april on the desert - Desert Magazine of the Southwest

The Indian, the Camera, and You
From the wizened patriarch to the shy little
girl, Indians make wonderful subjects for the
photographer. Here are some suggestions that
may result in better Indian pictures for you—and
better understanding of your camera subjects.
By HENRY P. CHAPMAN
SINCE THAT day in 1540 when
Captain-general Francisco Vasquez
de Coronado first saw a
Zuni near Ojo Caliente in New Mexico,
Indians of the Southwest have fascinated
visitors to their domain.
Today's explorers of the Southwest
have an advantage over the Spanish
conquistadores —- they have cameras
with which to make permanent records
of these encounters. The urge to click
a shutter as soon as an Indian appears
is irresistible. However, more than an
urge and a camera are required to
photograph a self-respecting Indian.
You should be equipped with two
additional items not found in your
photographer's gadget-bag—consideration
and courtesy. Without them you
may not get any pictures at all, while
with them you and your camera will
be welcome in any pueblo or reservation.
Look at it this way: You would be
incensed if a stranger strolled into
your home, clicked a camera at your
family, and then departed without a
word. Yet, many people do exactly
that at Indian homes, and think nothing
of it.
Taking pictures of Indians without
their consent is a violation of privacy.
The Pueblo Indian, always affable and
imbued with a heritage of personal restraint
from centuries of communal living,
will not complain. Neither will he
like it.
Seldom is there objection to photographing
the outside of hogans, adobe
buildings, ruins, kivas, carretas, homos
and churches. With individuals, it is
a different matter. Some will refuse
to pose for religious or other personal
reasons. They will not explain, and
they expect you to respect their wishes.
Cameras are permitted at most
pueblo dances which are open to the
public. Notable exceptions are the
Hopi Snake Dances and the Santo
Domingo Dance of the Green Corn.
The Zunis forbid photography of their
Rain Dance and Shalako Ceremonies.
There are two general types of
dances performed by Southwestern
Pueblo Indians. Purpose of one is
analogous to that of modern social
dancing: enjoyment. Dances of the
other category are associated with re-
Santo Clara chanters and drummers.
22 DESERT MAGAZINE