stuny Posted December 12, 2006 Share #1 Posted December 12, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Several months ago we were lucky enough to have retired NYPD detective John Botte post some of his sensitive, B&W Leica rangefinder photos. Throughout his police career he carried his Leica with him, amassing a huge treasure of finely crafted photos. Some of you might recall his also posting a photo of his retirement gift to himself, a customized MP or M7 – I forget which. Around the time of those wonderful postings he told us of his next book, “Aftermath” which I finally saw in Barnes & Noble this past weekend. The copy there was their last, and it was well handled, so I’ve ordered a fresh copy. Get yourself to a large, well-stocked bookstore to see it for yourself. I’ll bet that many of you will buy a copy. In August of this year there was some news of the City of New York claiming that John Botte would not be permitted to profit from his photos since they were taken while he was on duty. Does anyone have an update on this issue? John Botte - If you're still monitoring this site, please post more of your photos and comments. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 12, 2006 Posted December 12, 2006 Hi stuny, Take a look here John Botte - Former NYPD Detective. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
abrewer Posted December 12, 2006 Share #2 Posted December 12, 2006 Hi Stuart. I remember John, and his camera, and his photos (including the boxing ones)...which were stunning. I also remember the threats, and the hypocrisy of a fat-cat mayor, and the city trying to sponge off a retired, disabled cop who used his own camera and his own film to make the images. It stinks. It did then. It still does now. I hope John is within earshot of these words and knows that we are behind him. Thanks. Allan Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted December 13, 2006 Share #3 Posted December 13, 2006 Stuart: I remember his pictures and was very impressed. Did the NYPD pay for his camera, film, processing, etc.? His work is his artistic property! Shame on the City of New York if they try to capitalize on this!!! Wilfredo+ Benitez-Rivera Photography Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted December 13, 2006 Share #4 Posted December 13, 2006 His book is available from Amazon.com Amazon.com: Aftermath: Unseen 9/11 Photos by a New York City Cop: Books: John Botte Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuny Posted December 13, 2006 Author Share #5 Posted December 13, 2006 Wilfredo - As I recall John paid for the camera, film and processing. Even if he were not permitted to profit from the photos, at the very least his costs should be allowed. However, I believe he should be allowed to profit as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_r_smith Posted December 13, 2006 Share #6 Posted December 13, 2006 Interesting. I work for local government here in the UK. Any photographs I take during working hours are the property and copyright of my employer. If I take photographs on my own camera during my lunch break, however, they are mine. We had a problem with a member of staff some years ago on this issue, and laid the ground rules then. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted December 13, 2006 Share #7 Posted December 13, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) I remember this being a contentious and emotive issue when it was raised on the old forum. John's actions and those of his superiors appear to polarise opinion in a number of ways, not least the ethics and morality of his profiting from pictures taken of a terrible event while in the line of duty - the point that I personally struggle with most. Whilst I think that open debate on the subject is not to be avoided, please can we keep it civil this time? Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrewer Posted December 14, 2006 Share #8 Posted December 14, 2006 Whilst I think that open debate on the subject is not to be avoided, please can we keep it civil this time? Regards, Bill Hi Bill. Your words are well-heeded. Perhaps I was a little too strident in my remarks. Anyway, it's a shame...and that's my Thanks. Allan Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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