The surprising violence of how we talk about photography

Yesterday evening, I was talking to a friend about how I’m photographing my first wedding this weekend, and she says, “Is this the first time you’ve shot a wedding?” We had this moment where we looked at each other, and she goes “I mean, like taken photos of. Not shot.”

I’d been thinking about this a lot recently, about how so much language around photography is so violent. We shoot families, weddings, nature. When someone needs to pictures to post on their social media, I’m happy to provide them with headshots. We often carry multiple bodies with us. Even just saying that we "take” a picture. Who are we taking it from? Are we taking it violently?

What other language can we use? Earlier, I said I was photographing a wedding, and that’s better, but it’s quite the mouthful to say every time. I could say that I’m “capturing” it, but that’s almost as bad as shooting it.

I’ve noticed in some of the classes I’m taking that the instructors say they are making photos, instead of taking photos. I think this is a lovely alternative to taking photos, removing some of the violence. In the same way that you make art, or make music, or make cookies, you make photos.

I’m still looking for the right alternatives for “shooting.” Something that doesn't have violent undertones (or overtones), but that also isn’t a complete mouthful. I’d love to hear what language you use!

In the meantime, I’ll just be dragging one body around while I shoot an entire wedding ;)