Not street photography but I'm bringing up a different context, which I think is perhaps an even more important ethical conversation to have.
Consent of photographic subjects, specifically BIPOC, being used by for profit companies in marketing.
My recent example is in Climbing. gyms require waivers that also contain text granting the company rights to take your photo and use it however they want throughout the universe in perpetuity lol.
Now, there are BIPOC speaking out because they feel used.
Context: BIPOC are very underrepresented in the sport.
There was a recent IG post (sorry I can't find) from a women of color who climbs (I think at Brooklyn boulders). She had her photo taken, she didn't notice it was. Then she saw it used to promote the gym.
One complaint is mentioned in the article: not being approached or asked about taking photos and feeling this invisible, targeted white male gaze.
With corporations it goes further than public space art photography:
- giving away of rights - for free with zero compensation - hidden in legal docs
- then being used in marketing to sell stuff
- companies are just doing 'woke slacktivism marketing' without doing anything to support these communities. Remember all those black squares on IG?! Then going back to buy this shoe without taking any action whatsoever
Props to the gym which did actually take action, changed their waiver, said they wouldn't take photos without permission AND provide compensation/recognition in any marketing.
This article says:
- The people who get the most worked up over the ethics of certain images are NOT themselves the subjects of the photo.
- This example did care and spoke out. Many other examples across industries too.
- "palpable, real-world harm resulting from it."
- A bit more nuanced. But she argued that the gym was pretending to be a safe space with more climbers of color. Even though it's still like almost every other gym, super white, with a history of loud male chauvinism/racism.
- "intention" is important I agree.
I think the intention of a lot of these companies is to make money on the backs of creators & communities without giving compensation or even just basic support.
Outside of climbing there is also a huge history of stealing art, imagery, creativity from minority cultures without giving any compensation or even mention/nod to the original creators.
In art & fashion you can find some specific incidents that have been called out by Diet Prada on IG.