What am I talking about? If you missed the article in the Missoulian, please go here to read it. It is in regard to another “photographer” (I put that in quotes, because in no way should he EVER be considered a professional photographer after what he’s done) who had inappropriate sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl. Please read this article to inform yourself of the facts, and please read it before continuing on to the rest of what I have to say here. Also, please note, it is somewhat graphic in a sexual nature, so if that kind of thing disturbs you, then you may not want to read it. However, that being said, I think it’s important to know the extent of what has taken place.

Anyway…I’m not here to drag him down in the mud. He’s done that on his own. No need for me to continue that further.

But what I DO want to address are a few other things this incident has brought up.

First and foremost – what he did was NOT professional. What he did is not indicative of what the majority of photographers out there are like. And what he did is NOT ok by any stretch of the imagination by any professional – whether someone is a doctor, a teacher, a therapist….ANYBODY. No matter your profession – THAT IS NOT OKAY.

I am a member of the National Press Photographers Association. Part of that membership requires that we as photographers subscribe to a code of ethics. Honestly, I sometimes feel silly that we have to officially “subscribe” to a code of ethics. Because aren’t we all supposed to adhere to morals and ethics on a day-to-day basis regardless of our type of employment? It’s just a basic part of being a decent human being in this world we all live in and share.

But anyway – part of the code states:

“Treat all subjects with respect and dignity.” 

That’s SO basic. So very, very basic. But it’s at the heart of what it is to be a good photographer, not to mention a decent human being, and is SO important. And I think this is why I am just so very upset about what has happened. I really take issue when bad things happen to good people. By placing trust in somebody, you expect that you will be treated with respect and dignity. And, for the most part, that happens. And that’s what makes living in this world great. But when it doesn’t – oh MAN it makes me furious.

One of the amazing things about being a photographer is that our clients trust us with such special, intimate moments. Whether it be on your wedding day, or during your senior session to celebrate your graduation from high school, or working with your sweet new baby or photographing your grandparents. There is always a level of trust there that should not be downplayed and should not be taken advantage of.

Ever.

Every day I’m grateful that my clients trust me enough to open up such special moments of their lives to me to document. Every DAY I’m grateful for that and place that in the highest regard in my business.

Never in a million years should your photographer (or your doctor or teacher or whomever) ask you to do something that makes you feel downright uncomfortable to your very core. If you feel something is amiss, please, please, please listen to that little voice in your head.

I oftentimes tell my clients they look beautiful in front of my camera. And it’s because I truly mean that, and generally I’m just beyond excited because we’re having so much fun during our session. I don’t say these things (and I’m sure the majority of photographers – men and women) don’t say these things with any inkling of sexual innuendo. However, if someone tells you that you are beautiful and that little voice pops up in your head and screams at you that “this is uncomfortable!” and sounds off the alarm bells – PLEASE LISTEN TO THAT VOICE.

Unfortunately, there are predators in this world. Listen to your gut instinct if you feel uncomfortable. If there were no gut instinct we wouldn’t have a phrase to describe it. PLEASE listen to that within yourself.

Predators are predators because they detect prey – here’s the actual definition:

In this case, it was a young girl who was flattered by the attention and had a low self esteem. There are a lot of people “shaming” this girl, saying “she’s old enough – she should have known better.” Well, maybe she should have known better. But predators can be tricky. They can be unbelievably charming and unbelievably manipulative – and they can detect weaknesses. I’m sure we’ve all met people like that in our lives. They’re flipping dangerous.

At the end of the day, she was taken advantage of. She is a YOUNG GIRL. Don’t forget that. I don’t care how quickly kids are growing up these days – 17 is still young. At that age kids are still forming opinions of the world and of themselves and just beginning to start thinking about setting out on their own for the first time. They are, mostly, still trusting of adults. And this trust was taken advantage of.

That’s just. Not. RIGHT.

So, please, listen to your gut. This kind of behavior is not appropriate in any realm. And if something like this has happened to you, PLEASE tell someone. Don’t be afraid to tell someone. And know that the photography community in Missoula condemns what has taken place.

But also realize that there are more good people out there than there are bad. That’s important too. There are so many photographers here who truly care about their clients and would never dream of doing something like this. So, please, remember that.

Be safe out there, listen to your gut, and don’t stop believing in the goodness of others.

Taking a deep breath,

-Kristine