Week 6 EOC Ron Galella & 1st Amendment

Ron Galella is a very famous paparazzi photographer who has taken some of the most famous photos of popular icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassi. He went to great lengths to always capture the perfect image from any celebrity that he was shooting. During his career he has been sued, punched in the face, and beaten for taking these photos of people who didn't like it. Many would say that he went against the first amendment of the constitution which protects the freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly. Yes he does go against this amendment because he shoots people who don't want him taking their photos but he is doing his job which helps keep a roof over his head and food on the table. An important part for most photographers to do before doing photo shoots with people is to have them sign a model release form that says the usages of the images and who has what rights for the photos. No matter what kind of assignment your shooting having a form signed is important. "For shoots where we are seeing the subjects for the first time as we are setting up lights, I usually task an assistant to secure the signing of the model release by the subject. This is almost always the case for editorial shoots, street photography, or low-production-level shoots." (Best Business Practices for Photographers 2nd Edition, John Harrington, page 351). Ron Galella has been to court a couple or few times because of people he has shot such as Marlon Brando, who punched him in the jaw. Galella went to court with him just to show that he should not have to get punched for doing his job and the case didn't go completely through because Brando just paid him some money to drop the case. "And, at any point during the trial, up to the moment before the jury has reached a verdict, both parties can come to settleent terms and the case ends up being dismissed." (Best Business Practices for Photographers, John Harrington, page 359). Being part of the paparazzi world can be a bit different. Especially when someone you are trying to shoot does not want their photo taken. Just like with Ron Galella and Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassi how he had tried for a long time to get a great photo of her and he finally did with her walking on the street with her looking towards the camera with her hair in her face from the wind blowing. I think that photographers who are part of the paparazzi do go against the first amendment just because they invade peoples privacy. The paparazzi is doing their by capturing famous people in activities that they do during their daily lives. I think most celebrities don't do much about the paparazzi taking their photos, as long as it is something that won't affect their career, is because it helps get their names out there more. The paparazzi is taking photos that help promote them and get their names out there more to get known.