Watched these two Sky Arts programmes in quick succession. I have viewed examples of their work on other occasions and whilst I cannot see myself as a war photographer not royal photographer the impact of their work was immediate and obvious. The choice to see the programmes in quick succession was driven by the chance to see if there was any marked differences in the way that they approached their task. There is one thing that is fairly certain and that is mages of conflict and 'royals' are guaranteed best sellers yet both require a hard nosed approach with the desire to get the best shot over-riding other considerations. This approach was noticeable in both photographers and whilst it could be argued that McCullin seems the more obtrusive and unfeeling towards the subject matter it cannot be denied that through his vast experience of the Royal Family Gavin was equally happy to take the candid shot of the private moment.
The willingness to intrude seems to be a characteristic of many of the great photographers to such an extent that it is rarely commented upon or seen as unacceptable. Indeed the ubiquitous TV camera at sporting occasions seems to hunt for the weaker side of our sports stars so that we no longer accept the feelings of the subject about being photographed as being of importance. Perhaps the camera has no ethics but should that be the case for the photographer.
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