Reforming Paparazzi

April 16, 2009 by pmelcher.

It is a notorious issue that the paparazzi  are getting completely out of hand in Los Angeles and its surrounding. It is even getting ridiculous. What used to be a loner sport for those looking for a rewarding exclusive shot has now become a gang like activity. There are probably more photographers waiting outside a store than they are at a Hollywood premiere. Long gone is the possibility of an exclusive, let alone a good picture. The British invasion of the early century has led to the “in your face, 28mm, flash” street photography. Thus it has become a war of who can get the closest.

It has now reached a level of absurdity and danger. Absurdity, because the value of these images are stumbling down as more and more agencies are entering the field, including Getty, hoping for financial salvation. Dangerous, because someone will get badly hurt, if not die, very soon. Those car chases with kids in the car ( for what, exactly, I am not sure), are completely irresponsible.

Apparently, a group of concerned citizen have decided to take the matter into their own hands. Called the Paparazzi reform Initiative, the group has launch a website that sheds the light on their activity and asks ( demand ?) for a code of conduct. Doubtful that it well have any impact on these guys’ conduct ( seen any woman paparazzi ?)  but it could get enough traction to make a difference.  Their demand is quite simple. They would like all media to abide by the Human Privacy and Respect in the Media Code:

No photos or video of children shall be printed or broadcast or displayed without the written consent of the parent.

No photos or video of any person clearly in distress or injured shall be printed or broadcast or displayed without the individual’s written consent.

No photos or video of individuals clearly participating in a private matter such as a vacation, exercise, eating, at school, at home, at a funeral or involved in a family activity shall be printed or broadcast or displayed without the written consent of the individuals involved.

Obviously, this code could also  apply to war/disaster photographers who would have a hard time doing their jobs if they were to abide by it. A printable PDF is attached to the site so you can send it to your favorite media outlet and show your support.

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