There're famous posed photographs that look completely genuine that make one go wow - that's a lucky shot. For example the 1950 photograph of the kissing couple is a posed one.

(from http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/europ … isneau.ap/)

I shot a couple arguing in the Madison Square Park in New York. The girl slaps the guy and leaves. But also a fake. http://www.orangebitch.com/ShowGallery.aspx?Id=227



So the question is to both photographers and models. How do you feel about posing without posing?

It depends on the context and usage of the photo.

I would say it is a no no in hard news photos.

Also, I hope law enforcement photogs are not posing the crime scene photos, but you never know.

Aside from that, I think that if more photos looked natural rather than contrived, that would be a good thing.

Oh I would love to shoot like this all the time but really it's a hard thing to do. I don't care what anyone says if they know you are taking the picture at the momment that you hit the shutter then it will never come out as good as if they didn't exect it.

Do any of you know what that laws are on shooting people in public that don't know you're shooting and using the prints? This is my favorite way of shooting people but I also know it's a very touchy area. Things can turn ugly really easy over shooting like this.

"constructed spontineity" has been the name of my photographic game for a loooong time.