By Mufaro Dube | Staff Writer
The conversation began with a question; “Are people on a street public property?”. As I walked along the Corniche and marveled at the Mediterranean Sea, a man approached and pointed at my camera. He asked if I had taken pictures of him, and in response, I showed him pictures of the waves, water splashing against the concrete breakwaters and of birds. As an amateur photographer, this led me to wonder what other people thought of street photography. Do they find it intrusive? Was I limiting myself from venturing on an adventure of street photography on the street because of my fear of misuse? To learn more, I went out and asked questions. This article is a collection of the answers I received and how I feel about street photography now.
As I remained at a distance, Nour, a colleague of mine, demonstrated that most people do not mind street photography. She went ahead and photographed a girl looking out at the sea from one of the green benches. After seeing the photo, she decided that it wasn’t adequate and that it wouldn’t be useful anywhere, therefore there was no need to trouble the owner by showing them. Despite this, the idea of uncandid portraits was echoed by other AUB students during the interviews. Currently, TikTok and YouTube shorts are filled with street photographers sharing incredible photos with the individual of whom they took a picture of while unaware. When the photograph is beautiful, the subjects break into a smile, grin, blush, or show pure excitement.
The AUB students I spoke with all shared a common perspective; the type of camera used is significant. One student even demonstrated how she would smile and hold still for a professional photographer but reject photos taken with a cell phone. Two interviewees also mentioned: “I trust someone with a camera.” They explained how having a camera identifies someone as a professional photographer. Not everyone purchases a camera for entertainment purposes. Even those who buy it as part of a hobby require a level of commitment. So, photography that respects people’s privacy and sense of self begins with the equipment. A professional camera implies that a person is safe in its hands. Other certain individuals purely enjoy street photography despite the sort of camera they might be facing. In fact, one student put forward all the passionate words that came to their mind to describe it as an instantaneous moment: raw, candid, and informative. An incomplete story that leaves us wondering.
However, even the type of equipment was trumped by a more strongly held and passionate response: “Show me the pictures.” Students emphasized that they wanted to know if their picture could be circulated anywhere, claiming that they “just need to verify the picture is good, cause if it’s good and I look like a model, of course, I want the whole world to see and know”. Others argued that if their current location in the photographs contradicts what they had told their friends or family, it could be considered a breach of honesty. Bizarrely enough, others wanted the timestamps on photos to serve as evidence or an alibi if they were wrongfully convicted of crimes.
While others craved the “main character” appeal of having their portrait taken, others did not wish to be the main subject. Instead, they would rather be part of the large mosaic of bodies in the background. If they were the primary focus, they expected a clear explanation as to why – a clear purpose of what the picture would be used for. This can be attributed to the type of environment and community in which the photos were taken. For instance, suppose there is a political protest somewhere; people do not want to be photographed and misidentified as part of or against a cause. They claim that they “do not want a picture that can backfire.” Many people emphasized the importance of understanding the backstory. Is the image a part of a project? Where will it be utilized? Could I request a copy of it? And is it possible to have it removed once the project is finished? What drives the creation of these photographs? With the rapid spread of pictures and information nowadays, it’s important to tag people when posting images to indicate which ones were used and that their consent was obtained.
Returning to the question: Is street photography intrusive? It appears not. Responses varied, ranging from expressions of interest or appreciation to desires to encounter similar experiences as those seen on platforms like TikTok. The presence of an official page for the individual being photographed was deemed even more favorable. Such reflections prompt me to wonder whether I’ve been overly restrictive, confining myself to capturing images of flowers, when there exists a multitude of people who wouldn’t mind or would even welcome the opportunity to be captured in a beautiful picture. The notion of malicious use of photographs hardly crossed the minds of those engaged in conversations on professional street photography. Another perspective highlighted that the acceptability of street photography depends on the individual. Some students clarified that they naturally dislike getting pictures taken, while for others, their willingness varies depending on their mood. As previously mentioned, the quality of the resulting image is crucial; if captured during a negative emotional state, it may not turn out favorably as emotions tend to seep through the photograph.
Regardless of one’s opinion, it is imperative to respect individuals’ wishes when they decline to be photographed, as people on the street are not public property, and obtaining consent is paramount. One student strongly opposed street photography, expressing, “It’s bizarre. What are you going to do with my picture?” Thus, the recurring theme underscores the importance of seeking consent, whereby one gains clarity on who is willing and who is not. Oftentimes, a respectful request yields a positive response. As with all matters involving consent, persistence after a refusal transforms the camera from a tool of artistic expression into a “weapon of violence.”f