“A paraphilia characterized by recurrent, intense sexual fantasies, urges, or behavior involving the surreptitious observation of people who are naked, undressing, or engaging in sexual activity.” (Oxford Online reference). Therefore voyeurism would be a person taking private photos of someone without their notice for sexual gratification .
When a person participates in voyeurism it becomes a invasion of privacy because something they would most likely do in the privacy of their home is then made public which can lead to low self-esteem, social and moral humiliation and many other ramifications. Many of us are familiar with many embarrassing moments of the rich and famous because of the paparazzi who are probably the most famous group of photographers who take photos of famous people and sell them to the highest bidder and most of the time without the person’s knowledge. By capturing these photos of people in their most vulnerable and seclusive moments the person is then shocked to find out when that intimate photo is released to the general public.
What does it mean to be a voyeur when we take photographs?
To be a voyeur ,to me means to essentially be a peeping tom with a camera because the intent is to catch someone doing something that would otherwise be done in private such as; intercourse, bathing, or cooking in the nude.
What are the ethics of capturing a private moment or invading an individual's privacy in order to make a social/political/artistic statement?
Currently, I do not believe that there are any ethics since the 20th century, everyone has a cell phone, I pad, or some type of device with a camera and cameras can be so tiny now . Technology has in some way or format made us all voyeurs. For instance the news always tells you to submit interesting photos, which people usually catch on their phones. There is also a major problem in high schools and colleges because most devices are Facebook and YouTube compatible so, with a press of one button the story of your underwear showing in class has got 10,000 hits in china.
Do photographers cross boundaries when depicting scenes that are rife with shock value and how?
Yes photographs cross boundaries when they depict any type of seen that should otherwise be private. The tabloids are living proof of this. With front line headings as Brad Pitt caught cheating, and Paris Hilton sex tape. These things although they are morally wrong should be allowed to remain private from the public. Many times the photos are taken so quickly that the spouse finds out from the tabloids.
Reference
"voyeurism n." A Dictionary of Psychology. Edited by Andrew M. Colman. Oxford University Press 2009. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. George Brown College. 10 December 2011 http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t87.e8863
http://www.worldphoto.org/news-and-events/wpo-news/exposed-voyeurism-surveillance-and-the-camera-at-tate-modern/
