The title of my book is Fine, thanks!, which is, obviously, an answer—an answer to the question: How are you feeling, Hungary?
Hungary is one of those countries where spontaneous photography is no longer possible. Since the amendment of the Civil Code in 2013, the matter has been legally settled: to photograph a person, prior consent from the individual depicted is required. Without it, even taking the photograph itself is considered illegal. The locations and public events featured in my book were gathered after a lengthy search spanning more than three years. According to current laws, photographs can still be taken at such events without prior consent from participants. However, the publication of those images may be contested and even prohibited.
Of course, the series is easily prone to misunderstandings, particularly because it was created in situations resembling press photography—at events—yet it is not actually press photography, but rather event documentation. At the same time, the author’s intention is to capture a portrait of a country.
Notably, this series may be the first attempt to answer how one can legally take photographs using classic documentary photography methods in the new legal environment—especially when aiming to present Hungary and its people.
Szabolcs Barakonyi 