Why take a photo of Celebs & Politicians - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Xazy · 09-04-2008, 09:19 AM

I find it interesting how people go out of their way to wait in line for pictures with a celeb or a politician. I guess for the most part I do not have that giant awe factor of them. They put their pants on one leg at a time (I assume), go to the bathroom, they are just more recognized on the street then everyone else. I am very big on taking pictures on vacations, and all that is good for memories, and I can assume that is why one would desire such a picture with a celeb so you have it for memory sake, I just can not think how important it is for some people who wait in long lines for them.

I was thinking about this last night when Cynthetiq, Skogafoss and I was sitting at the table that became the table where the Governor came. (you can see picture of Cynthetiq SKogafoss, my hands and legs with the governor in Cynthetiq blog if you really care). It was amazing watching how many people wanted to swarm around the governor and talk to him and get a photo with him. We were at the table, and the only thing I asked him was Yankees or Mets, and he is a Mets fan.

So what is the big deal that a photo of them or with them matters so much.

Willravel · 09-04-2008, 10:05 AM

It's hero worship, and it's in our DNA. It comes from our societal structure being hierarchical for hundreds of thousands of years. Celebrities have, unfortunately, taken the place of a chieftain in our subconscious, innate minds.

At least that's my take on it.

jewels · 09-04-2008, 10:23 AM

I always thought it was so one could prove they really met/saw that celebrity.

Never been my thang, but I recall when we lived in the same complex as the Bobcats (arena football team) one of my daughters was ready to kill for an autograph and a photo to show her friends.

Charlatan · 09-04-2008, 04:55 PM

I agree with jewels... a photograph is a trophy. It says, I was there and I saw him/her. It's like getting an Autograph only easier.

In my career, I've met many celebrities and hung out with other people of relative fame. It's a very rare case that I've pulled out my camera and taken a photo (or for that matter, posed for a keepsake photo with the person). Part of it is simple professionalism. Another part is that I don't feel the need to place other people (regardless of who they are) on a pedestal.

jorgelito · 09-04-2008, 05:14 PM

Don't overanalyze it. It's just fun. A souvenir. I don't think less of people who engage in it.

For some, it's proof of status. For example, some restaurants(especially mom and pops) like to have photos of celebs on their wall. Sort of like a validation or special status conferred. And it's fun to look on said wall and point out the various and varied celebrities who have dined there.

Professional pedigree. Having photos of yourself with certain celebs in your office validate or confirm your professional status and flaunt your network. For example having pictures of yourself shaking hands with JFK, MLK, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ted Turner, Warren Buffet hanging in your office is flaunting your network, the whole "who you know" thing.

Conversation piece. Having photos of yourself with celebs make interesting points of conversation. EX: "Oh this? Yes I was stranded at a hotel with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders after the Aphrodisiac and Sex Toys Convention. Some of our luggage got mixed up; we had some drinks, one thing led to another and then..."
Or EX: "The president took this picture with me after I saved his life when the VP shot him while they were hunting."

Tophat665 · 09-04-2008, 05:16 PM

Photoshop fodder?

Charlatan · 09-04-2008, 05:16 PM

I'd rather have an anecdote than a photo and I certainly don't want to trade on a photo op with someone I met at a fundraiser. It just seems spurious and opportunistic.

Maybe that's why I'm not a CEO.

MSD · 09-04-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlatan

I'd rather have an anecdote than a photo and I certainly don't want to trade on a photo op with someone I met at a fundraiser. It just seems spurious and opportunistic.

Maybe that's why I'm not a CEO.

Same here. My story of how my congressman cockblocked me is a much better memory (even if I didn't get the intern's number) than the pictures with him or my senator.

09-04-2008, 09:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
Xazy People in masks cannot be trusted Location: NYC	Why take a photo of Celebs & Politicians I find it interesting how people go out of their way to wait in line for pictures with a celeb or a politician. I guess for the most part I do not have that giant awe factor of them. They put their pants on one leg at a time (I assume), go to the bathroom, they are just more recognized on the street then everyone else. I am very big on taking pictures on vacations, and all that is good for memories, and I can assume that is why one would desire such a picture with a celeb so you have it for memory sake, I just can not think how important it is for some people who wait in long lines for them. I was thinking about this last night when Cynthetiq, Skogafoss and I was sitting at the table that became the table where the Governor came. (you can see picture of Cynthetiq SKogafoss, my hands and legs with the governor in Cynthetiq blog if you really care). It was amazing watching how many people wanted to swarm around the governor and talk to him and get a photo with him. We were at the table, and the only thing I asked him was Yankees or Mets, and he is a Mets fan. So what is the big deal that a photo of them or with them matters so much. Last edited by Xazy; 09-04-2008 at 09:19 AM.. Reason: change title

09-04-2008, 10:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	I always thought it was so one could prove they really met/saw that celebrity. Never been my thang, but I recall when we lived in the same complex as the Bobcats (arena football team) one of my daughters was ready to kill for an autograph and a photo to show her friends. __________________ We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain

09-04-2008, 04:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I agree with jewels... a photograph is a trophy. It says, I was there and I saw him/her. It's like getting an Autograph only easier. In my career, I've met many celebrities and hung out with other people of relative fame. It's a very rare case that I've pulled out my camera and taken a photo (or for that matter, posed for a keepsake photo with the person). Part of it is simple professionalism. Another part is that I don't feel the need to place other people (regardless of who they are) on a pedestal. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

09-04-2008, 05:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
jorgelito All important elusive independent swing voter... Location: People's Republic of KKKalifornia	Don't overanalyze it. It's just fun. A souvenir. I don't think less of people who engage in it. For some, it's proof of status. For example, some restaurants(especially mom and pops) like to have photos of celebs on their wall. Sort of like a validation or special status conferred. And it's fun to look on said wall and point out the various and varied celebrities who have dined there. Professional pedigree. Having photos of yourself with certain celebs in your office validate or confirm your professional status and flaunt your network. For example having pictures of yourself shaking hands with JFK, MLK, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ted Turner, Warren Buffet hanging in your office is flaunting your network, the whole "who you know" thing. Conversation piece. Having photos of yourself with celebs make interesting points of conversation. EX: "Oh this? Yes I was stranded at a hotel with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders after the Aphrodisiac and Sex Toys Convention. Some of our luggage got mixed up; we had some drinks, one thing led to another and then..." Or EX: "The president took this picture with me after I saved his life when the VP shot him while they were hunting." __________________ "The race is not always to the swift, nor battle to the strong, but to the one that endures to the end." "Demand more from yourself, more than anyone else could ever ask!" - My recruiter

09-04-2008, 05:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tophat665 Minion of the scaléd ones Location: Northeast Jesusland	Photoshop fodder? __________________ Light a man a fire, and he will be warm while it burns. Set a man on fire, and he will be warm for the rest of his life.

09-04-2008, 10:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	It's hero worship, and it's in our DNA. It comes from our societal structure being hierarchical for hundreds of thousands of years. Celebrities have, unfortunately, taken the place of a chieftain in our subconscious, innate minds. At least that's my take on it.

09-04-2008, 05:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	I'd rather have an anecdote than a photo and I certainly don't want to trade on a photo op with someone I met at a fundraiser. It just seems spurious and opportunistic. Maybe that's why I'm not a CEO. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke