I suppose that taking photographs of people is a form of surveillance, but it's not dispassionate, it is not about tracking their movements so that they can be found at another time, it's not about intruding into their lives or providing a means of identification for other surveillance purposes. But, something IS identified, something noticed, something explained in the taking of the photo. It is about using the image of the other outside oneself to say something about human life, it is about a reflection of self, it is about coming to terms with the other, who is almost always over there, even though they might be inherently within oneself! An intimacy & connection is formed, briefly, fleetingly, however, this touching of another through the lens is one-way transaction - me to them & they will never know! Of course, sometimes I am noticed & there is an instant in which we are both aware that we are being watched, kind of like when you are taking a photo of yourself - I'm watching you, watching me!
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Photography as surveillance?
I suppose that taking photographs of people is a form of surveillance, but it's not dispassionate, it is not about tracking their movements so that they can be found at another time, it's not about intruding into their lives or providing a means of identification for other surveillance purposes. But, something IS identified, something noticed, something explained in the taking of the photo. It is about using the image of the other outside oneself to say something about human life, it is about a reflection of self, it is about coming to terms with the other, who is almost always over there, even though they might be inherently within oneself! An intimacy & connection is formed, briefly, fleetingly, however, this touching of another through the lens is one-way transaction - me to them & they will never know! Of course, sometimes I am noticed & there is an instant in which we are both aware that we are being watched, kind of like when you are taking a photo of yourself - I'm watching you, watching me!
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