On another site someone published a photograph they took of a homeless man, sleeping on a piece of cardboard, in New York City. She said she was so moved by the sight that she had to “capture the moment.” She goes on to say that she would not have taken the photograph if the man had been aware of her doing so, which clearly implies that she did not have the man’s permission to take the photo, written, verbal, or implied.
In the comments posted regarding the photo, she goes on to talk about the man’s cheap shoes and his dirty fingernails. “Maybe he does spend some time at a shelter. Look how dirty his fingernails are. God for all we know he may have recently been at the shelter and this is a cleaned up version.” In later comments she goes on to talk about how she does wonderful things for the homeless and she even copied and pasted a letter of thanks from an organization that works with homeless, expressing their gratitude for her help in a fundraising event. She mentions, numerous times, that her intentions are good in having taken the photo and publishing it.
This is what I am wondering:
Is it ethical for ANYONE to take a photograph of any person without their consent or permission then use it for their own personal monetary gain and to look good in the eyes of others? The photo she posted was a part of a contest on a site in which members earn points toward cash or gift cards.
Is it ethical for anyone to make comments ridiculing anyone that is down on their luck, ill, out of a job, homeless, etc., often through no fault of their own?
Is it ethical to violate Terms of Service of any site because one thinks that in doing so they are doing more right than wrong?
Clearly I feel this woman’s actions are unethical in the instances shown above. Am I wrong? Is it me? Am I interpreting this in the wrong way?
As a photographer I carry photo model release forms with me to be signed by someone if I take their picture…I will not take it without their permission!
It sounds like this woman was disgusted by this man and in her own prudish (or ignorant) way trying to convince herself that she was better than him…
I agree with you completely! I have no use for people such as she!
D L
I find it very sad when a person can take anothers pain for their own gain!
Short answer, no, it isn’t ethical.
You forgot to mention the discussion about his swollen ankles and whether he was diabetic or just a garden variety drunk.
I don’t think it is ethical. I have seen the photo you are referring to and there is something chilling about the posting and the thread.
I also come from the pre-Internet generation and have not acclimated to the technological zeitgeist though some my age have adapted more readily. Our ethics have not been able to keep up with our gadgetry. It seems now that everything that occurs in public is fodder for reality T.V. or some version of it.
The header looks great!
No, I don’t think she had a right to publish the picture, especially if she was going to comment like that and allow others to say things that were even worse.
(Ann, as I was in the coffee shop named after a Mexican town square.))
You also forgot to say that this person is entering the photo in a contest. She has an agenda, and it’s not helping to bring the plight of the homeless to light.
Not only is it unethical, it’s illegal. Too bad that poor man she took advantage of won’t see it to do anything about it.
The Bible says that when you do something for the praise of man, that praise is you’re reward. I hope her’s was worth it.
Arrrrg! And, let me guess what contest she’s entering. No. There’s no need for that. I know.
That’s odious.
Thanks for reminding me why I’m glad I’m here now.
unethical and illegal. she needs a model elease which grants her permission to photograph the subject and publish his image with his acknowledgement. and without it she should be sued until she lands on the street and finds out what it’s really like. as for heart, she’s heartless b—ch who exploits another’s hardship
we’ve been around this block before… so time to cross the street.