Well, yes. I “came out” to some members of my family (all of whom live very far away) before they came to Portland to visit me. I figured that they’d see me in advertisements for my club once they were here or that a customer would speak to me about work in their presence.

I agree with the idea of decency/morality in asking before taking. In my perspective, the real issue is a lack of Human decency/ respect. No one ought to be judging you for your chosen profession. Of course, like many things, ideals and the “real” world are at odds.

On the flip side of the coin, I respect your chosen profession, although I am of the thinking that being outed by photos is a job hazard you accept when you enter the trade- if you want to make stripper money, you have to take stripper risks, which include possible outing. My profession has some pretty daunting risks as well, although I accepted those risks when I chose my career in lieu of another less-paying, lower risk one.

I am curious, however, as to your concern for privacy, as you have photos all over the place. Did you “come out”, so to speak, as a stripper st some point?

I respect my clients’ anonymity on the occasions that I’ve seen them in public and expect the same courtesy in return. I think even eye contact and smiling can be inappropriate.

I just refrain from being the initiator of interaction in public. Making eye contact and smiling, but not saying anything says “Hi” as much as I feel is necessary in that situation. Turns out, it’s a good thing because had I approached someone once, she would have had some explaining to do.

I personally DO . NOT . LIKE . CAMERAS . I hate having my picture taken. I have no photos of myself other than my drivers license and another ID. I always walk away at events when someone breaks out the camera, but it seems that the concept of a polite request has been lost.
The one’s who REALLY annoy are the “sneak a pic” freaks who flash a light in my face in a dark club. I have, reflexively, struck a few of those. They had the audacity to get upset.

Of course people want to take shitty cell pics of pretty ladies. I’m sorry that those images often end up online. I would argue that it’s an inevitability now, since half the world has some kind of camera.

As for photography, shooting doc style is incredibly confusing because of consent. It’s legal – don’t ever doubt that, especially now – but picking up an actual camera and shooting strangers is a double-knifed conundrum; you’re the shooter, you’re taking advantage of a person, who becomes a subject, and who may become an even bigger subject if the photo ends up being a part of your job, for which you’re responsible. It’s your job to capture documentary photos.

In my limited experience, civilians shy away from phonecams and cameras because of the same reasons – online exposure. Try shooting wealthy folks, drug dealers or people in Sunday god clothing. They all want to beat or sue you and your camera. But if you’re a doc photographer, then what?

The lesson I’ve learned is ask first, ask quickly, and turn the fuck away when it’s a very clear NO.