Photography News

When Does Travel Photography Become Exploitation

November 19, 2016 by Rene Anthony

Whether it’s amateurs who love to share their holiday snaps on social media, or professional photographers who make a living going from country to country to document some of the world’s most eye opening sights and stories – many of us share a love for travelling. But this passion to explore the world often calls into question the intent of photographers when they are presented with the dark and depressing side of travelling, particularly in less developed nations.

As more and more travellers look to venture off the beaten track, an increasing number of people are bearing witness to poverty and squalor. They often feel compelled to document such conditions via videos or photos, even though this may be a practice going against the wishes of locals who hardly view their living conditions as a tourist attraction. On this point, there is effectively a fine line between travel photography being informative, and that which is exploitative in nature – something which all photographers should be considerate of.

 

While many travel photographers and enthusiasts shy away from manipulating their environment to alter the impact of their photos, we’ve already seen several instances this year alone where photojournalists and the like have been caught staging photos. If such an act doesn’t call into question the integrity of the photographer and their intent to effectively deceive viewers, then a disturbing trend would be set. Surely then, when one stages their photos, they are also exploiting the good people who are often candid and gracious enough to let others ‘tell’ their story.

On a similar tangent, what should we make of travel photography where a photographer is intending to commercialise their work or promote their name and business from the unfortunate plight of others? Is there an approach that affords photographers a forum to promote their work while also exposing insights into the lives of others? Already, tourism has expanded to guided tours through underprivileged areas, which only suggests there is constant curiosity to peer into the lives of others who suffer more than we do.

 

All in all, the trend towards ‘poverty tourism’ has accelerated at a rate which couldn’t have been foreseen. What is ultimately determined as exploitative is dependent on the photographer’s intent, as well as the interpretation made by viewers. Worryingly however, if viewers continue to accept and promote exploitative photography based on staged work or commercialisation of poverty, we’ll only be facing a greater divide between the developed and developing world. Next time you’re touring an underprivileged location for the purpose of tourism and opt to take photos, think about whose story you’re really trying to tell.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Want us to do the hard work?

You can book a pre-vetted photographer instantly with the Snappr service