Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
We joke about selfies as often as news and other content allows us. Unfortunately, not all selfie news is humorous though.
Late last week, an Indian teen passed away after accidentally shooting himself while trying to take a selfie with a handgun.[Read More…]
Taking the photo of a lifetime is something I will always push another photographer to do. But, there are limits and a little common sense and precaution goes a long way.
Unfortunately, neither of those were in the back of the mind of a man believed to be around 30-years-old who past away while trying to take a selfie on Lion Rock Hill, a well known natural landmark in Tokyo.[Read More…]
Reuters have reported that American photographer Gary Braasch, has died on Monday while snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef.
Gary had spent 40 years working for publications such as TIME, National Geographic, Life, and the New York Times Magazine, as well as being a Nikon “Legend Behind the Lens”.
My story is one of tragedy followed by good fortune. It is the story of death giving birth to life and of the power of photography to make it happen.
I had always considered myself a common man living a common life. Being the head of a business consulting firm provided me with little time to pursue some of my interests aside from work. I was concentrated on growing my company and making a name in the industry.
However, I would eventually come to learn that life is always unpredictable and that it only takes a split second for things to change forever. In December of 2009 my wife was diagnosed with Cancer and suddenly all my time and effort were being redirected towards fighting a four-year long battle which we sadly lost. She passed away in April of 2013 leaving me behind after 10 years together.
Many people seem to leave common sense behind when it comes to taking photos, especially selfies, as if they’re somehow safe if what they’re doing is for a photo. Sadly, the selfie craze claimed another victim on Tuesday as a gun held by 19-year-old Deleon Alonso Smith accidently went off.
Smith’s cousin, who was in another room at the time of the accident, said they found the gun earlier that day.
KPRC’s report does not specify if the gun was faulty or if Smith pulled the trigger, but either way the desire to get a cool selfie lead to a fatal shot to the throat and two young children without a father.
EDIT: DIYP intends no disrespect to the victim or her family and friends by publishing this post. As was stated in the article, regardless of the circumstances surrounding her death, the loss of life is indeed tragic, not only for the victim but for those close to her. The use of satire was intended to communicate, to those who typically ignore safety precautions while knowing the risks, how very real the consequences of such actions can be.
We can all agree that there are many things in life that can kill you, such as nuclear radiation, stepping into oncoming traffic, and a jealous girlfriend. Oh, and lions…especially if you’re stupid. (Or maybe just careless; we aren’t passing judgement.)
If I’m driving through a wildlife park and the rules state that my windows are to be closed and I am to have no contact with the animals, chances are I will test the boundaries and see how much I can get away with for a great picture or story to tell. That, however, backfired morbidly for an American tourist traveling through Lion Park (yes, we know the link is currently dead, although we’re not sure why) just north of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Selfies have become enormously popular in recent years and are everywhere these days. Wherever there’s a beach, a famous landmark, a rainbow or even just oxygen, you’re likely to see someone taking a selfie. Even elephants are doing it now!
Two major problems have emerged hand-in-hand with the often duck-faced photos. The first is that people are too focused on themselves. Not in the sense that they are constantly admiring themselves through endless narcissistic self-portraits, as true as that may be, but that they are too busy trying to photograph themselves that they don’t notice the dangers surrounding them.
The other problem is the need hardcore selfie fans feel to outdo others and the irresponsible competition it promotes.
Just this month, in what might be one of the deadliest in selfie history, at least two people have died and one is currently in serious condition after their selfie attempts went horribly wrong.
This is the story of how I wrestled with death twice to live for photography. Before I wrote this article, I told a couple of people about it since it means so much to me. Although some didn’t understand how I could talk so openly about this topic, I decided that it’s my duty to generate awareness and help others even if it means that I’m revealing my biggest struggle in front of the world.
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