GWCs

To quote Rod Stewart, "Every picture tells a story don't it?"

A photographer friend of mine sent along this (doctored?) image someone posted to a photographer's forum. Says it all, doesn't it? I laughed pretty hard when I saw it. It's a quite humorous de facto representation of the GWC aesthetic.

If you don't know what a GWC is, it's an acronym which stands for "Guy With a Camera."

Of course, every guy who holds/shoots a camera is, technically, a guy with a camera. But in the world of shooting pretty ladies, GWC has a special connotation: It refers to guys who masquerade as serious photographers, i.e., regarding the more artful and true definitions of the word. They do this in order to be around and photograph good-looking chicks. (Actually, GWCs are sometimes "artful" but the use of the word is more appropriate when used in word pairings similar to "artful dodger.") GWCs are also those who use cameras to satisfy more prurient interests while making little or no attempt at hiding their less-than-laudable ambitions.

Don't get me wrong. One doesn't need to be of exceptionally pure mind and character to engage in pretty girl shooting. A somewhat salacious eye can, occasionally, be quite helpful in capturing the essence of a model's sex appeal and produce quality images that target the right audience. But, as a rule, GWCs have little interest or skill in the craft of photography and simply use cameras as a means to an end. They've taken girl-watching to new levels. And, in the world of glam photographers, they're the guys who give those who pursue this thing -- seriously and with professional decorum -- a bad rep.