do you include commentary when you share/give prints?

Besides pertinent information, dates and a signature on the back, sometimes I print a little blurb. I started to mark my photos 'candid' or 'not staged' after many people commented they thought the photos were posed or staged.

For instance, this one says...

An American Nazi in her bedroom - photograph not staged, exactly as shown.



On an online poll about 60% - 70% think I staged it. That is how the forum photogs think. And maybe with all the bullshit photos out there they may be justified.

This one says 'candid' - some people thought it was my daughter. Reality, a stranger kid on the street.



If I am in a pissed mood I may also put down the problems in 2018 a male photo has to deal with when shooting stranger kids on the street...that of being labelled a sexual predator.

Someone on another forum said the photog should not complain on the back of prints. He said artists don't write a rant on the backs of paintings about the high costs of paint and canvas. It made sense for a while and I did not do it. But one day it sunk in as an archivist that 'stuff disappears' over time. Now if I got something to say...I put it on the back of the print. If someone does not like it, too bad, go shoot your own goddamn photos.

Whenever I put infrared flash photos out there, either online or in print, I always list them as infrared flash. And in this case it is...

'Infrared flash (Candid)'



Some people thought this was a 'occupy' style protest. Another thought it was an encampment of illegal aliens. Reality...a homeless tent encampment shot on the fly through my front windshield when driving to the airport.



...if you got something to say, better say it on the back of the photo or it will be lost when you kick off. As an archivist I am always happy when I see notes and information on the back of the photo.

 

I prefer the images to speak for themselves and allow the observer the freedom to develop his/her own interpretation. But of course, for documentary photography some background information may be very helpful. So it depends on the purpose and content of the photo's whether or not it would add value to include comments.

 

For print exchanges on forums like this one, I always write a fully detailed letter about the situation and place, as I feel that is more important than just the camera and film used and exposure which is mostly what most people only supply.

I personally like to hear a bit about the background of the taking of the picture but I think I may be in the minority based on what I have received over the years.

Terry S

 

Sometimes mystery is a good thing. For this one it is just my name, date, project name and (Candid) If people see the 'Whoop-Whoop' project they will know what it is about.

 

Hmm... whoever is getting
the Great Ape is the clear
winner...

 

Very rarely, like if the photograph was taken with last of the HIE.

 

It totally depends on the print. Is there something not in the photo that you need to explain to convey the meaning behind the photo? Or does the picture say it all? Do you want to lead the viewer somewhere, or let them wander?

I wouldn't make it a requirement not ban the practice. Sometimes it can add to the experience. Sometimes it will only distract. It should be up to the artist to decide.