Crass Or Kosher ?

Photographic Etiquette, or lack thereof  doesn't appear to be something that is frequently discussed. In the absence of hard and fast rules, establishing a criteria appears to be left up to the individual. Some of the behaviours that really irk me may just be my pet peeves but here goes. For me the benchmark is : "Would I like somebody to do that to me ? "

Obviously for professional photographers or photojournalists, the lines blur, and that's probably why I am happy being nothing more than an amateur. Once money comes into the equation, rivalry takes on an entirely different meaning. 

Crass as I see it:

On Facebook:

 

 image credit: http://www.savagechickens.com

1. Setting yourself up as an expert - editing somebody elses image without consent and posting it as a response to them

2. Online bombing - Using every opportunity to include a shot of your own in response to somebody else's post and then directing them to your Flickr page

3. Badgering people in groups to vote for you in comps. One request on your own page is one thing but posting relentlessly is spamming. Pleas like "only 3 votes off top spot on 500px peeps" is tantamount to begging. Everybody appreciates recognition of effort, but don't make use of friends.

4. Posting multiple times a day in groups - groups are not created for one member - that's why they're called Groups !  If you want to post do it on your own timeline, and people who are interested will find it.

5. Bragging about your expensive equipment or making fun of others because they dont have the latest and greatest.

6. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery but imitating everything another photographer does e.g frames, borders, watermarks, colours devalues both by making it commonplace

7. Pseudo Humility - professionals masquerading as amateurs for competitions

On The Road:

1. Setting off  flash in the midst of another person's long exposure . I haven't really experimented much with flash but I'm sure there are copious other flash annoyances that I'll leave for now.

 

 2. Treating homeless or emotionally fragile people as nothing more than a photo opportunity.  Asking permission dependent on the circumstances is another scenario completely

3. Ignoring " No camera" signs e.g in galleries

   

 4. Attempting to force people to be in group or family shots - you may want a memento of the occasion but you don't have the right to make others uncomfortable

  5. Hogging an optimum spot - take the shot and move on

6. Stalking other togs and taking every shot they take - find your own perspective

7. Photobombing - it doesnt take a lot of effort to not walk directly through someones composition

8. Never purposely get in the way of another photographer’s shot. 

I'm sure there are oodles more, but I've lost the impetus for recording them. On to something new and uplifting :-)

Guidelines, Not Rules !

Gloria Hopkins suggests using the word guidelines rather than rules in Composition Articles - Breaking all the rules - I like that perspective! I think I'll adopt that terminology myself from now on. Seems less didactic and it's not good form to be didactic when creative pursuits are being examined. 



Serendipitously discovered the Digital Photography Tips.Net Site which offers a smorgasbord of topics to peruse. Amongst many other easy to read hints "the rule of thirds" was explained, demonstrated and then gently challenged:

"... After spending a whole page convincing you of the benefits of the rule of thirds, yes, now I want you to break them. But not every time! The rule of thirds will produce better photos in about 80% of situations. But stretch the rule a little. Imagine the grid is divided into four rather than three. And sometimes (not often!) it really is better to have the focal point in the center of the photograph...."

10 Top Photography Composition Guidelines

Composition Guidelines:
1. The rule of thirds

2. The Golden Section Rule  apparently can be confused with the rule of thirds, but there are geometric differences.

 ".....As the Golden Section is found in the design and beauty of nature, it can also be used to achieve beauty and balance in the design of art.  This is only a tool though, and not a rule, for composition. The Golden Section was used extensively by Leonardo Da Vinci.  Note how all the key dimensions of the room and the table in Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" were based on the Golden Section, which was known in the Renaissance period as The Divine Proportion...." source: Phi and the golden section in art

Those with a mathematical mind may like to use the Golden Ratio Calculator for any future design projects !  Actually I'm wondering if its beginning to all sound a tad contrived. Using mathematics, a system of order to compartmentalise a creative pursuit ? Not convinced, but the aim is to maintain an open mind.

3. Using Lines

I will include more as I learn more

You Have To Be Joking

 78 Photography Rules For Complete Beginners  was an amusing 'tongue in cheek' read. It was prefaced with the advice to not take it seriously. What was interesting to read was that some of the readers actually did just that.The examples provided should have been a warning

 What about all the crazy angles, looking at objects from new perspectives !

There'd be lots of great shots which would never have been seen

Have to love this one !!  - Only photograph beautiful people - or invest in a copy of Photoshop

This rule assumes the photographer is colour blind

Hmmmmm - that's food for thought

Perhaps it would be best if this particular runner was not visible

Non judicious cropping can also be terminal

Or sometimes not !

Some of these could be very inappropriate

Does give somewhat of a romantic effect !

There are loads more at the site. It's well worth the visit just to brighten up your day.

I thought I'd come up with some of my own. (tongue in cheek of course)

A. Don't take photographs outside - dust may interfere with the production of a clear image

B. Don't take photographs anywhere near water - most cameras are not waterproof

C. When taking portraits ensure the head of the subject is visible

D. When taking Macro shots stand within view of the subject

That was fun, but I'm bored with it now. For some, photography is a serious business- there can be no allowance for levity