Is It Wrong to Photograph Homeless People? Where do you sit in this debate of ethics vs legality

Is photographing homeless people a way to raise awareness or is it exploitation? In this video, we dive deep into the heated debate over whether capturing images of homeless individuals is ethical or harmful. From photographers using their work for advocacy to critics accusing them of violating human dignity, we explore both sides of the argument. Should you ask for consent? Are these photos perpetuating stereotypes? Watch to find out the surprising facts and let us know where YOU stand!
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[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Q. Is it wrong to give homeless people money?… Is it wrong to ignore people begging?… Is it wrong to ignore that homeless people exist right in front of you?… If you are documenting your environment, is it wrong to then ignore them by not photographing them, and photographing everyone else? Ditto for Children?… Ditto for the elderly?… Ditto for candid shots of people minding their own business or just out shopping? Q. Is it wrong to photography any of these, or is it more wrong to publish?… Does this extend to video or is it just photography that is wrong? For me, as a street documenter it is only wrong, if you tell yourself it is wrong. There are other genres of photography that I would not do, so I don't do them, but I wouldn't attempt to stop those who are doing it, so long as it is not breaking the law. We are not all going to agree on this, and we all have our red lines, but to me that is a good thing not bad.

[@Khandiephotography]

I dont think there is anything wrong with gifting money. You cant put stipulations on a gift. So whether they use it for food or other reasons, it is not longer a gift if people say you cant use it for xy and z. Given the harsh reality of some of their lives, I hate to say it but if something eases their life even if momentarily, I cant say I am totally (i saw with caution) against them using it for other purposes. I see people who have nice homes and jobs buying similar stuff and its all just 'cool'. I dont see someone out shopping the same as someone living on the street. That is their only option. That is their existance so perhaps its a different subject matter that isnt on the same level as others. It is up to you to justify ethically how/where you draw the line (provided you arent doing it illegally) and be prepared that not all with agree and have strong opinions on it. Its a great debate to be having and I hugely appreciate the comment.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

@@Khandiephotography Not all people living on the street, are actually living on the street, some actually choose to be there. There's this one guy where I live who I often talk to, who is not homeless at all. He told me he comes out because he can make money just sitting there, so that's what he does. I don't think there's anything wrong with people giving them money, but there are lots of people who do think it's wrong. My point is, each to there own. Yes it's up to me to justify ethically what I do or don't do with my photography, just like the next person who photographs nudes with a feather coming out their rear end. It's not something I would do, but each to their own, and thank god we don't live in a nanny state. It's an age-old debate, but I doubt it will change many minds.

[@ExiledMSH]

I was recently in Vancouver, and I was walking through a spot where there were hundreds of homeless folks on a short stretch of road. What I saw was jarring, so I put the camera away. They are all human beings and deserve dignity. So, to me, photographing those who are homeless -- off limits.

[@Khandiephotography]

I think the lines we wont cross are deeply personal to use. I do understand a newscrew filming as they add context and such. A photo is a photo to make our own assumptions from. There is not additional information to accompany it. I do see however why some may wish to still photograph. Its certainly an interesting debate to have. Thank you so much for commenting.

[@baobo67]

Well put Exiled, I went through a bad patch bumping along rock bottom. I would not have liked to have be seen like that. It is about dignity. Off limits for me too. Cheers.

[@wildmano1965]

You can take the Sontag stance, that everything photographed is automatically an interpretation of a likeness, not really the thing itself, but don't over-intellectualize the whole thing. It is a Picture. That's it. If you need a photograph of a homeless person, you go find one. Hopefully, you have that person's permission to make such an image. The problem with this type of story is it takes an INORDINATE amount of time to sit down and connect with people/persons who are perhaps "homeless" or some variation thereof. But, if you can do that, you may have something worth sharing. I had a professor who used to give as one of the rules for his photo class: "NO SLEEPING HOMELESS PEOPLE". Yeah.

[@Khandiephotography]

I see it more and more that people ask their students/attendees to not capture homeless