Truman Capote was said to have said, in reference to the novels of Jacqueline Suzann, “That’s not writing, that’s typing!” I feel exactly the same about the crap paparazzi put out in the world. They don’t make images, they take pictures and do it in the worst sense of the word “take.” They prey and sneak and invade. There is no art to what they do and it is because of them that photographers have to fight to keep decent reputations.
The pictures of the Obamas on vacation in Hawaii are just such images. It isn’t news that Mrs. Obama wore a one-piece bathing suit or that Mr. O doesn’t have much body fat. The images impart nothing but an uninvited glimpse into the private lives of human beings who, like all of us, deserve privacy.
Every time I see some long-lensed invasive piece of crap, I feel dirty–like I’m seeing photos from inside of a department store dressing room or bathroom.
Don’t even try to argue about how so many people want to see the images that it makes it okay. It doesn’t. People do all sorts of things they shouldn’t and would do more if given the opportunity. That doesn’t make the actions good and it doesn’t exonerate the actions of the providers. We’re all big monkeys and we like stimulation, even when it is not good for us. But sometimes you just have to say “no–it is wrong and I will not participate in this.”
If this offends you–specifically, if you are a paparazzo–tough. I don’t want your business. You’re not a photographer, you’re a bully with a camera and until you change your way of making a living, I want nothing to do with you.
For the rest of you, the artists (real photographers), I’m sorry that this post is so negative. I thought someone in the industry needed to say something. I felt so bad for the Obamas, who couldn’t even spend a couple of days–hell, a couple of hours–without being exposed in the media somehow. I’ve felt bad every time some Hollywood person in the middle of some personal crisis has a camera pointed at her/him. And I feel bad every time I hear someone who is not in the photo industry equate what the scum paparazzi do to what so many of you do. It isn’t even close to the same thing.
But they won’t stop until we stop looking. We have to stop looking and try to get our friends and family to stop as well.
Wow… tell us how you really feel. And for the record, I agree 100%. Also, for the record, it wasn’t me camped out in front of that rented Kailua compound.
Maui, Hawaii
Thanks, Leslie, for putting my thinking into well written words and spreading them.
I know there are even some ” celebrities” who need attention and call the paparazzi at the time they want to be photographed, but that only makes them all the same . It’s just so bad privacy is disrespected . You’re right. If we don’t look and we don’t buy, no one will want to sell.
Ana
In agreement on all counts. We are indeed a nosy culture. And, cultural demand creates supply. Paris Hilton, poised at the ballot box on election day? Come on! And, there has got to be a thread of editorial shame in there somewhere as well, for the running of such outrageously banal images in such prominent places. A master’s thesis, waiting to be written….
If people keep eating it up companies will keep paying the paparazzi millions to shoot it. But hey with the new pied piper in office now I dont have to pay for my car or house anymore!
Paparazzi photos are part of whats really wrong with the western world. Think other parts of the world give a damn? No because they’re actually part of the real news that gets filtered before its fed to us, nice and safe just like most advertising nice and safe.
It had better be safe and soft too or we might make a candle light vigil in protest!!!