The Aftermath of Photography Do’s & Don’ts
Why how to carry a camera and visual colonialism made some people angry, and the real meaning of photography rules.
Welcome to In the Flash, a reader-supported publication about intent and creativity in photography
There are themes like AI or consent in street photography that are bound to elicit controversy. But sometimes, a subject I didn’t not anticipate being controversial pokes people directly in the eye. In a plot twist I didn’t see coming, How to carry your camera, became the most divisive topic in last week’s Somewhat Serious Guide to Photography’s Do’s and Don’ts.
Most people recognized the post as humorous, as emphasized in the title description. To further make sure no one mistakes the Do’s and Don’ts as commandments, I added this to the list – Don’t follow anyone else’s rules. The secret to all photography rules is that they are guidelines against shortcuts, and every one of them can and should be broken with intent.
Still, some of the commentators were angry.