Quote:
Originally Posted by JammyS
... OCC as a whole caters to many tastes and I mostly tend to visit for the WNBR threads because of the sheer consensual joy of the riders- this for me is only about beauty. The more guttural users of OCC tend to get stonewalled on these threads, as you imply. Of course things can get obsessive but imho that's simply due to the natural competitiveness of the guys(?) posting. And I'm certainly guilty of that.
|
Thank you for your thoughtful reply. OCC clearly has a lot of smart people around, which is the only reason I'm trying to make some of the points I'm making. You are absolutely correct here - the sheer consensual joy of the riders is staggering. I love doing these rides and want them to continue for a long time. Toning down the obsessive behaviour will really help here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JammyS
... But I'm pretty sure that many of the most intrusive WNBR photographers aren't sharing their photographs here, and I don't approve of the most openly voyeuristic. It must be said that there was one particular incident on the Cardiff ride last year that was photographed astonishingly intimately by a ride participant. I myself wouldn't have chosen to take those shots, let alone post them online, but- spirit of the occasion notwithstanding- the choice to perform the headstand was one person's alone. One hopes that that imbalance and intrusion could in some way be redressed.
|
Again, you are right. The most intrusive photos don't make it anywhere obvious on the internet. I'm now a friend of the women who chose to do the headstand. Of course she knew she was surrounded by photographers - but as you say it's the choice of the photographer what to shoot. I took photos of her surrounded by a sea of photographers. It's rather sad when you see it that way around.
These riders are some of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet. They are much more than their body. Let's treat them with respect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JammyS
... All that said I would happily participate, as I wholeheartedly support the main two protests of the ride- cyclist safety and oil dependancy. But most of the rides are at the far end of the UK from me, in Edinburgh. Maybe Newcastle, next year- great excuse to finally get a new bike!
|
Please join us. You'll meet and become friends with an amazing group of people. It will change how you view the photos.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JammyS
... That's my tuppence worth. But point absolutely taken, now and for the future.
|
Thank you again for your thoughts
