To Photograph or Not To Photograph…..
Posted on March 7, 2012 in People
I’m not quite sure if this group of people are Amish or Mennonite, but there is always some question on whether or not it is appropriate to photograph the Amish. What is your opinion? Should I have taken this photo or not? All comments welcome! This family spent a little while near the lake at Middle Creek looking for migrating birds last weekend.
They are definitely Amish.. I think it’s a wonderful photo. I just love your work! It’s fine as long as they don’t pose for the photo. Here’s a site they will officialy answer that question and more. http://www.amishcountryimages.com/Photographing
I once asked a group of German Baptists (that’s how they described themselves) if I could photograph them as they made candy in their kitchen. The person I spoke to solemnly agreed but told me that the photos could not be sold or put into print. A photographer friend who worked for the local newspaper was never able to get them to agree to be photographed. I think the photo you took is terrific because you cannot see their faces. There is no identity to be made and it could just be people dressed in black. Who knows?
Thanks so much for your comments Phyllis & Bea. I always feel uncomfortable photographing not only the Amish, but people in general when you can see their faces. Some of the best photos, however, involve kids and pets when they aren’t posing.