Controversial photography
Ever wonder how controversial it is to just write and maintain a photography blog?! You’d think that mainly writing about photography techie stuff should be a fairly non-controversial thing. And yet, in the by now 11 years this blog has been going, there’ve been some articles that unexpectedly created hefty reaction and discussion. Often over the most innocuous things. Sometimes because the topic is seen as a challenging one. That’s me being controversial … without even being political. Just photography!
Here are the articles on the Tangents blog that got some angry response.
Sometime last year someone strongly berated me (via email) about shooting in the middle of the road with this model, Melanie Schwartz. Apparently this was reckless of me, endangering Melanie’s life (and my own.) Explaining that there was thick forest right behind us, because this (unfinished) 4-lane highway stopped dead right there, didn’t matter. I was still sending out a bad message with this recklessness shown in the photo. How dangerous was this? A local cop came to check on us to make sure we’re okay. No warnings or arrests. So yeah, not a particularly dangerous place to shoot when the local cops are fine with it. Still, I am scolded for it because … I’m not behaving responsibly?
I was also taken to task for the photo of a trumpeter. A musician / photographer emailed me to tell me how bad it was of me to take a photo of a musician in concert. Nevermind that it was a small gig and I was photographing for the band’s promotional use, by their invitation. That doesn’t count … I had to add a disclaimer to that blog post to explain myself just to avoid future acrimony about something so trivial!
This next article however, has proven to be the most controversial, and received a lot of (sometimes heated) attention, whether in the comments, or via email – the discussion on Depth-of-Field and “Effective Focal Length” when comparing crop sensor cameras vs full-frame cameras. I even had to delete comments and block some people on Facebook when I linked to this post! Their reactions were over-the-top angry and insulting. Bizarre.
Here are a few more articles that sometimes rubbed people the wrong way:
With a blog post about Back-up systems for your computer, I dared mention “global climate change”. Two people emailed me to tell me that they will no longer follow my blog!
Some didn’t like it when I said that their “passion for photography” was largely irrelevant, and that it was superfluous to mention this on their websites.
Others just really like clinging to some of the Photography clichés.
The blog post about my interaction with a cop who decided I needed permits for photographing on the streets in Hoboken, got some angry comments!
Then of course, I had the arrogance to call it the the final discussion on RAW vs JPG. That proved to be a red flag to some, yet they mostly couldn’t stay on course with the discussion.
Here’s the thing though – I absolutely do not love to argue. I hate it. This is in part why I started the blog way back when – I had people on DP Review accuse me of being an anti-Nikon troll. Can you imagine? Me as an anti-Nikon troll?! My name is Neil van Nikon. Good grief.
Anyway, some day when I have the energy, I will tell you more about my email folder “weird & idiotic”.
There are always nuts out there. The social media is full of them in particular. Look at Donald Trump for instance. I have enjoyed your blog for years and have 3 of your books.
No matter what you do, you will spark the ire of some would be saviour of the world nutcase. Enjoy the comments and know that you have helped many photographers to advance their photography skills and learn flash.
Have you noticed that there does not seem to be near as many natural light purists out there any More?
I would agree with that observation – there’s much less pushing the idea that natural light is the best / only way to go.
I have enjoyed your blog for years and have 2 your books. All creators attract an army of critics. I don’t understand them and really don’t want to. I think we are lucky to live in a world where the tools are so inexpensive and people like you are so willing to share their knowledge and passion. Thank you!
Keep up the cool work, I hope you will not get all the comments get to you. People are unthankful and harsh (maybe they’ll be a little more respectful in the future). Communication on the internet is hard I guess.
Personal favourite I received on a tutorial video on youtube that I had invested a lot of time in (how to install a windows only game on Linux) got a comment out of the blue: “It doesn’t work you lying bi***”. I believe they didn’t follow the instructions all the way, but for the first seconds I blankly stared at the screen in disbelief :D
I feel for ya Neil, sadly education in the US is at a all time low, especially among the so called “educated”… Have you noticed how everyone feels the need to react to their base emotions rather then comment or question with any sort of reasoned argument. Too much of the internet is guised marketing and sales pitches, perhaps that’s why everyone is so angry all the time.
Mense is maar dof!
Thanks for continuing with your blog despite the trolls.
I have enjoyed, learned a lot and appreciated your blog for several years. Your books are also very helpful. Please keep ignoring the unhappy souls who try to make everyone feels as they do.
I have using your blog as long as I can’t remember. I have all your books and your recommended books. There are certainly people out there that they can argue on anything to their last breath. I wouldn’t care much if these people say. I respectfully and sincerely thanks for all of your postings that you don’t even charge us a penny for subscription fee.
Way to go Neil. The end of the day, your style affects and influences a lot of us!
Cheers !!!
You can please some of the people some of the time… and yes, definitely not all! :-)
I think it must be SO difficult for you to receive negative and petty feedback when you are blogging the most brilliant information to us enthusiasts! The time and effort it must take for you to compile these posts must be arduous. Just remember there are many followers who are eternally grateful! Please do not give up!
Many thanks and please keep on inspiring and paving the way!
I would hope that the people who write negative feedback are slim in comparison to the many of us who truly appreciate your work and insight!
It’s a rarity … which is why it stands out when it does happen.
Neil, great article, sort of like a behind-the-scenes, but in a different way. Thanks so much for your blog, your articles, books and constantly sharing your hard earned wisdom. It’s much appreciated by the 98% of your readers. The other 2% are just there for your bemusement. :-)
How bland the world would be if we only did and said things that everyone agreed with. I enjoy your blog, Thanks for your hard work.
Neil there will always be criticism, sometime good sometimes bad and sometimes one with malice. Know that you are a Great photographer that has this world (website, books, etc.) of educational information. Not only that you have people in your forum who are awesome as well. Ive been following you for many years and I own some of your books. I really do enjoy they way you create images and it is what I aspire to get to.. a NEIL VN Level of photographer, maybe one day. I can say this, My work has improved because of you and your website. Keep on Keeping Neil.. YOU ROCK.