Fundamentals of Interactive Journalism

I have a split personality when it comes to reporting.  Sometimes I’m wearing a pair, other times–especially when I play photographer–I’m feckless and wondering why I’m a journalist in the first place.  I have a difficult time taking pictures of people who haven’t consented to having their pictures taken.  Am I not invading their privacy?  Clearly, NYC street photographer Bruce Gilden doesn’t think so.

A photographer friend, aware of my hang-up, sent the following video for inspiration.

My first reaction? This is all kinds o’ wrong.

My second reaction? Gilden’s boldness can teach me something about how I see myself in interaction with others.  Maybe we’re not all islands.  Maybe people won’t automatically assume that I’m cutting and pasting their heads to porn sites.  Maybe I can be a bit bolder than I have been.

See some of Gilden’s work here.