The Art of Peeping Response

The Art of Peeping follows photographer Arne Svenson's series of photograph's titled the Neighbor's. Svenson's images depict individuals in their homes. He took these images without their permission, and proceeded to display them. The issue regarding his actions is whether or not he invaded their privacy, which in my opinion, he did. As a photo minor interested in candid photography it's hard to just snap photos without feeling "creepy" or as if I've invaded someone's privacy. Angry parents eventually sued Svenson due to images of their children, but his actions were ruled "defensible" under the First Amendment's freedom of speech. Svenson believed the verdict was an accomplishment for artists rights. Svenson's intentions weren't to invade these people's lives, but to capture them in their natural state because he believes they're "more beautiful to photograph" this way. While I understand his explanation as a photographer, I believe that if someone doesn't want their picture taken, it shouldn't be taken. To avoid miscommunication I generally ask for permission. What Svenson does do is leave mystery to his photographs. You can't necessarily pick out who the figures are (unless they're you) in his photographs. To me this plays more on an aesthetic level versus an invasive level.

Shizuka Yokomizo's approach is smarter and more respectful because she asks their permission. Not only does she avoid a lawsuit but she makes a connection with her subjects. She explains that at the core of "peeping" is the urge to connect with strangers versus invade their privacy. Svenson had the same idea but his method was more controversial. Again, I understand his intent but I wouldn't gone Yokomizo's route.