Interesting thoughts Neil. I must admit I don’t like using the term 'taking' or 'shooting' when I'm talking about photography, but it isn’t easy to avoid and I feel a weird inner awkwardness when I do use those terms. The author images are great – it’s interesting to see how they’re each using their hands in each photo.
In German we say ‚machen‘ (make), because ‚nehmen‘ (taking) is a term we use if we physically move something.
But that is not the reason why I prefer to use the term ‚make‘ in English. - The terms ‚taking‘ or ‚shooting‘ when talking about photography, sound like rather aggressive to me. I don‘t mind if people are using it, but it doesn‘t sit right for me using these terms in regards of my own photography.
Gotta say, such soul-searching thoughts about using the word 'shooting' for both taking photos and killing animals, as well as the idea that the photographer is perhaps 'taking' something valuable from the subject of his photo, probably plays well with writers funded by Arts Council grants but less so with normal people with actual things to worry about.
I always think that the possible connotations of words, or whether you are stealing something from someone when you take their photo, are the kinds of things people worry about when all genuinely worrying things have been solved. Then the 'Oh no, I trod on an ant, I feel so guilty!' virtue signalling begins. It's just one more variety of vanity to add to all the others.
Very possibly! I don’t subscribe to the view that language is violence or that it much determines the outlook of people, but I do aspire towards to living in a society that can reflect on such things occasionally.
In a similar theme to Thomas Joshua Cooper, “In the Czech language, the verb to photograph means to immortalise. When I came to Britain in 1975, I was shocked to learn that in English, the equivalent is to shoot.” (Markéta Luskačová)
Interesting thoughts Neil. I must admit I don’t like using the term 'taking' or 'shooting' when I'm talking about photography, but it isn’t easy to avoid and I feel a weird inner awkwardness when I do use those terms. The author images are great – it’s interesting to see how they’re each using their hands in each photo.
Thanks Lin! There is a pattern with my author photos, hands are so expressive!
In German we say ‚machen‘ (make), because ‚nehmen‘ (taking) is a term we use if we physically move something.
But that is not the reason why I prefer to use the term ‚make‘ in English. - The terms ‚taking‘ or ‚shooting‘ when talking about photography, sound like rather aggressive to me. I don‘t mind if people are using it, but it doesn‘t sit right for me using these terms in regards of my own photography.
After seeing Andrew’s comment below, I am tempted to compile a list of what words are used and see if there is a pattern.
Impressed as usual by the range of your interests! Thought provoking but a bit intimidating for me. I need to get out more!
And I less!
Gotta say, such soul-searching thoughts about using the word 'shooting' for both taking photos and killing animals, as well as the idea that the photographer is perhaps 'taking' something valuable from the subject of his photo, probably plays well with writers funded by Arts Council grants but less so with normal people with actual things to worry about.
Ha, yes, well he is a sensitive soul—an artist, even!
I'm sure he has the tender soul of a poet!
I always think that the possible connotations of words, or whether you are stealing something from someone when you take their photo, are the kinds of things people worry about when all genuinely worrying things have been solved. Then the 'Oh no, I trod on an ant, I feel so guilty!' virtue signalling begins. It's just one more variety of vanity to add to all the others.
Very possibly! I don’t subscribe to the view that language is violence or that it much determines the outlook of people, but I do aspire towards to living in a society that can reflect on such things occasionally.
In a similar theme to Thomas Joshua Cooper, “In the Czech language, the verb to photograph means to immortalise. When I came to Britain in 1975, I was shocked to learn that in English, the equivalent is to shoot.” (Markéta Luskačová)
Beautiful.
Interesting thoughts here. And I enjoyed the series of authors.