This photograph raises the question: Who should have the credit?
Self Portrait? April 2013, by Scoopie.
Last Thanksgiving, I set up ​my Horizon 202 panoramic camera in the dining room to take a shot with everyone in attendance. Because this camera does not have a self-timer, someone had to press the shutter. I wanted a few iterations of the photo that included just my own family, the extended family, and one with others such as new girlfriends. For one of the shots, I asked my photographer nephew to press the button. He agreed, but said, "You know, I learned in my photography class that whoever presses the shutter owns the picture. I want credit as the photographer. I am 30+ years older than my nephew, and I remember receiving the same instruction when I was about his age and taking a class.
This issue occurred again a couple of days ago when my wife took this shot of me. I envisioned this shot. I set it up. I showed her how to take it with my Nikon DSLR. And she pressed the button several times as I posed. Does this mean she gets the credit?
Does it matter that I could have done it with a wireless remote I had in my bag? Do I credit it as a collaboration. If so, doesn't that raise another question about ownership because my best portrait sessions are ones during which the subject participates in the process. ​
Lots of questions here. Ultimately, does it matter? For today, I am thinking it does not. I am giving her the credit, but calling it a self portrait. Issue resolved.