"Shoot". I never thought of that.
"Shoot". I never thought of that.The word "shoot", which according to the OED, dates at least as far back as 893, has so many definitions as both a noun and a verb, that I'm reluctant to allow one usage to overwhelm all the others. I suppose it's indicative of our society's current obsession with absolutes-- there can be no moderation, no nuance-- if a word offends one out of 8 billion people, it must be avoided at all costs by the rest of humanity, lest it be considered a "microaggression".
It is unfortunate that "shoot" has become synonymous with "kill" (especially since they're not synonyms). If it's any consolation, it's also the word for new botanical growth.
Maybe we shouldn't be so obsessed with dumbing down our language to the lowest common denominator, and pretending an education is something to be embarrassed about.
Hmmm. Telling relatives you intend to go home and shoot your wife could have interesting consequences.I too am interested in language, and find the evolution in my reaction to the term "shoot" interesting.
I'm guessing that I'm most uncomfortable when someone uses a phrase like "shoot someone" in reference to photographing that someone.
Modern day horrors (quite rightly) affect how we react to things, including how we react to words and phrases.
I'm quite confident that if you were to walk out in the street with a riflestock camera mount now it would be perceived differently than if you had done so in 1975.
Language is a powerful thing, and how and where it is used is worth paying attention to. That is far different than a pre-occupation with some sort of political correctness.
Well, maybe I will start using the term "expose" as in I am going to expose that person in the chair.The word "shoot", which according to the OED, dates at least as far back as 893, has so many definitions as both a noun and a verb, that I'm reluctant to allow one usage to overwhelm all the others. I suppose it's indicative of our society's current obsession with absolutes-- there can be no moderation, no nuance-- if a word offends one out of 8 billion people, it must be avoided at all costs by the rest of humanity, lest it be considered a "microaggression".
It is unfortunate that "shoot" has become synonymous with "kill" (especially since they're not synonyms). If it's any consolation, it's also the word for new botanical growth.
Maybe we shouldn't be so obsessed with dumbing down our language to the lowest common denominator, and pretending an education is something to be embarrassed about.
It seems fairly obvious that it is best to use words that others will understand if one wants to use them to communicate.The great thing about language is that everyone can use it as it suits his own tastes. I am not for censoring language, and I am certainly against any type of thought police.
The word “shoot” doesn’t bother me at all. But it also doesn’t bother me if someone wants to use a different metaphor. I am not their editor. I say live and let live.
Well, maybe I will start using the term "expose" as in I am going to expose that person in the chair.
That would be a self-portrait.Better than exposing yourself.
Well, maybe I will start using the term "expose" as in I am going to expose that person in the chair.
The problem with English is that it has such a bonkers evolution, pulling in bits and pieces from so many languages and cultures..
That is silly.I've ran into a lady who was offended by the term "master bedroom" recently.
Peter,I was thinking of suggesting that he get a child carrier that has the kid on his back . They usually love that location also. Peter
I was taught that the word "shoot", when used in reference to taking images, came from the "Snapshooting" game that was played by many after the Brownie became a household item.
If so, what do you shoot and what's your camera of choice?
I mainly shoot 35mm film with 28-135mm lenses, so I'm not looking for super long or super wides - I don't need the speeds, and for low light stuff, I have a non film solution. Takes me months to go through 36 exp. Should I just switch to a 645 slr or a rangefinder or a tlr?
I have a 28/50/105 set up for my Nikon if I want 35mm, but I got spoiled by MF slides...
I'm going to take some kids into the shade and flash them...
Hmm Fuji 690s seem to be more affordable than 670s, and I like 645 slrs because they handle like giant modern 35mm slrs
I suppose it's indicative of our society's current obsession with absolutes-- there can be no moderation, no nuance-- if a word offends one out of 8 billion people, it must be avoided at all costs by the rest of humanity, lest it be considered a "microaggression".
My wife would object if you tried to expose me.Well, maybe I will start using the term "expose" as in I am going to expose that person in the chair.
I remember the old Kodaks from the 1950's. The shutter release would slide down with your thumb and "snap" when the shutter released. It felt like a snap and made that sound.Worth noting that "snapshot" or "snapshooting" are both terms that originated with guns and gun training, just like "shoot" itself (which actually predates halfway modern guns, perhaps even the 14th century introduction of gunpowder to Europe -- harder to be sure, the language has changed too much since the Thirty Years' War).
A "snapshot" is one taken too quickly to truly aim, depending on reflex, muscle memory, and proprioception for any accuracy it might claim, while "snapshooting" is the act of making snapshots, including training to do so effectively. It's the classic "fast draw" shot of spaghetti westerns (though much less so of the real Wild West), the "from the hip" shot seen in so many gangster movies.
It's easy to see how, after a major war in which tens of thousands, at least, were trained in "shapshooting", the terms might have entered the language in relation to the often poorly thought out, haphazardly composed photos made by rank amateurs, especially in documenting family events like birthdays, holidays, graduations, christenings, weddings, and funerals.
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