Paparazzi

Does anybody think that paparazzi and their style for pursuing and obtaining a photograph, typically a celebrity photograph, is the way all professional photographers operate?

I was watching one of the entertainment channels, possible E!, about the life of one of the best paparazzi photographers and agencies in Los Angeles and I got to thinking about how paparazzi have changed the business of photojournalism.

I think they were trying to get a photo of Angelina Jolie. The photographer, the name of which I don't recall, was in his car when he got word that she was in the area. He stepped on the gas and the chase began. He pushed the limits through the freeways and downtown streets of LA, all the while getting live feedback about her next turn and sightings. He zeroed in on her and got a photo of her candidly walking through a parking lot with one of her children. She was likely aware of the photographer's presence, but she didn't seem to let on. Then the photo was sent to the agency where it was put up to market.

As I hear stories from my staff about people denying photos in almost a celebrity-like denial, I wonder about the effect the paparazzi style has on public opinion about photographers and photojournalists.

I don't and won't deny a paparazzi from making a living. The mould they have cast for how they do their business is the shape they have to live with. But I'm concerned that the shape they have moulded is reaching beyond the limits of the celebrity chase. There are countless examples of photographers being treated without the common respect any person would expect. They are pushed around at funerals, police scenes, schools, sports, interviews, etc. in a way that makes it seem like all photographers are paparazzi who are thirsty to make a buck off of the photos they get. Could this be a reslult of paparazzi?