Take photos in Auschwitz: reflections and directives
Unfortunately, if the Nazis were capable of such atrocities, it is not surprising that some people actually go to these places and slightly take selfies in front of the hair of the victim or the gas chamber in Auschwitz I. I witnessed as appalling behaviors, and I speak in my own experience article.
When I finally decided to visit Auschwitz, I thought of bringing my professional camera to the site for days.
I was wondering if it was the right choice to take pictures thereBut I realized that by taking these photos, I wanted to try to transmit the pain and the suffering that took place there.
The idea of being in the photo did not even cross my mind. What would be the goal of splashing my face on a photo with a background of horror and pain?
When we insert ourselves on an image, this image becomes a “memory”. And there is nothing worse than taking a photo of “memory” in Auschwitz.
If you have to take a photo, do it with a more noble goal, perhaps to remind you of what you feel (even if I can assure you, it is not necessary to look at a photo to return to this place in your mind, but at least you do not miss the victims and their families).
Look at this in this way: how would you feel you if you had lost a dear and that a lot of idiots took smiling selfies in front of that person’s grave? Rather said.
Needless to say, going to Auschwitz to take a smiling selfie is not the reason you should be there. I am ashamed for these people, and I want there to be a way to give them a massive fine.
In this way, the word “dark tourism” could have a different meaning, even if I doubt that I would never change the opinion on the label used to describe why people should visit these places.
Where you can and can’t take photos in Auschwitz:
Where you can take photos in Auschwitz / Birkenau:
- Outside, on the main field of the Auschwitz museum / camp and the Birkenau camp
- Inside the museum and barracks in Auschwitz 1 and Birkenau (with a few exceptions near the Auschwitz commemorative museum, see below)
Where you can NOT Take photos in Auschwitz / Birkenau:
- Entirely prohibited in room 5 of block 4 (human air of the victims)
- The camp detention house was in the cellars of block 11, which the prisoners called “the death block”.
- In the field of visiting visitors and their hand luggage checks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isbywx6vlri
I decided to incorporate this video of people who laughed and taking selfies in Auschwitz because it is really horrible. If you go, please remember where you are and show a little respect for all the suffering that has passed there.
More information on photos in Auschwitz:
- Selfies are allowed, but discretion should be used at any time. Personally, I do not recommend taking selfies under any circumstances as a sign of respect for the victims. This is even more important in prohibited areas (I saw people take selfies when no one looked) and also in the existing crematorium still in Auschwitz I).
- You cannot use the flash or tripods inside the museum units.
