Here is an article that makes an interesting connection between photography and the metaphysics of presence. While the author becoming ‘steaming mad’ over people taking pictures seemed a little much, I think he is on to something concerning the more philosophical point – that photography is technological thinking par excellence, it seeks to master (capture) a moment and space in time, to control it and preserve it. As such, it involves an unnatural removal of oneself from the basic temporality of ‘being-in-the-world’.
As the father of young children who sees too many parents raise their kids through a viewfinder (and I do get annoyed with it), I am glad to now have a more substantial philosophical view to reflect on as I quietly judge them for their foolishness!
USUPhilosophy 