During early January, Ibrahim Sakibu, a graphic design major, debuted as an on-campus street photographer. His Instagram account, @Trushots, shows candid moments from everyday student life, offering a window into scenes of Truman State University. However, while the account has gained popularity as a photographer, it has also sparked debate about privacy, consent, and the ethics of candid photography.
Sakibu’s approach is simple, he captures spontaneous moments as students go about their routines on campus. Whether it’s a group celebrating a win at a basketball game or a student quietly studying in the library, Sakibu has turned the campus into his personal photo studio. His account is quickly gaining a following of around 700 followers — but not without some controversy.
“I want to thank the student body because the following has been good so far and the reception has been positive,” Sakibu said. “I get that there are a lot of private people who don’t want their pictures up there, but I don’t mind taking it down if they don’t want it.”
Despite his openness to removing photos upon request, many students are still uncomfortable with the idea of being photographed without their consent or knowledge. While some appreciate the art of candid photography, others feel it crosses a line, especially when their images are shared on social media without prior approval.
One of those students featured on Trushots who has concerns is Chernet Armstrong-Douglass. Sakibu posted a photo of Armstrong-Douglass, taken during the first spring practice of the mens’ soccer team, on the Trushots Instagram account, also tagging him in the process. While Armstrong-Douglass wasn’t initially bothered by the picture, he believes a boundary should be put in place when it comes to photography in public spaces.
“I feel if the photographer were to go out and ask to take the photo, people might not be as worried,” Armstrong-Douglass said. “There are people out there who just don’t like their picture to be taken, and they deserve that privacy.”
While some students may be fine with their images being shared, others may not feel the same way. Tim Barcus, the University’s official photographer, understands the fine line photographers walk while capturing candid moments. Barcus follows his own approach when taking candid photos of students. After snapping the picture, he provides a QR code that links to a consent form for students to fill out before the photo is used. Though Barcus emphasizes the importance of creating pleasing images, he also stresses the responsibility that comes with the role of a photographer.
“You could easily take lots of weird, bad pictures of people that are really interesting,” Barcus said. “I don’t take weird, bad pictures…my goal is to make everyone look good. So it’s kind of up to Trushots to be the good guy — it’s a responsibility as a photographer.”
The responsibility of photographers — both professional and amateur — is a central issue when it comes to capturing people in public spaces. While Sakibu’s intentions may be pure, the fact remains that some students feel it is not enough to simply offer to remove an image once it’s already been posted. Instead, they believe that photographers should ask for permission before snapping that perfect shot. For Sakibu, the balance may lie in offering a simple courtesy — respecting the wishes of those who do not wish to be photographed.