The past couple of weeks, my Manners Monday posts have come about as the result of those who choose to communicate in a way that lacks manners and common courtesy via social media. You’ll remember my last post was about Sharing Good News with Others and today’s post on taking and sharing photos of others was inspired by a Facebook status I read of an acquaintance this morning.
I like to laugh and let’s face it, people in general can do some pretty silly things and can dress in really unique ways sometimes. While I’ll often pass by someone on the street and and think what they’re wearing makes a really bold statement or visit a client who adores her newly painted neon orange office, it is not mine nor anyone else’s job to judge others or point out what we feel is horrible taste. When I opened my Facebook page this morning, I saw a post that read, “….and we’re not even at Walmart yet!” It was a photo of a woman (who was a complete stranger to my acquaintance) in a very unflattering outfit with gladiator sandals that had material that spanned the majority of her calf, a super tight romper and hair all teased out with a headband that had a massive flower attached. While I admit it was somewhat amusing and I know her intent was to spark some Monday morning humor and comments, this is the equivalent to gossiping, but in photo form. Sharing unflattering photos or information with others is not at all classy or ladylike.
There are many who feel that because they own a camera or smartphone and have taken it upon themselves to take a photo that they have a license to share it with others or post it, regardless of how the one being photographed might feel. If you want to take a photo of someone or something that belongs to that someone, such as their pet or their super cute baby, it is always best to ask permission first. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable explaining why you want to take their photo, it probably means you should slip that camera back into your handbag and focus on something else.
Maybe you’ve spent the day with friends or family and many will eagerly be awaiting the photos from a fun-filled event on various sites such as Facebook or perhaps via Instagram. If you see a particularly unflattering photo of someone but you look amazing in it, don’t post the photo as tempting as it may be. Crop everyone else out of the picture and post it with just yourself if you must, but do unto others as you would like them to do unto you. Be respectful with photos and don’t make people look ridiculous when you know that is not a good representation of them.
As always when you’re sharing images via social media such as Facebook where you have the ability to tag others, don’t do it unless you ask the other people if they would like to be tagged or until they ask you to tag them. More {HERE}on tagging and Facebook Etiquette. When it comes to minors and small children, make sure you have the parents’ permission before posting, for safety reasons.
Also, be mindful that if you are meeting a newborn baby of a friend or family member for the first time (perhaps immediately after the delivery) that it is not a good idea to begin posting photos online. It is a precious and momentous occasion for the happy parents and they will want to announce to the world via photos their bundle of joy, don’t beat them to the punch and steal their thunder, unless they’ve asked you to do so on their behalf for a particular reason.
Has anyone ever posted a photo of you that you were horrified to discover or without your permission? What are YOUR thoughts on photo sharing?
XO
Karla, This is a great article. I so enjoy your blog! Just wanted you to know :).
Thank you so much, Sarah! You just made my day! 🙂 Some days I don't always feel like writing (even though I love it) and comments like these make me want to create more content!
Great info Karla! I couldn't agree more with you and always ask before tagging anyone on FB. I also have my settings set for me to approve the tag before it is viewed by others. Always love reading here! As far as others making fun of others is sad I see it all the time and wonder what gives them the right. Kristin XOXOMy Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.(couldn't log into google)
Great points, Karla. Definitely makes you think. I do my best not to post other photos unless the person with me is ok with it.
Hey Kristin! I have mine set that way too. Before we had that ability on FB, I would simply un-tag myself. I agree, I wonder too what gives them the right….
That really is the best way to do it, I think. Thanks for stopping by, Leigh! 🙂
Hello, Karla ! Your blog is utter perfection and I like the fact that it is about etiquette, which some people think is a thing of the past. I never post photos of the people around me, except very old pics on which you couldn't recognize them now. I take a firm stand on others taking pictures of me. I have put on weight during the last few years and I just know I don't photograph well anymore ; why is it that others can't understand that and just assume that your face is their property and can be snapped as much as they want ?… I sometimes write posts about public people that GENTLY mocks them. Do you think that's bad ?
It's interesting that I stumbled upon this post. My husband and I just found out we are pregnant with our first and we've already discussed posting baby photo's. I agree you should never post photo's without permission. Some people just don't think about the fact that once something goes on facebook – it's forever out there in the web land!
Love your blog! New follower!Follow me back?
Fabulous read. I totally agree with you on it. I can't stand when people tag me in unflattering photos so I changed my setting that I am the only one who can see them on my profile. Seriously, when someone does post these pics, what are they trying to accomplish? Well at least it shows the world that they have no class. Great topic to bring up, and well written 🙂 Darling little blog you have here <3Hope you are having a lovely weekend!Tasiahttp://rufflesandsequins.blogspot.ca
Hi Karla, I am so glad to read your lovely blog and I couldn't agree more with this particular post. I actually think this is a genuine problem and denotes a real lack of sensitivity to others. Especially in the posting of insulting or what are supposed to be funny photos of others. Also in stealing someone's right to announce their own joyful news themselves. If you think about the days before all this oversharing, many people would have considered sharing (not computer sharing) what amounts to private pictures of others as something to seriously consider. Wonderful post. I may have to share it on my own FB page if you have no objections?:)Have a wonderful day!
Thanks Colleen for sharing your thoughts! 🙂 I agree, as a society I think things have become more relaxed but that's not always a good thing. I feel today's culture is more interesting in being politically correct however less kind in general, hence bullying, cyber bullying and the like that kids face today as some examples. Smart phones scare me a bit, anyone can take a pic of you at any moment-friend or stranger and it seems to be fair game. I just don't think it's considerate at all. By all means, yes of course you may share the link to my post. It will be very appropriate since it will be shared on FB! 🙂
Karla, wonderful blog! I have a tip for those of you who want to take control of pics posted on FB. Take them yourself! Become a designated photographer of the group (or just pull out your phone or camera first) and then you can post only flattering pics of yourself and your friends (occasional cropping, photo retouching helps too). That's what I do and it works great. We have agreement within friends to post only good pictures and if we slip, or vary opinions, we remove the pics without question.
Great tips, Evelyn! That definitely helps and I too like to do a bit of cropping and brightening of photos to make them the most flattering for everyone involved. 🙂
Karla, This is a great article. I so enjoy your blog! Just wanted you to know :).
Thank you so much, Sarah! You just made my day! 🙂 Some days I don't always feel like writing (even though I love it) and comments like these make me want to create more content!
Great info Karla! I couldn't agree more with you and always ask before tagging anyone on FB. I also have my settings set for me to approve the tag before it is viewed by others. Always love reading here! As far as others making fun of others is sad I see it all the time and wonder what gives them the right. Kristin XOXOMy Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.(couldn't log into google)
Great points, Karla. Definitely makes you think. I do my best not to post other photos unless the person with me is ok with it.
Hey Kristin! I have mine set that way too. Before we had that ability on FB, I would simply un-tag myself. I agree, I wonder too what gives them the right….
That really is the best way to do it, I think. Thanks for stopping by, Leigh! 🙂
Hello, Karla ! Your blog is utter perfection and I like the fact that it is about etiquette, which some people think is a thing of the past. I never post photos of the people around me, except very old pics on which you couldn't recognize them now. I take a firm stand on others taking pictures of me. I have put on weight during the last few years and I just know I don't photograph well anymore ; why is it that others can't understand that and just assume that your face is their property and can be snapped as much as they want ?… I sometimes write posts about public people that GENTLY mocks them. Do you think that's bad ?
It's interesting that I stumbled upon this post. My husband and I just found out we are pregnant with our first and we've already discussed posting baby photo's. I agree you should never post photo's without permission. Some people just don't think about the fact that once something goes on facebook – it's forever out there in the web land!
Love your blog! New follower!Follow me back?
Fabulous read. I totally agree with you on it. I can't stand when people tag me in unflattering photos so I changed my setting that I am the only one who can see them on my profile. Seriously, when someone does post these pics, what are they trying to accomplish? Well at least it shows the world that they have no class. Great topic to bring up, and well written 🙂 Darling little blog you have here <3Hope you are having a lovely weekend!Tasiahttp://rufflesandsequins.blogspot.ca
Hi Karla, I am so glad to read your lovely blog and I couldn't agree more with this particular post. I actually think this is a genuine problem and denotes a real lack of sensitivity to others. Especially in the posting of insulting or what are supposed to be funny photos of others. Also in stealing someone's right to announce their own joyful news themselves. If you think about the days before all this oversharing, many people would have considered sharing (not computer sharing) what amounts to private pictures of others as something to seriously consider. Wonderful post. I may have to share it on my own FB page if you have no objections?:)Have a wonderful day!
Thanks Colleen for sharing your thoughts! 🙂 I agree, as a society I think things have become more relaxed but that's not always a good thing. I feel today's culture is more interesting in being politically correct however less kind in general, hence bullying, cyber bullying and the like that kids face today as some examples. Smart phones scare me a bit, anyone can take a pic of you at any moment-friend or stranger and it seems to be fair game. I just don't think it's considerate at all. By all means, yes of course you may share the link to my post. It will be very appropriate since it will be shared on FB! 🙂
Karla, wonderful blog! I have a tip for those of you who want to take control of pics posted on FB. Take them yourself! Become a designated photographer of the group (or just pull out your phone or camera first) and then you can post only flattering pics of yourself and your friends (occasional cropping, photo retouching helps too). That's what I do and it works great. We have agreement within friends to post only good pictures and if we slip, or vary opinions, we remove the pics without question.
Great tips, Evelyn! That definitely helps and I too like to do a bit of cropping and brightening of photos to make them the most flattering for everyone involved. 🙂