Hi Ronald,
Personally, I love "people shots", but I don't want to risk the chance of publishing photos of people that they did NOT consent to.
This is the article that explains the reasons why the "no people in photos" exists.
I stand by my co-editor, Sandi Parsons, and her reply. Although, she didn't actually reject your story but instead, asked if you had a different photo that you could replace it with.
If I personally knew that child (the girl), I'd be able to recognize her from the photo as I can see her face.
I'm not sure why it was necessary to subtitle your story, "A Six Word Photo Story Reject." As the editor of this publication, I feel it is well... sorta offensive. I'm not crying tears haha, but geez, I think a better subtitle could've been used!
I do hope you have a sense of humor!
For ANY stories that our editors review and end up declining due to whatever reason (typically not following guidelines), we try to let the writer know that they have the freedom to self-publish (or publish elsewhere) —as you did.
What I don't understand is why it was necessary to publish the "private notes" between the editor and yourself in your article, as these are meant for the eyes of the editor and writer only. Hmmm...
Of course, you're entitled to your opinion that "our mandate (about this particular photo) is absurd."
I still stand by our rule, and again, self-publishing is the way to go, if writers can't meet the expectations or guidelines of a publication or simply want to express their creativity without the limitations or rules a publication would have.
If there are people in your photos, there is always the option to submit elsewhere, of course. There are many other publications who are willing to accept "people photos." Some require photo consent forms, some have a blanket consent rule and some require no consent whatsoever, so there are lots of different options on Medium.
There is no need to let readers know a story was "rejected" by a publication by publishing that it was rejected in their article--if a writer chooses to self-publish it or publish elsewhere.
Personally, I'd rather not let readers know if my story got rejected by a publication as that action takes away from the CORE of the real story.
Lastly, I think you take fabulous photos (truly), and I wish you continued success in your photography and writing journey.
Mary.
