Again, it’s totally legal, but apparently the difference between what’s legal and what’s pervy is about as grey an area as you’re going to find in the public photography world. In one WBZ tipster’s video, for example, one of these totally normal gents bends over behind a group of young women and snaps a picture of what the reporter describes as areas of bare skin. So, just some good clean wholesome photography fun going on in my state capital, is what it is.
Hypocritically, many of the men (obvious pseudonyms given, all) did not appreciate having their pictures taken, nor WBZ video being made of them, and asked repeatedly for the cameras to be turned off. Which doesn’t make them look creepier or ashamed in the least.
And listen, I’m all for street photography and the art of that practice. The Sartorialist, one of my favourite photo/fashion sites, has made a name and a business out of it. But, if you’ve ever seen the behind the scenes of how that site works, he’ll always ask permission and identify himself to subjects, whether he’s already snapped the pic or it’s a staged one.
So, on that note my fellow Bostonians, I propose this fun social experiment: Descend on Downtown Crossing yourselves, armed with cameras, and complete my next social photography art project. I call it “Pervature: The Lost Art of Capturing Horny Old Men Taking Pictures of Girl’s Naughty Bits, 2011.” We should probably set up a Tumblr or something.
What they’re doing is all totally legal. Did I say that yet? [WBZ]
Do Some Research
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 9:23 AMPlease do at least a BIT of research before posting this kind of poorly written tripe. WBZ have put a shock-horror spin on this story to grab attention. Read the comments, and follow the links to the web pages of the photographers, including this one: http://thephotorecession.webs.com/index.htm BEFORE falling for shock-journalism an giving it credibility by republishing it, please.
Poor form Gizmodo
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 10:05 AMHow does this classify as tech news?
Way to go! Keep on promoting the destruction of art. It’s shock horror spin(Thanks Do Some Research) which should’ve been put to shame in the article above not the photographers. Grow up.
Frankly I thought Gizmodo was above this crap looks like its time to unsubscribe.
Barron Skurril Snickerspants
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 10:13 AMAs someone who shoots a lot of street this article really annoys me. I don’t know anyone who goes out shooting to be a perv, we are out there simply trying to capture the beauty in what for most people seem like mundane, routine activities. Not to look down girls tops with a telephoto lens.
Nicholas Ong
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 12:17 PMI agree with the others, an article questioning the legitimacy of street photography is just beyond me. Street photography has been practised ever since the camera was invented. Even if there are sick people who do do this and use the excuse of street photography, its in the extreme minority.
Spock
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 2:03 PMNah, they’re creepy and weird.
Joseph
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 2:08 PMThe original report by WBZ was bias and journalism which painted street photography in a horrible light. I doubt the people involved understood what street photography.
The issue here is that you have mimicked the story and reworded everything but failed to remain objective.
“Crossing snapping what they claim are artful “street photography” pictures of everyday people.”
CLAIM?
“Hypocritically, many of the men (obvious pseudonyms given, all) did not appreciate having their pictures taken, nor WBZ video being made of them, and asked repeatedly for the cameras to be turned off.”
Wouldn’t you? When you realise that the reporter isn’t interested in street photography but repeatedly grills you about ‘HUNTING women and children’?
You say that photography and perverted behavior is a grey area yet you have clearly identified this situation as be old guys with cameras taking pervy photos.
Thomas Tran
Monday, April 18, 2011 at 9:42 PMYour article shows the lack of knowledge you have of street photography. Watch Jeff Mermelstein, a well known street photographer/photojournalist, taking photos and see if he ever asks for permission. Educate yourself in what street photography is all about…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuXcm35m50Y