Open letter to anyone with a camera

Dear photographers,

I understand why you take pictures. You want to record a particular moment. You want to show your friends what a wonderful time you have had. You want to look at them, when the skies are grey, and remember the time when ... Some of you will be skilled enough to use your images in innovative ways, so they will grow a meaning beyond that initial capture of a moment.

But

Just because you can see something does not mean you have to take a picture of it. Nor does the urgency of your photographic need take any priority over the rights of someone who just wants to see. You do not have the right to step on my toes, shove your long lens up my nose, stand in front of me, or push me out of the way.

Just because you can see something does not mean you have to take a picture of it. Notices that say 'no photographs' mean what they say. They apply to everyone. They do not mean that you can have a quick snap and hope no one is looking, or pretend that the notice wasn't there last time you looked. Nor can you pretend that taking a picture on your phone doesn't really count.

Just because you can see something does not mean you have to take a picture of it. Especially in art galleries. These artists have slaved over a tired easel so you can stand and stare. And maybe (dare I suggest) if you took time to stand and stare you may be enriched in a way that cannot compare with gawping at your photos of these pictures.

Just because you can see something does not mean you have to take a picture of it. Maybe, for one day only, leave your camera behind. Hide it in your underwear. Yes, you may feel naked. But stop; close your eyes; listen. Hear the birds sing, water dripping, a child playing. Notice the smell of jasmine. And then open your eyes and look. It's an astonishing world - all the more astonishing experienced first hand and not always through the lens of a camera.