle and street photography, offering valuable insights into the focus and iso settings that work best for these genres.
- My exploration of technology also led me to explore the pros and cons of DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras in terms of their impact on photography trends and lifestyle.
- I've come to realize that the shortcomings in privacy policies and the misuse of technology by tech giants have significantly influenced the cultural shift surrounding photography.
- Regardless of these challenges, I remain passionate about photography and continue to seek innovative solutions, like the benefits of using RAW format and manual focus lenses for enhanced image quality.
