Remember that scene in A Bronx Tale when Sonny thinks Calogero has planted a bomb under his car? He smacks him up a bit in a rage, only to later realize it was paranoia. That’s what’s kind of happening today in Kuwait with civilians toting Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras.
Photography in the middle eastern country has long been a touchy subject, with fears of ill intent constantly permeating the atmosphere. These recent guidlines have been put into effect by more Ministries than you can shake a stick at. The new strict laws state that DSLRs cannot be used in public, streets or malls except for purposes of journalism. Many photographers, both hobbyists and professionals have been forced to shift their interests and seek inanimate objects and landscapes as their new subjects.
Its stories like this that break my heart, but also make me feel fortunate that I live in a free(er) country. If I was ever told I couldn’t take pictures, or make any kind of art because the Gov’ment said so, I think I’d likely jump ship. On the other hand, some of the best art is produced with limited resources and the strictest of rules. I can see some incredible HDR photography developing in Kuwait soon.
UPDATE: The Kuwaiti Times issued the following retraction:
On Saturday, November 20, 2010 the Kuwait Times published an article titled ‘Multi ministry camera ban frustrates artists’ in which incorrect information was provided. The newspaper regrets failing to verify the information. The article wrongly stated that a ban on DSLR cameras was implemented by the Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance. This information is false. In a follow up investigation, it was proved that no such ban has been issued. We regret this error and deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused.