In photography, the age-old debate of capturing images of strangers or celebrities without consent has been stirring up quite a storm. Once regarded as a tool for self-expression and documenting the ever-changing landscapes around us, photography has now morphed into a platform for scrutinizing peoples’ actions. Let’s face it, there’s an undeniable allure in observing the lives of others as they navigate public spaces. It’s like peering through a window into a world filled with intriguing narratives and untold stories. But here’s where things get tricky: is it ethical to take snapshots of unsuspecting individuals without their knowledge? The truth is, the answer isn’t as black and white as we might hope. Let me draw you a few scenarios to give you a better idea of the situation.
The alogorithmic dopamine casinos that are Instagram and TikTok, have become gateways to showcase everything that interests us. However, in recent years, the rectangular grid has been used to film strangers, starting a discourse on whether this practice is acceptable. Pages such as @hotdudesreading and @influencersinthewild are some examples, which have been thriving with millions following them. Then, there are those moments when celebrities are caught off guard, like Kate Middleton browsing a market or Harry Styles sharing a private moment with Emily Ratajkowski. It begs the question: what’s the point of these videos and photos?
The Professional Voyeurs
Whether one believes this or not, a part of such voyeurism on social media could be linked to the street photography genre. How so? Our example is surely debatable, but consider Bruce Gilden?
For the unversed, Gilden rose to fame for his gritty, shocking (and unconsented) photographs of people on the streets of New York. Known to surprise his subjects with his flash, Gilden’s work has been considered controversial for many reasons. Firstly, the subjects in his work have never given him explicit consent to photograph them. Secondly, there is no chance to refuse him as he instantly takes a photograph and walks away. By the time you process what has happened, Gilden has left the scene. Another famed street photographer, Joel Meyerowitz, called Gilden an “aggressive bully,” further going to say that his “pictures look alike because he only has one idea.”
By that token, Gary Winogrand, deemed one of the most important photographers of the 20th century, has also drawn the ire of his viewers. His critics were particularly unimpressed with his series Women are Beautiful, where he photographed candid moments experienced by women. Some found the photographs too explicit and perhaps even questionable. However, according to an article published by the Worcester Art Museum, critic Maddie Chambers notes how his work “opens eyes to the representation of women at the time and how they, as subjects, decided to present themselves.”
The Purpose of the Chase
It brings us to the most important point: voyeurism—whether simply watching strangers at the beach or taking pictures or videos of them—boils down to your intentions. Are you capturing that fleeting street moment to cherish it privately, a keepsake of a memory? Or is it about curating content for social media, chasing likes and brand endorsements
Indeed, there exists another layer to this discourse: the realm of artistic expression and documentary photography. Think of trailblazers like Helen Levitt, Vivian Maier, Elliott Erwitt, or Robert Frank, whose work often straddles the line between artistry and voyeurism.
Then, there are the powerful images that shed light on social injustices, capturing the struggles of marginalized communities at the hands of those in power. In these cases, voyeurism takes on a different guise—it becomes a tool for exposing truths and provoking change.
The conversation surrounding voyeurism and privacy is paramount in today’s Orwellian society, where surveillance is omnipresent. It’s imperative to consider the implications of our actions on the privacy and dignity of others, whether it’s capturing candid moments on the street or sharing them online.
By approaching photography and social media usage with integrity, we can contribute to a more respectful and ethical online environment.
