The photographer that tragically died chasing a winning picture of Justin Bieber's car has stirred up a debate. Some celebrities see it as a message for more stringent laws surrounding the profession, while others... don't.

According to The L.A Times, paparazzo Frank Griffin has tried to defend his trade, and late photographer, but renders his argument almost defunct by comparing the practise of chasing down celebrities with a view to selling pictures to armed combat in the middle east. "What's the difference between our guy who got killed under those circumstances and the war photographer who steps on a landmine in Afghanistan and blows himself to pieces because he wanted the photograph on the other side of road?" asks Griffin, who co-owns the photo agency Griffin-Bauer. "The only difference is the subject matter. One is a celebrity and the other is a battle. Both young men have left behind mothers and fathers grieving and there's no greater sadness in this world than parents who have to bury their children."

The difference - of course - is that (regardless of your thoughts on the war) one involved in conflict over in Afghanistan faces the prospect of death for every second he or she remains there. Griffin continues, and moves towards a criticism of Bieber himself: "He thinks he is a step above normal people and he has special rights because of his God-given talents. He believes he has the right to drive down Ventura Boulevard with impunity at 90 mph in his $280,000 sports car," Griffin said. "You have to have priorities. We should pass the laws that save lives not laws that make my life easier."