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polite

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I started to take this photo of a council van on the spur of the moment. As I pressed the shutter, the two fingers went up. I feel this says a lot about how polite people are in Britain today.

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Jamie Mellor said...

I guess you are right Anthony, lots of folk don't like having their photo taken, and will react in different ways. sorry for the rant, I feel better now. Regards, and peace to everyone (even white van drivers) Jamie.

Posted on 08/02/2008 21:24

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Jamie Mellor said...

Firstly, well done for being so brave to take this. Unfortuantly you are right, this photo does say alot about politeness in Britain today. This guy does not know if you are taking a photo for art or documentary, he is too ignorant to care. instead of trying to understand something, he becomes aggressive. Like how some people who don't try to understand other cultures become racists. Maybe the guy on the left might be thinking 'why?' rather than 'hate', but his social constrants disallow vent his thoughts. If this conclusion is correct, the guy on the right is racist, sexist and homophobic, but I don't want to accuse anybody of such terrible things;; he probally is though. Anyway, great thought provoking photograph, nice one!

Posted on 08/02/2008 20:27

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anthony_beck2000 said...

Solemn stuff jenngus jnr. Quite a few people resent being snapped without their consent and feel entitled to make their own contribution to the picture. And rather a useful contribution, no? And after all, white van drivers have a reputation to maintain! Best wishes, A.

Posted on 08/02/2008 20:36

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whatseansaw.com said...

Politeness - how polite is it to invade someone's privacy with a camera lens wihtout permission and treating every situation as an opportunity for a photo-shoot? That's not at all a criticism but I like to think that *this* is the politeness in question in the subject - very easy to 'blame' the man in the van

Posted on 08/02/2008 22:00

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Jamie Mellor said...

I know what you mean Sean, but if I only took photos of people when I had their permision, I would'nt have alot of my best photos. It seems generally people don't mind it, as long as it's not only them you focus on, or if they walk into the frame. Also, I think a 'no' gesture rather than the v sign is what most civilised people would do if they objected having their photo taken.

Posted on 08/02/2008 22:51

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Palmer Hollins said...

Of course, they were probably wondering why you were taking a photo of a council van in the first place, but it's an interesting observation. Also, as a white van driver myself, I'd like to say in our defence that we're not all like that. Someone took a picture of me driving through Edinburgh a few days ago and I thought it was hilarious. I have to say I found this picture quite amusing.PH

Posted on 08/02/2008 22:16

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watcher330 said...

I did think that I could take responsibility for pointing a camera but given that this sort of thing happens when no camera is around as a result of a supposed slight, I think that a more general view can be abstracted from the particular.

Posted on 09/02/2008 07:52

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anthony_beck2000 said...

There is a serious prob here - because of the high profile as to privacy it is MUCH harder taking people pics these days - and there are less of them about which is a loss. One suggestion (in the pages of the current mag. British Journal of Phootgrahpy - the only mag I buy tho' I'm no professional: it is in touch with contemp. work unlike the fat "enthusiast"glossies) is to cough to cover any shutter noise and to look away when you take the shot! Best wishes, A.

Posted on 09/02/2008 11:55

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alastairfreid said...

brilliant picture. spot on the brief.

Posted on 10/02/2008 10:18

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mike hatton 01 said...

classic it speaks for itself

Posted on 10/02/2008 20:27

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SuzanneWaters said...

great social documentary, and it definitely says it all about our nation! I've always been too afraid to candid shots of stranger incase of such incidents or worse, I guess thats the risk you take. Great shot.

Posted on 12/02/2008 18:28

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claire r1 said...

I love the risk you took! Plus the fact aht this is sucha typicall engliah shot!!

Posted on 15/02/2008 13:44

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watcher330 said...

My thanks to those of you above who have commented on this shot.

Posted on 15/02/2008 19:26

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Sammy J. said...

Apart from this picture being a great example of the brief, I think it's wonderful that it has opened up such discussion and comment. That's what art and photography is all about! Love it!

Posted on 22/02/2008 02:45

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John Yeung said...

This photo says it all!

Posted on 22/02/2008 09:53

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anthony_beck2000 said...

What makes commentators believe that the guys are English?

Posted on 23/02/2008 13:13

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watcher330 said...

Taken within the boundaries of the UK - but obviously they could be any nationality. However, a council van probably points to a UK citizen. I didn't have the chance to have the conversation of a lifetime!

Posted on 23/02/2008 18:44

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dawn.millward said...

i think you hit a few nerves here. i liked the photo and it really meets the brief. i suppose the question is taking pictures without consent something which i strggle with. however i like the photo. dawn

Posted on 26/02/2008 15:19

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louise.blackwood said...

It's wonderful that your shot has sparked a debate - shows just how powerful a capture can be! I'm slightly more drawn to the driver of the van as his expression seems slightly more thoughtful, that said, the abusive guy looks almost like a rock star with his sunglasses and V sign. great work!

Posted on 16/06/2008 14:00

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