Yesterday afternoon, I snapped this photo of children on a jungle jim at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon. I liked the balance of each child sitting opposite one another at peace in the world of the playground. It was my intention to post a picture where the subject matter would be without a particular theme and not illicit further discussion in contrast to my previous posts.Yet I have to admit that the story is not in the picture. I actually found myself nervous, standing outside the fence, camera in hand. I expected any moment a parent or passerby or a policeman to suddenly tap me on the shoulder and ask me what I was doing and why I was photographing children. Please don't think I'm unnecessarily paranoid. Our adult world is full of fear and a little crazy, don't you think?
10 comments:
Well, I've always been a bit afraid to take pictures of people. I'm getting over it, but I agree, I wonder what parents or anyone else is thinking when I watch kids on a playground and think of taking their photos. Actually, I tried it one day and ended up with very few photos. I don't know what to say about it, because there are some strange people out there, so I can understand why people might wonder, but it's too bad.
P.S. I also like the balance and peace in this photo. The curve anchors it, and the little one running on the right side adds just the right amount of activity to put a question in the photo. Also, when I was that age, I know I was afraid of people I didn't know watching so closely, and that was a long time ago. Parental warnings and caution are not new.
I do know exactly what you mean! I volunteer in a Jump Start program for pre-school children and even though I'm a part of the classroom, I felt -- momentarily, a concern at taking pictures of the kids in the classroom. It was foolish I know because I know the teachers and have worked with them for a couple of years now. But I did and I posted them and the shots still bring me pleasure. And I intend to take more this year!
Great post, Lee.
Sylvia
I agree with you Lee !!But the photo is nice !! Kids are actually maintaining a good balance..Unseen Rajasthan
I would call it the book-ends.
I have a hard time taking pictures of people and children in particular for the very same reasons you mentioned. But then again I do --well almost---love nature better. MB
I agree with MB. Book ends is the word. Lovely shot. Yes, you must have felt like a deviant loiterer. Sad, isn't it? Over here, it is illegal to post photographs/car license plates even sometimes buildings -generally speaking anything that can be considered private- without prior consent of the person. That's why I blur car numbers and faces on the rare occasions I actually have people on my blog... I have to start being bold and introduce myself as VDP and ask for people's consent.
Such a shame but so necessary that we have to think like that.
Not much to add from previous comments...the young man on the nearest end of this device looks deep in thought...maybe, "How the heck am I gonna get down from here?"
Yeah, had the same feelings, Lee. Just about anytime I'm out in public and kids are in the picture. And that isn't paranoia...actually, I wouldn't have been at all surprised if you had been confronted and questioned as to what you were doing.
I like the photo very much and i know what you mean. This paranoia is so sad though and has got to ridiculous levels in the UK....
Awesome photos. Looks like a postcard to me.
It's hidious and sad to know. Hope everything's fine...
God bless!
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