My Tiger Woods Photos Create a Moral Dilemma For Some
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to get a media pass to shoot Tiger Woods during the Tavistock Cup golf tournament, and after I posted some of the shots from the day here on my blog, a friend asked if I might send him a couple of prints of his favorite shots from the bunch. I used MPIX.com to send him two framed prints, and I’m honored that they’ve been hanging on the wall of his office ever since.
Yesterday I got an email from him, and the subject Line read: “Moral Dilemma.” He said he found Tiger’s recent actions dishonorable to his wife and family, and he was so disappointed in him, and had lost such respect for Tiger’s moral judgment, that he had taken the framed prints off his walls, and he wanted to know if I wanted them returned or donated to charity.
Later that same day, I got another email with a similar subject line, but it was from one of my blog readers, asking how I could keep a photo of Tiger in my portfolio (it’s not the one shown above, though it was taken the same day). Then I got another email asking the same thing—-when would I be removing Tiger’s image from my portfolio. I could see a pattern developing.
Last night I called my friend to let him know I was as disappointed in Tiger as he was. We both looked up to Tiger not just as an incredible athlete, but as a role model—-a devoted husband, a sharp businessman, and a family man—a guy that had it all, yet still had it all together, but now we feel much differently. But I asked him to reconsider taking the framed prints down—not because they were photos I had taken, but for something bigger; an act of Forgiveness.
Tiger admitted his mistakes publicly, and took full responsibility for them. He admitted that what he did was wrong, and besides, this is between Tiger and his family. Even so, his entire life—his entire career—will forever be tainted, and impacted, by his transgressions. It will cost him sponsors, fans, and will cause him untold public humiliation for years to come. Now, if Tiger had come out and said, “Hey, it’s no big deal—everybody does it” that’s a different story entirely. In fact, if Tiger had in any way tried to justify what he had done, or downplayed it in any way, he’d be all alone on this one, but he did something most folks in his situation would never do—admit his mistake, publicly apologize, and recommit himself to his wife and family.
Tiger made a monumental mistake, but we all know people in our own lives, (friends, co-workers, perhaps even family members) that have not only done similar things, but in some cases much worse, and I can only hope their private and most humiliating mistakes aren’t paraded around to the entire world like Tiger’s have been. This is another case where people are all too happy to line up and sling arrows at a privileged person. Outside his celebrity, Tiger Woods is a real person, as are his wife and children. They are all real people dealing with a painful situation.
When I look at my Tiger Woods photos, I may never feel the same way I did about the man in the photos, but I won’t be taking them down. I forgive him, too. I’m also not deleting my photos of A-Rod that I took when I shot the New York Yankees, and if I had shots of President Clinton, I wouldn’t remove them either. I’m glad I’m not a celebrity photographer, or I’m not sure I’d be able to display any photos at all. However, I am happy to report that my friend had a change of heart as well and he’s re-hanging those images in his office today.
There is no shortage of people taking shots at, and severely judging Tiger Woods today, and I’m not saying he doesn’t have it coming, but if there’s one thing my Faith has taught me is that when a family is in trouble, we pray for them, and that’s exactly what I am going to do.
-Scott
While reading this blog gets to be repetitive and sometimes boring with the constant “Scott, you are great” comments, not to mention the subliminal “buy my books” messages by the talented guests, this topic really has substance. I totally agree with your conclusion that we need not to judge and to find it in our hearts to forgive this man, I found myself also looking at the picture ( of Tiger) itself. Improving my photography is why I read this blog and looking at the picture of Tiger, at least to me, speaks volumes, and is what I need to try and convey more of in my photos. What I once saw as a good photo of an obviously identifiable golfer, I now look at in a totally different way, yet the photo itself has not changed. I now see emotion. I see drama. I see a pensive individual deep in thought, though now perhaps of something much different than before. This, Scott, is what you have provided to me, in addition to an excellent and meaningful discussion of a tragic circumstance. While I thank you for the morality discussion, I thank you more for continually helping me to improve my photography – after all, isn’t that why we are all here? And yes, I will continue to buy your books.
What a great post. With all the attention this story gets from everyone it is so refreshing to have a response like this instead of the usual trashing of the guy. We like to look up to people as it gives us inspiration to do greater things. I’ve been a golf pro most of my life and the things that Tiger can do on the golf course are super human. Because of that people want to idolize him and forget that he has faults like the rest of us. When he falls, they want him to fall farther. We all want to topple the stars. I really appreciate your take on this and you inspire me to do greater things – thanks Scott
No comment just wanted to be 201
As someone that has asked for forgivness (AA 12 step program), I know first hand forgiving another, yourself or someone forgiving you….there is know better way to start getting things turned in the right direction. (no matter how long you have traveled down the wrong road, it’s never to late to turn around) and just like most in AA one has to hit bottom before that turn around begins. My 2cents.
I think you are absolutely correct in your stance but I will add, if the golfer in the picture above were an unknown on the local links, it would still be a great image.
I doubt the photographers of President Nixon were ashamed of their photos. I think it would be different if you had taken the pictures knowing that his “transgressions” were going on.
This really is between the Woods family. Tiger Woods is not known for moralizing or imposing his beliefs on others. He has not claimed a lone place on the moral high ground like so many in the public eye who have been found wanting. For that, I believe he has earned the right to deal with his private maters privately.
it is so strange to me that everyone is poking in his personal life and actually “forgiving” him… jeez, as if he did anything to you.. maybe it just empowers so many losers out there, and to think that everyone out there are straight by the book, totally devoted and respectful to their wives and family 100% 24/7.
tiger should go back to playing golf and that where it ends. his issues are with his wife, not with anyone of us.
Except he is public figure that influences, especially younger more immature minds. He makes millions in endorsements because he does influence. The kind of influence that over time can help lead to the failing of public moral values. Yeah, moral values are important.
If indeed Tiger is asking for a second chance and is sincere, that would change the way I feel about him.
Character is what you do when no one is watching and if you get caught doing something immoral it changes the way other people feel about you.
Rebuilding trust is possible, even public trust is important, and worth the effort if it is sincere.
Scott, thanks for sharing your faith. Not enough of that in this world.
God bless, -jack
We have two signed photos of Oscar Robertson proudly displayed in our home not for their artistic merit but out of friendship and respect for a great athlete who is also an outstanding family man (husband, parent and grandparent), a generous member of our comunity, an excellent businessman…you get the point. We have three kids and they and their friends see these photos and hear us tell stories about the Big O. I would greatly value photos taken by Scott Kelby but would display them less prominently as they would be a great conversation subject with our kids. Forgiveness is not part of the equation (that’s not up to me and certainly isn’t relevant to why I would or wouldn’t display the photos) — Mr. Woods just can’t hang with Oscar on my wall or anywhere else.
Scott,
I really didn’t want to follow the Tiger story, just because I don’t believe in following someone’s personal life in that way. But again you come out and eloquently say exactly the way I was feeling. Don’t trash this guy, we all make mistakes, forgive him and recognize that he has admitted his mistake and hopefully he can learn form it and his family can grow stronger for it.
Thanks for a Great Post! I so enjoy your blog and everything you do for the photographers and Adobe users around the world.
-Scott
I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now, regret, remorse. His transgressions will eventually be forgivable, but it will take time to heal the wounds he has caused to others.
I read this blog and its responses with disbelief. It’s mostly sanctimonious cant. Woods is a golfer. His prowess in his chosen field is all that concerns the world at large. His elibility for sainthood is neither here nor there.
First sensible thing I’ve read since the beginning of this story. I totally agree with you and I think it is very good you posted it. Who are we to judge anyways?
Also, I LOVE your blog and read it every time you write something!
Your books are also awesome!!! In the progress of reading 2 of them right now.
Thank you Scott. You helped me remember that we are all human, and we all need forgivness here and there. You are 100% correct.
Wow I thought that only the Pope and George Bush were in the lofty position of being able to forgive and absolve people from wrong doing. Good to know that Scott is also a person who disdainfully absolves from his holy loft. This sucks and his whole stance on this made me want to throw anything Kelby that I have in the bin. Talk about high and mighty. Geeez!
Just wanted to say that as much as I want to agree with the comments. We must NOT forget that there are many good guys in the world and we should not lower man’s standards so effortlessly. Yes, it’s human to make mistakes. But it’s also human to be outstanding and we should embrace that. Photography is a great media to show both ends of the spectrum. I choose to visualize the good in Tiger, but I will not allow empathy to easily lower my standards of mankind. Thanks Scott great topic.
You mean Tiger is just a flawed human like the rest of us? This can not be tolerated. We must now exercise our hypocrisy and publicly stone him for his mistakes.
/end sarcasm
Just wanted to thank you to Scott for (apparently) leading the way on forgiving the guy for screwing up, just like the rest of us do occasionally.
Scott, I’m truly impressed by your post. Thank you for your insightful and well written thoughts, it’s a rare thing indeed.
Sincerely,
Beau Hause
Your photography and teaching are excellent. This post goes well beyond that. Thanks for reminding us of the teaching that “He that is without sin should throw the first stone.”
Thank you Scott! Simply….well said.
I do want to thank you for hitting on something that I think is crucial to photography more than we realize: ethics/morality. We often see photography as simply art or a field constricting our gaze to something narrow. But I do believe photography isn’t simply “art”. Art isn’t simply art. Photography, like painting, is about picking up on not just the facts of something but the emotions. What we choose to be in a photo (and what we leave out) is a selection of facts and emotions that require us to value things. It is the process of valuing things that is essential to ethics and everything else in life. That’s why some people live their lives materialistic and some live it ascetically.
We are all going to value things differently in an ethical sense, just as we all may photograph the same subject and come out with different prints. But why do we need to judge this man? Has he actually wronged any of us? If you’re hurt because he let you (because he’s human–like the rest of us), then I’m afraid it was you who put such faith in a mere mortal. So, just as a photographer benefits from having good rapport with clients, so do people who leave their heavy-laden judgments behind. In the end, I do believe that most of us value those sorts of benefits. So leave him be.
I just condensed a 300 pager. Feel like I’m back in my old philosophy classes. Hope that it’s somewhat discernible.
If you’re hurt because he let you *down* (because he’s human–like the rest of us), then I’m afraid it was you who put such faith in a mere mortal.
*down* would have been the operative word missing…
While I find Tiger’s behavior disappointing and certainly a chink in his armor, the truly glaring disappoint for me is what our society has become. True, his behavior was wrong. But, as pointed out… it’s HIS problem and HIS families private matter to deal with.
Yes, he earns a lot of money and has (or had) the admiration of millions… none-the-less, I find it sickening that our society has completely misplaced its moral compass by allowing the gossip mongers, tabloids, and the TMZ’s of the internet and television to turn someone’s personal problems into entertainment. For me, it magnifies the stupidity we’ve all allowed to creep into our daily lives by giving our ability to think for ourselves and separate right from wrong to “the media.” And when I say “the media,” I’m including the marketers and corporate America. The very people who ride the wave of mass infiltration into our social collective by “the media.”
We’ve stopped thinking. We wake up… and CNN/FOX/MSN et al, begin like a stream of caffeine the take over of our ability to think for ourselves and make choices and decisions in our life. They tell us what to eat, what to drink, what to wear and drive. They tell us what to take when we’re sick… including telling us to tell our doctor what we should be taking if something just doesn’t feel right. And we skip merrily along twittering at 140 characters BELIEVING we’re informed. And while we might be informed, we’re not educated…. and if we are, we are not using it.
So… my gripe is WHY do advertisers allow their marketing dollars to support the TMZ, Enquirer and any other outlet that makes their business circling society ready to swoop down on someone’s misgivings the way a vulture seeks out roadkill. It’s sick… and society is supporting it.
When someone makes a mistake or suffers a moral lapse it should not be our entertainment. When someone “famous” has a tragedy in their lives, it should not be our entertainment. It’s wrong. It’s perverse… and yet, it’s big business.
What the hell are we doing?
Back to making pictures.
JT
Scott,
Thank you. You continue to impress; giving me (us) one more reason to respect you. This time on a personal level, not just a professional one.
Sincerely,
Brian.
Scott, you’re a class act and a good man, A-Rod endorsement notwithstanding. Go Sox!
Beautiful post and beautiful sentiment.
Scott,
Well said, thank you.
Well said. I appreciate your perspective. All class, as usual.
“We both looked up to Tiger not just as an incredible athlete, but as a role model—-a devoted husband, a sharp businessman, and a family man—a guy that had it all, yet still had it all together, but now we feel much differently.”
Maybe that’s the root of the problem… society in general picking entertainers to be our role models (athletes, actors/actresses, etc…). Honestly… why not look within, to friends, family… people close to us that inspire us and make us want to do better in our own life instead of someone we don’t even know or simply someone whom is the media spotlight because of our fascination with entertainment.
I know it’s a harsh comment, but really… he’s just a guy that the majority of us do not know, is one of the best at entertaining us playing games…. and really… who cares what he does or doesn’t do…
If ya like the composition… keep it… if you don’t… take it down.
Role Model… I hope not.
Tiger hasn’t admitted really to anything. This is still playing out. He is a very visible role model and being in the public eye he has a larger responsibility. For those that say he’s just another guy, he is not. He’s a phenom that only appears in certain sports every few generations and he inspires and motivates many. His problems will impact many, many kids who took up the sport because of him.
Instead of taking the photo down, perhaps you should just rename it – “What was he thinking?”
Thanks for leading with compassion and heart, that’s why we love you so much (…well, that and your chapter intros).
“Qui sine peccato est primam lapidem in illam mittebit” . Thanks Scott…
With great power comes great responsibility. When I go to a store and get lousy service, i don’t take it out on the employee, I take it out on their supervisor. That person is paid the big bucks to take responsibility for his peoples actions. if they do good, then the supervisor is to be commended. if they do bad, then the supervisor get’s a Bozo button. same with tiger. he gets paid the big bucks to perform a job. part of that job was maintaining his image. he failed at his job. He is not selling a photograph, an iPod, a car or a toaster. He’s selling himself. He not only let his family down, he also let his fans and especially his sponsors down. He get’s a Bozo button. -Koa-
Scott
If the story continues on its current, sad trajectory, does your opinion shift as well? Honestly, I was 100% behind you a few days ago, but if it turns out that he is a serial philanderer, I think the situation needs to be viewed through a different lens. If half of what we are hearing now is true, I’m not sure I can give him credit for taking “full responsibility” for what he has done.
He may deserve forgiveness, but I am hard pressed give him my respect anymore.
And I couldn’t hang photos of people I don’t respect in my office.
Do you agree? Has the situation changed?
Hi Ty:
This is exactly what makes the whole concept of forgiveness such a tough one.
-Scott
Scott, your issue is, indeed, two pronged: Your photography, and your presentation of Tiger Woods. Censoring your photography is not a practical solution. Taking them from positions of honor is one thing. Hiding them from view, is something entirely different. He’s taken himself from an icon, to an arrogant, pedestrian, ego driven, serial philanderer. Which, in itself, presents some insight into an insecure, and destructive individual. With 11 the current count as of this morning, and who knows how many more, it’s clear that the carefully crafted image of Tiger Woods is, and always was, a PR face. And little more. As more of the media come out of the woodwork each with their own “Tiger story,” about his womanizing, before and after his marriage (and in my tenure in Radio, I have two Tiger stories of my own) it’s clear that Tiger is caught in far more than just ‘a mistake.’ As the voice mails have demonstrated, even after he was caught and he asked his girlfriend not to stop calling, but merely to remove her name from the caller ID, he’s not repentant, he’s not sorry, and he’s not asking for nor deserving of the forgiveness that so many are calling for.
On the course, his competitors have been intimidated by his image and his record, and it affected many of them as they played their own game. But, now, he’s a laughing stock. And his silence will not serve him. Either with the public, nor with his fellow golf professionals.
Going forward, this mess may not affect his game. But it will affect how his game is perceived. Both his game, and the player, himself, will be seen — as has been said here — through a different lens.
A place of honor, no. A place? That will depend on how well he plays. Regardless, he’s going to be newsworthy–photograph worthy–where he goes, and what he does.
But you, as a photographer, have a duty to those who commission your work to shoot Tiger on and off the course. And your work is meant to be displayed. You do yourself, as a professional, and your clients and their public, a disservice by not displaying your work, regardless of the subject.
The work just falls into a different category. With different perceived value.
w
God bless you for displaying true forgiveness.
I am not here to judge, as I/we will never know the truth (nor is it any of my/our business). God has yet to hand over the reigns to me. I hope Tiger & his family can move forward and heal quickly. I’ve yet to meet a perfect person (me included!)
Lets all carry on………………………..
Scott:
To hear you speak about forgiveness is frankly, refreshing. People are so quick to judge and lay guilt upon those who have moral or ethical misgivings. It takes a faithful person with a strong head about them to see the good in absolute everything in our lives, especially today. Simply, it *is* hard to forgive, but feels wonderful once we are able to.
Best,
Doug
Maintain the artistic images. Tear down the documentary images. The man’s public image is fraudulent. The man is a swindler and a cheat. I wish him well and Elin and the children even better. If his pics stay, put up pics of Bernie Madoff, the Enron gang et al and name it accordingly: Kelby’s rogues’ gallery.
Tiger, is paid millions more for his image…then he is for his golf. He no longer holds up for Accenture, Buick..as an Icon to duplicate. He in my mind is forgiven Scott..but disqualified to hold the place he once held. We have forgiveness available to us. But we are all still accountable for our actions. It will be interesting to see what his sponsors do. I feel for his family.