Comments on: Travel Photography Subjects: Rich

By: Rick V

Rick V — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:41:32 +0000

To Rick B and Killian,
Now, now, children, take a step back and think of the subject. If the photos of the “rich” depict a different point of view that not many easily share, then there is some value in the attempted communication via photography. If, however, the intent is to demean either the rich or the non-rich, then there is little redeeming social value and, rather than excoriate, simply ignore it. Everyone has the right to be wrong!

By: Thomas @ smashingreviews.com

Thomas @ smashingreviews.com — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 11:37:12 +0000

I totally agree with David Genac, through following your, let’s say so, instructions, or should I say suggestions (seems like a more appropriate word), by talking to the locals you’ll know more about who is considered as being rich in that place, and be introduced to many beautiful places, people and opportunities to make a great photo while traveling.

By: Peter West Carey

Peter West Carey — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:03:46 +0000

And then the author said: Ok, Rick, Killian and anyone else thinking of pig piling on that thread I’d ask you to please just drop it where it lies. DPS has never been about this kind of arguing in the comments section and I’d like to continue down that path. In three years of writing here, I’m glad to say this is the only time people have got snipity with each other in the comments.

To quote Biggs from Star Wars, “Stay on target”

David Genac, that’s a very nice way to put things. Thanks

By: fishcop

fishcop — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:06:17 +0000

I like the idea of this topic- focussing on the rich (pardon the pun!) while on vacation. I suspect most people have never given this any thought while traveling, I know I haven’t, and later wondered why their photos missed capturing the ‘essence’ of the place that they were. In leafing through old issues of Nat Geographic this topic is very well illustrated. I know a lot of people look at the articles and say “I was THERE!” because they can really identify with not just the place but the people, it isn’t just a travel brochure of pretty pictures. I will definitely keep this in mind in the future!

By: Rick Booker

Rick Booker — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:40:24 +0000

After voicing my opinion of this topic every one of your replies have attacked me personally. “Snot, ass, on my pedestal, judgmental, disrespectful” My opinion was of the TOPIC. I know nothing of the author other than what I read so I have no opinion of him personally. I admit one or two of my comments in reply to you could be interpreted as personally insulting the author. I apologize for that.

I had a few paragraphs written in this final reply to you but self control got the better of me when I remembered some very wise advice. “It’s never wise to wrestle a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it.”

Have a lovely day,
Rick Booker
(of course you know my name already since I’m the one not hiding behind the anonymity of the internet)

By: Killian

Killian — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:03:30 +0000

While I do appreciate the gratuitous title, Rick, the gender is a little off. =)

Having an opinion is nothing out of the ordinary; we all have them. The question is, would you have been so obnoxious and crude in your voicing of it without the benefit of hiding behind the internet?

An analogy for you: you and Peter are both guests in Darren’s “home,” with Peter being the guest of honor on this particular day. Upon hearing something that you, being in the same field, may not necessarily agree with, how do you procedd? Do you speak in a polite, civilized manner to the guest as you offer your dissenting point of view, or do you call him asinine (or, his ideas asinine, if you prefer true semantic accuracy)? You accused him of having a “total lack of class,” and yet you’re the one who’s showing it quite clearly.

As for what thought or purpose you have as a photographer, unless you have -no- thought or purpose when shooting, in which case your work would be shoddy, you obviously have some there. And as soon as you choose a subject, there is something about it that you selected. You and I could both take the same photo of the same subject, but have different purposes and creative drive. But -something- drives us.

What I’m saying is that choosing to shoot the opulence and extravagance of the rich is no more or less worthy than capturing the quiet strength of the poor. The tranquility and calm of a gorgeous landscape is no better or worse than a war torn city. It’s all in the eye of the photographer. Your judgmental and low-class words, shot off to a fellow professional were disrespectful, and in poor taste.

Cheers!

Killian

By: Rick Booker

Rick Booker — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:50:35 +0000

Lord Killian,
“Hope you can hear me waaaay up there on your pedestal. Whether you want to admit it, you classify subjects all of the time.”

“But if all you’re doing is being a judgmental snot, why bother? You’re not superior to him, any more than he is to us, so the only thing you achieve is success in making yourself look like a pompous ass.”

I must beg your forgiveness for having an opinion. I now realize that I am not in yours or the author’s class. Thank you for making that crystal clear.

I do have a question. How in the world do you know what thought or purpose I have when MY camera’s shutter clicks?

By: Amir Paz

Amir Paz — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:19:44 +0000

where the rich live …

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amirpaz/3638887547/in/set-72157619853869331/

Amir

By: Suresh Narayanan

Suresh Narayanan — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:45:06 +0000

I like to photograph the rich cultural heritage of countries.

By: John R. Sauers

John R. Sauers — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:18:11 +0000

The wealth a person has is of no concern of mine as it may be a definite subject of photography, and certainly not mine.. Photographing the rich is boring.. Photos of the mundane and the mediocre are much more interesting and colourful and exciting.