Neighbor House Fire (Several Images) Updated Info

[ShaneKislack]

Just out of curiosity, how do the victims feel about someone taking photos. I would personally think it's kind of insulting if someone was photographing my tragedy. I hold nothing against the OP because I know it's my individual opinion not shared by most.

[Roy]

That's a good question Shane. I don't know what the victims feel. I suppose each person would have their own feelings as a victim and where the line is drawn. I can say in this instance, someone taking photos of his tragedy was something that never entered his mind. He was on the verge of going into shock. Maybe he was thinking how life can change or be cut short with the blink of an eye. I don't know but he never noticed me. I know my opinion is biased on this instance since I was in the role of "photographer". I certainly felt bad for my neighbor's loss and in my mind, photographing this loss I was in no way trying to be insulting to him.

I'm sure some folks feel it's insulting as you do. I have been asked to photograph funerals before and even I thought this was odd, it wasn't to the family.

I'll let other's voice their opinions on this though. It's easy for me to have my opinion with this instance as I was an involved party.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by ShaneKislack

Just out of curiosity, how do the victims feel about someone taking photos. I would personally think it's kind of insulting if someone was photographing my tragedy. I hold nothing against the OP because I know it's my individual opinion not shared by most.

For me, it would depend on the tragedy. For example, I would have no problem with someone taking pictures of my house if it were burning. However, if the FD were removing family members who had been killed in the fire, I'd appreciate no pictures being taken.

[ShaneKislack]

The reason I ask is because the Police Officer may have thought it was adding stress to the victim. Not that anyone is right or wrong...just asking questions.

[mdparthum]

As a fire photographer I think it is important to respect the people involved in fires and accidents. I have photographed people being cut from their cars after wrecks and I think it revolves more around the whole incident than the individual. I try not to focus on the person so much and just photograph the scene. I once went to an accident where a woman had crashed into the embankment under an overpass and her car was wedged under it. It was dark and while photographing the scene, I didn't realize the paramedics had cut away her blouse and exposed her breasts until after I got the prints back. Those images will never be seen by anyone out of respect for the woman even though you cannot recognize her face.

There is some measure of responsibility and respect that must be shown; however, images of human emotion can relay a sense of tragedy and pain. To me, and in my opinion, the images of the man's pain are more about the gentleman comforting him and being supportive while he is going through this tragedy.

[danchez]

I was in a tornado back in '91. An F3 that tore our little town up pretty good. I hated all the photographers and gawkers that came to see the destruction and devestation. We were trying to clean up and start over and they were in the way. All the reportes and sight seers. It was near impossible to get through town due to the devestation, but then you add hundreds of people that don't belong and it made a bad situation worse. It probably wouldn't have been so bad but it seemed like they were everywhere. Not willing to help, just there for their story. It was rough. I hated them. On the other hand, some very powerful pictures came out of that. Now that I am behind the lense, I'm not sure what I would do if I happened upon an accident or my neighbors house caught on fire. I don't know if my thoughts would to be to run and get my camera....

[hotshot38]

There was a comedian who commented on the Rodney King beatings: If you ever see me getting beat up by a bunch of cops...put down the camera and help me!

In other words, help when you can, where you can. Maybe 'helping' is making the story available to others (through pictures). Maybe help wouldn't have come as quickly to your small town without images making it out to 'the world'.

At the scene of a fire: were you there first? are you trained to handle that situation? etc etc.

As a person who has been awarded for rescuing people, AND awarded for his photography, I think every situation is different. I know of at least one of my photographs, may not have made a difference in the victims life, but MAY have prevented from their being other victims of similar tragedies: namely a run on smoke detectors in our city, AND a program started where firefighters come and install a smoke detector to anyone who asks.

Some of my photos have been used in training programs. Most recently, addressing the dangers of wind-driven fires during interior attacks (Houston just lost 4 this way from what I remember).

Also, my photos have been used in arson/insurance investigations to determine a timeline.

So, again, help in the way you know how to help and can best serve. It may not help the immediate victim, but it could quite possibly prevent others from suffering similar losses.

[MHampton]

Wow, I'm very happy for the responsiveness of the authorities in this matter. Compared to all the other stories I've been reading around this net, this was truly a breath of fresh air.

A couple of thoughts occurred to me..

1. Sean: I read a shirt once over at café-press that said "If you see a man drowning and can either shoot the scene or rescue the man... what F stop would you use?" :) I know, probably bad taste, but it's still funny. I agree. There comes a time when one must choose to either act for the greater good or to get the shot.

2. Shane: I understand what you are saying, but a quick glance of the evening news tells me that "most" people are more than happy to share their plight on the evening news and gather up their 15 minutes of fame. I actually asked my wife last night, "Honey, if you are ever kidnapped and murdered, would you mind if I did NOT hold a press conference?" She would prefer I did not. The exception would be if in any way it would help either prevent another murder or to find the person responsible. Either way, I would want to respect the wishes of the victims involved if they wished to remain anonymous.

3. Finally, Roy: Great shots. I also enjoyed the emotion and story you delivered there. Thanks for sharing.

[D1photo]

Despite the problems, great pics!