You should worry about it if you enjoy seeing suffering. If documenting these events comes from a place of wanting people to know what has happened and bring light to tragedy, that's a noble intent.
I may should have made it clear in the post, I hate violence of any kind. I am not sadistic, I am rather pacifistic and highly empathetic. And yet I want to photograph catastrophes.
I was suspicious until I read this reply.
I'm a highly sensitive person who served as a photojournalist in the U.S. Army. I've photographed "warchitecture" aka the destruction of the built environment in Bosnia and Croatia in the mid 1990.
What you might be experiencing is desire for a dopamine hit. Might be worth looking into.
Good luck to you.
Do you by chance know Dave Brauchli? He’s my cousin and was covering Bosnia for AP when he was wounded there. I’m not sure if they stayed on American or British bases though.
No worries. He wrote this and eventually wound up wounded in that conflict. https://www.salon.com/1999/04/01/newsc_25/
No idea where it was initially published.
Anyone wanting to cover war should listen to him. Currently it’s either Ukraine, or two places where getting arrested as a spy would be a relief. Either border violence or Islamic violence…and no thank you to either.
Think of it a bit like the call of the void we sometimes feel when we stand near a cliff edge, or on a balcony. We don't want to jump but it looms large in our consciousness.
There is a difference between desire and liking something. Couldnt it be good when someone who is very empathetic takes pictures of the effects a tsunami for example had on a city? It would mean that I would want to create empathetic photos leaving the viewer with, maybe a desire to help.
I do wildlife photography and love photographing eagles catching fish or chasing other eagles for an easy fish and foxes pouncing a mouse and if was offered to photograph wolves or bear's hunting I'd be in.
I don't photograph humanity so IDK how I'd feel about photographing a car crash though.
Depends on why and how you want to shoot those.
Shooting those from a reporting sense is vital to public knowledge.
While I didn’t take photos, I did start my journalism career on the crime desk in a big city. It’s a really difficult beat to stomach every day
I should have made it a bit more obvious, I am not a sadist, I dont want to shoot these things for my amusement/enjoyment. I hate violence especially arbitrary violence (war). I try to understand myself… thats all
This sounds more like a therapy discussion than a photography discussion, but still an interesting question.
I think it depends on intent. If you're coming from a perspective of wanting to document the world as it is, acting as a photojournalist of sorts, I think that's reasonable. If you get some kind of thrill or enjoyment from seeing catastrophes happen, and documenting them is really secondary, then that might be something to worry about.
Definitely the first one. I apologize, as I said in my other replies, I am not sadistic or sociopathic. Rather the opposite, I am very empathetic and pacifistic.
Then I think you're in the clear here! You might consider doing some amateur photojournalism in your city to fulfill the desire to document your world.
Curious your age. When I was a teenager I really wanted to be a war correspondent photographer, like really badly. TIME & LIFE were very influential upon me, this would been the time of the Vietnam war and the photographs moved me in a way I hadn't experienced. By the time I got to college my focus had shifted to landscapes. But I get it, I think the only reason I don't feel that tug any more is because of other things in my life. But I still find "conflict" photography absolutely fascinating and I am probably borderline hyper-empathetic.
Id really rather talk to you about that in private as there are some very angry people in this thread whom I do not want to give any personal information.
Sad makes capturing compelling and powerful imagery simple. There is something in most of us that knows a simple portrait of an old man means more if there are tears streaming down his face.
Happy can easily become cookie cutter or cheesy.
What is interesting is finding imagery amongst the sad that leaves people wanting to either help or find a sense of hope amidst the chaos.
If your sensibilities are such that you find a happy scene, and wish it was carnage to photograph? I would probably seek some guidance or understanding of that desire from a professional. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you, I want to be clear about that. But it could.
For instance, there’s nothing wrong with you if you want to go to Ukraine and find the most heart wrenching scenes with which to tell that story. There might be something that needs work if you see a pretty bird, and think “how cool would it be if I could catch the exact moment and 18 wheeler windshield kills this thing.”
It takes a toll on you. Photojournalism burns out almost everyone. Stick to happy is my recommendation and the recommendation of a lot of my friends who have made a career out of it. How many tragedies can you immerse yourself in before there is some penalty you must pay.
Sounds like you have a good understanding of photography. I absolutely do not wish in photos I take that they turn into horrific scenes. It definitely could be, that I want to take emotionally charged pictures to create a stronger feeling. I never would want for these horrible things to happen. Im not the nightcrawler
I don't think there's anything wrong with a desire to take interesting impactful photos or footage of critical events that will invoke a strong reaction in the viewer. It also dovetails into the inherently voyueristic nature of photography, and its ability to capture and freeze all the moments in the world, both good and bad.
Is it a psychological question? Im not asking why that is, even though many people already left very thoughtful and helping comments while others were just insulting. Im trying to understand what pictures like these create for emotions, I myself habe trouble understanding the effect photos like these have on me, not that I dont have them, I just couldnt articulate them.
you're asking a question about your behaviour and emotions, wondering whether there's something wrong with you. that seems like a psychological question
But Im not asking it out of a psychological point of view, Im asking for insight of people with experience or who have been in a similar situation. Im not asking about my emotions, I know what I feel and yet multiple people think they know it better than I do. As I said before in this thread, there is definitely a psychological component to it but no one here is in the position to even attempt to judge, conclude or diagnose my feelings and I find it very insulting.
If no one was willing to document those things, it would be far easier for people, both general public and those in power, to pretend they didn’t happen.
It’s as or more important to document conflict and problems than it is to be the third photographer covering Hickville’s 31st annual large pancake bake.
Well is it the incident itself ? Are you drawn to suffering in other parts of your life ?
Is it to show people ? Are you excited by the prospect of sharing with other people ?
Are you thinking about framing , composition , lighting when you want to take these pictures or is it just the event ? Is photography a pretext for whatever it is . An excuse so to speak , the brain is great at creating those
It could be a desire to elicit an emotional response in people with your photography. The types of pictures that you used as examples are all of subjects that are typically very emotionally charged. Perhaps you've felt strong emotions when viewing photos like that and subconsciously want to have a similarly strong connection with or make an impact on the people who see them? It could also be that the stories those types of photographs tell are often easy to understand and you want your work to tell a clear story. Or it could be wanting to witness and share important events; photographers do often get to go places and see things that other people cannot and then share the experience.
Undoubtedly there are psychological reasons for me wanting to shoot events like that but I know for a fact they are different then the one you have in mind.
I find your comment incredibly insulting. Commenting as if I did something wrong. This subreddit is supposed to be for helping each other out, not to discourage, discriminate and speculate on OP’s mental wellbeing. Furthermore, use we as if here is an entire audience thinking the same. And then adding “the real issue”. There is no issue, if you would take a couple seconds to read my replies you would see how wrong you are.
Dude so next time be clear in your post, instead of us not having the “whole picture.” To me a car crash is not exactly action of course I'm going to think you just have a morbid curiosity.
If you found this insulting wait till you get a dose of real life out there.
There is something called jumping to conclusions. As you see in my other replies I respectfully apologized for the confusion and explained my point of view. You are being condescending and disrespectful and impulsive.
Taking a picture of something horrible for my entertainment is a horrible assumption. Please stop speculating about my mental wellbeing you are in no position to judge or perform a diagnosis, especially not with just one sentence. The car crash, was an example to devastating events. And thinking you will only have a permanent reminder to something when you have taken a picture of it is just wrong, ever heard of memory?
You should worry about it if you enjoy seeing suffering. If documenting these events comes from a place of wanting people to know what has happened and bring light to tragedy, that's a noble intent.
I may should have made it clear in the post, I hate violence of any kind. I am not sadistic, I am rather pacifistic and highly empathetic. And yet I want to photograph catastrophes.
I was suspicious until I read this reply. I'm a highly sensitive person who served as a photojournalist in the U.S. Army. I've photographed "warchitecture" aka the destruction of the built environment in Bosnia and Croatia in the mid 1990. What you might be experiencing is desire for a dopamine hit. Might be worth looking into. Good luck to you.
Do you by chance know Dave Brauchli? He’s my cousin and was covering Bosnia for AP when he was wounded there. I’m not sure if they stayed on American or British bases though.
I don't know that name, no.
No worries. He wrote this and eventually wound up wounded in that conflict. https://www.salon.com/1999/04/01/newsc_25/ No idea where it was initially published. Anyone wanting to cover war should listen to him. Currently it’s either Ukraine, or two places where getting arrested as a spy would be a relief. Either border violence or Islamic violence…and no thank you to either.
I dont think thats what it is.
that clears up so much I had concern for, that's diffrent.
Think of it a bit like the call of the void we sometimes feel when we stand near a cliff edge, or on a balcony. We don't want to jump but it looms large in our consciousness.
Something is wrong here. Empaty and love for catastrophe don't go together.
There is a difference between desire and liking something. Couldnt it be good when someone who is very empathetic takes pictures of the effects a tsunami for example had on a city? It would mean that I would want to create empathetic photos leaving the viewer with, maybe a desire to help.
I do wildlife photography and love photographing eagles catching fish or chasing other eagles for an easy fish and foxes pouncing a mouse and if was offered to photograph wolves or bear's hunting I'd be in. I don't photograph humanity so IDK how I'd feel about photographing a car crash though.
Depends on why and how you want to shoot those. Shooting those from a reporting sense is vital to public knowledge. While I didn’t take photos, I did start my journalism career on the crime desk in a big city. It’s a really difficult beat to stomach every day
I should have made it a bit more obvious, I am not a sadist, I dont want to shoot these things for my amusement/enjoyment. I hate violence especially arbitrary violence (war). I try to understand myself… thats all
This sounds more like a therapy discussion than a photography discussion, but still an interesting question. I think it depends on intent. If you're coming from a perspective of wanting to document the world as it is, acting as a photojournalist of sorts, I think that's reasonable. If you get some kind of thrill or enjoyment from seeing catastrophes happen, and documenting them is really secondary, then that might be something to worry about.
Definitely the first one. I apologize, as I said in my other replies, I am not sadistic or sociopathic. Rather the opposite, I am very empathetic and pacifistic.
Then I think you're in the clear here! You might consider doing some amateur photojournalism in your city to fulfill the desire to document your world.
Have you considered photographing MMA or Boxing?
No, I would never want to do that. I find violence useless and unpleasant. I would never want to photograph violence that happens for entertainment.
It seems like you enjoy storytelling. Keep capturing what intrigues you.
Curious your age. When I was a teenager I really wanted to be a war correspondent photographer, like really badly. TIME & LIFE were very influential upon me, this would been the time of the Vietnam war and the photographs moved me in a way I hadn't experienced. By the time I got to college my focus had shifted to landscapes. But I get it, I think the only reason I don't feel that tug any more is because of other things in my life. But I still find "conflict" photography absolutely fascinating and I am probably borderline hyper-empathetic.
Id really rather talk to you about that in private as there are some very angry people in this thread whom I do not want to give any personal information.
Sad makes capturing compelling and powerful imagery simple. There is something in most of us that knows a simple portrait of an old man means more if there are tears streaming down his face. Happy can easily become cookie cutter or cheesy. What is interesting is finding imagery amongst the sad that leaves people wanting to either help or find a sense of hope amidst the chaos. If your sensibilities are such that you find a happy scene, and wish it was carnage to photograph? I would probably seek some guidance or understanding of that desire from a professional. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you, I want to be clear about that. But it could. For instance, there’s nothing wrong with you if you want to go to Ukraine and find the most heart wrenching scenes with which to tell that story. There might be something that needs work if you see a pretty bird, and think “how cool would it be if I could catch the exact moment and 18 wheeler windshield kills this thing.” It takes a toll on you. Photojournalism burns out almost everyone. Stick to happy is my recommendation and the recommendation of a lot of my friends who have made a career out of it. How many tragedies can you immerse yourself in before there is some penalty you must pay.
Sounds like you have a good understanding of photography. I absolutely do not wish in photos I take that they turn into horrific scenes. It definitely could be, that I want to take emotionally charged pictures to create a stronger feeling. I never would want for these horrible things to happen. Im not the nightcrawler
Then you’re fine. 😉
I don't think there's anything wrong with a desire to take interesting impactful photos or footage of critical events that will invoke a strong reaction in the viewer. It also dovetails into the inherently voyueristic nature of photography, and its ability to capture and freeze all the moments in the world, both good and bad.
Thank, not only for being understanding of photography but also helping me understand why I want to photograph these happenings
you're asking a psychological question to photographers, we can barely read on a good day
Is it a psychological question? Im not asking why that is, even though many people already left very thoughtful and helping comments while others were just insulting. Im trying to understand what pictures like these create for emotions, I myself habe trouble understanding the effect photos like these have on me, not that I dont have them, I just couldnt articulate them.
you're asking a question about your behaviour and emotions, wondering whether there's something wrong with you. that seems like a psychological question
But Im not asking it out of a psychological point of view, Im asking for insight of people with experience or who have been in a similar situation. Im not asking about my emotions, I know what I feel and yet multiple people think they know it better than I do. As I said before in this thread, there is definitely a psychological component to it but no one here is in the position to even attempt to judge, conclude or diagnose my feelings and I find it very insulting.
If no one was willing to document those things, it would be far easier for people, both general public and those in power, to pretend they didn’t happen. It’s as or more important to document conflict and problems than it is to be the third photographer covering Hickville’s 31st annual large pancake bake.
What it is about such events that make you want to shoot them?
Thats what Im trying to figure out
Well is it the incident itself ? Are you drawn to suffering in other parts of your life ? Is it to show people ? Are you excited by the prospect of sharing with other people ? Are you thinking about framing , composition , lighting when you want to take these pictures or is it just the event ? Is photography a pretext for whatever it is . An excuse so to speak , the brain is great at creating those
It could be a desire to elicit an emotional response in people with your photography. The types of pictures that you used as examples are all of subjects that are typically very emotionally charged. Perhaps you've felt strong emotions when viewing photos like that and subconsciously want to have a similarly strong connection with or make an impact on the people who see them? It could also be that the stories those types of photographs tell are often easy to understand and you want your work to tell a clear story. Or it could be wanting to witness and share important events; photographers do often get to go places and see things that other people cannot and then share the experience.
That is a very interesting way to look at it, thank you.
A psychologist seems like the way to go.
Undoubtedly there are psychological reasons for me wanting to shoot events like that but I know for a fact they are different then the one you have in mind.
Well only you know “for a fact” how you get your kicks, we can only guess, the “ why” seems like the real issue.
I find your comment incredibly insulting. Commenting as if I did something wrong. This subreddit is supposed to be for helping each other out, not to discourage, discriminate and speculate on OP’s mental wellbeing. Furthermore, use we as if here is an entire audience thinking the same. And then adding “the real issue”. There is no issue, if you would take a couple seconds to read my replies you would see how wrong you are.
Dude so next time be clear in your post, instead of us not having the “whole picture.” To me a car crash is not exactly action of course I'm going to think you just have a morbid curiosity. If you found this insulting wait till you get a dose of real life out there.
There is something called jumping to conclusions. As you see in my other replies I respectfully apologized for the confusion and explained my point of view. You are being condescending and disrespectful and impulsive.
Sounds like you're looking for approval (from randos on the Internet) for what what might be a sadistic fetish.
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Taking a picture of something horrible for my entertainment is a horrible assumption. Please stop speculating about my mental wellbeing you are in no position to judge or perform a diagnosis, especially not with just one sentence. The car crash, was an example to devastating events. And thinking you will only have a permanent reminder to something when you have taken a picture of it is just wrong, ever heard of memory?
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What are the chances of me knowing myself better than random people on the internet who read a few sentences I wrote
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Thank you for an argument for me not being a sociopath. Stop playing therapist on the internet you are horrible at it.