first time rookie questions

'stine · Post by **'stine** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:11 am

On this thread, when Lowteck first wrote, he wrote "I hope to go and get a few hundred pictures to bring home with my camera but bringing home a piece of art would be cool also."

And then Gizmo wrote"...Get the email addresses of people you photograph and send them photos. Many burners spend so much time on their costumes and projects that they neglect to take photos. "

Some other burners I have talked with say they take disposable cameras which hold up well to the dust and you don't freak if they get lost.

But on the First Timer's Guide's Burning Man F.A.Q. it specifically says

"Q. What is the policy on taking pictures?
A. Film and video cameras are forbidden without permission. All video cameras must be registered and tagged. This is to protect the privacy of participants and artists alike. Use Agreement forms for personal video cameras will be available upon arrival at the Gate, the Greeter's Station or CheckPoint Salon. If you are considering filming or videotaping for professional purposes, you must have a commercial agreement on file with the media team prior to your arrival onsite. Commercial use of images taken at Burning Man without permission is subject to cunning legal action and punishable by death. This includes amateurs and professionals who capture images. Click here for further information.

I am confused now. Did the rules change this year from last year or do people casually ignore this guideline? I would like pictures of my new friends and don't post my pictures on web sites or anything and leave graphic images to my memory, but I also like the idea of no one having cameras so that I can go with any urge or form of participation I want without having to worry that it will end up on a Web site or surface in People magazine when I'm a famous author. ;-)

I think I will take a creative angle (that is the point of this whole thing, yes?) and bring an autograph book of sorts where people have to draw a picture of themselves for me to remember them by.

'stine

p.s. I'm staying at Big Puffy Yellow Camp if ya trust getting a cookie from a 5"11', redhaired, green eyed strange woman who speaks Southern when she's had too much to drink.

Ivy · Post by **Ivy** » Sat Jun 05, 2004 7:56 am

If you are taking still pictures for your use alone (i.e, only to take home and remember your experience), you do not have to have a tag on your camera. If you are taking photos for any other reason (big art show, etc.) or video (of any kind), you need to register and tag your camera at Media Mecca.

Hope that little summary helps and someone please add if I missed anything.

muley · Post by **muley** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 1:57 pm

its pretty easy to drive rebar into the playa , but it helps to have a pry bar to get it back out. where did you find the rebar staples ???

pokiedot · Post by **pokiedot** » Tue Jun 08, 2004 8:23 pm

muley wrote:its pretty easy to drive rebar into the playa , but it helps to have a pry bar to get it back out. where did you find the rebar staples ???

you have to make them. it's fairly easy. make them before you get out to the playa, though, or you'll expend uneccessary energy in the heat.. bleh!

just go to your local home despot or such and buy some skinny-ish short-ish rebar, then take a couple of short lengths of pipe, holding one in each hand with the rebar threaded through it, and pretend you're the incredible hulk and beeeend. or brace it up against a building or use a mallet... you get the idea.

i've never found this anywhere else, but there's one home depot kinda near me that has this nifty rebar bending lever. it rules.. i bend all my rebar before i leave the store and walk out with tidy perfect staples.

missmann · Post by **missmann** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 9:27 am

muley wrote:where did you find the rebar staples ???

I was just walking along and there they were... actually they were in with some discards from a construction site- I asked if they were garbage before running off with them... actually, theres lot of cool things you can get this way- rebar, PVC tubing (though it usually has some sort of gunk on it, and is in shorter lengths), metal ribbon (taping)... generally good stuff for costumes.

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 12:24 pm

I usually take my poloroid camera. I take 15 packs of film and try to shoot a pack a day and one for the burn. I take shots of people and give it to them as a gift. AAaaahhhhhh.... Instant gratification. I know it's not a new idea or anything, but people seem to really dig them. It is a very interesting gift, in the fact that it is you, through the eyes of someone else, and it's you most likely in one of you're better moments. And it's a one of a kind and it's yours forever to keep. I'm pretty sure there's a bunch right now, pasted on the fronts of monitors all over the world as a daily reminder. Instant film what a great idea.

photo-ly,
mr smith

'stine · Post by **'stine** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:45 am

dear mr smith

expanding on the polaroid theme - how about making a bigger-than-life plywood cutout of a man shape and a woman shape and cover each with a grid design. Then each time a visitor comes by, take a closeup picture of the person that corresponds to one of the empty grid boxes - so that the final bigger-than-life composite reflects parts of hundreds of burners? It would be a work in progress and visitors would have a role in its creation. From a distance it would look like a whole being and from up close a stunning example of diversity. Holy cow - that's what Burning Man is, isn't it?!

Damn, I'm gonna have to become bicoastal or just move to the far west so I can act on more of my BM ideas. I saw where a burner posted to get a woman companion for the burn. Is there a "burner helping burner get a professional job" thread somewhere ;-) FYI - While I would appreciate some masculine company during the burn, I will not be applying for the "Lucky Ho" position.

BTW - My goal for BM (and this part of my life, now that I think about it) is to get in touch/expand/challenge my visually expressive abilities or avail myself to becoming part of someone's visual expression. I'm adept at making people see things by putting words into their brains but I choke when it comes to making things that speak to their eyes. My mind/hand coordination sux. I'm not even at BM yet and I feel like a preschooler among art grad students (but play nice because I am armed with scissors! ;-). That uncertainty, however, tells me that I am going in a positive, gonna grow direction. Thank you in advance for tolerating/appreciating my burgeoning attempts at being visually artistic.

'stine

p.s. I wanna put a picture up with my name - I use an eMac and have a jpeg. No clue what Avatar is. Help, please!

p.s.s. if you haven't heard of the Georgia band, Janah, their album "World That Surrounds Us" sounds like what I imagine BM to sound like. There's even desert tracks on the CD cover. Sensual, Eastern religious overtones, drumming, spiritual, makes you want to move. Check 'em out at www.janah.org.

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:22 am

'stine,

Something else to consider about photography at BM that's a bit different than in other places: Photographers should ask permission before taking someone's photo, either for commercial or personal use. If the subject declines, no means no.

If everyone followed that courtesy, there'd be a lot less frustration out there.

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 9:51 pm

p.s. I wanna put a picture up with my name - I use an eMac and have a jpeg. No clue what Avatar is. Help, please!

Sure.... First You create the universe then you ~snip~ and finally you bake an apple pie.

There. Piece of cake. Now you try it.

probabaly,
mr smith

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:34 pm

'stine wrote: FYI - While I would appreciate some masculine company during the burn, I will not be applying for the "Lucky Ho" position.

Out of context! Out of context! You're not lettin' me off the hook for that piece of satire, are you...

'Course, you know, I am a fellow eMac user, and grew up in the South...
We have so much in common, you lucky ho, you...

Glittering Clitoris · Post by **Glittering Clitoris** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 10:57 pm

This is going to be my first year. I was expecting to camp with some of my friends, but they can't get off work for that week, so I guess I'm going to go it alone. I'm excited but hesitant if not scared. I heard about the sexual predators. Is it that bad or are there just a few things I have to watch out for? Meeting stranges can be a real turn on, if you know what I mean. Any suggestions?

Sleepless in Seattle

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:33 pm

Dear Glit-Clit,

It is nice know someone has ones' "back" in any time, less necessary (I think) in the time at Burningman. You will probably enjoy the freedom more than the security!

It is truly good to trust strangers, as well as freinds.

Though I do not think anyone "bad", I may not want to share what they wish to share. There are people with requests which I might blanch at, others which we may grow together.

If ever you are more than uncomfortable, and unable to shake what ails you, simply ask another stranger, "Might you be my freind?!".

That sounds maybe too criptic, for what I think you may be asking,
if you are fearing "worst case scenario", I would say you are far far safer here, needing again only to whisper for a hand.

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:38 pm

Actually, last year i could not find a spot
upon the whole wide playa

where I could CRY

aloud

i wanted to cry

to scream

to be alone in misery

there was no spot
upon the whole wide playa

(i looked)

to be alone

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:41 pm

i saw you twitching
thought you might be getting sick
out by the trash fence

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:45 pm

i may bring a flag
thanks but leave alone
for near body planting

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:46 pm

Anyways, my point is that though I looked for a spot & thought I had it, someone would always come along to "help".

Those FUCKERS@!

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 11:52 pm

This is going to be my first year. I was expecting to camp with some of my friends, but they can't get off work for that week, so I guess I'm going to go it alone. I'm excited but hesitant if not scared. I heard about the sexual predators. Is it that bad or are there just a few things I have to watch out for? Meeting stranges can be a real turn on, if you know what I mean. Any suggestions?

Sleepless in Seattle

Dear Sleepless in Seattle,

Burning Man can be a great solo experience. You will most likely meet many new friends as the barriers that prevent us from interacting with each other in regular society are often times absent at Burning Man. Creepy people exist everywhere, that's just a fact a life. Here are some tips that have been discussed in the past.

1. Try to connect with a theme camp, just browse the list of camps (found on this site) and if you find one that you think you might enjoy, send them an email introducing yourself and your talents and ask what the process is for joining them (each camp is different). You might also want to check out the solo collective, a group of solo burners that get together to share resources (not sure of their status this year). Even if you decide to camp entirely on your own, introduce yourself to your neighbors (those camping near you).

2. While boundaries tend to get pushed at Burning Man, decide what your limits are and stick to your guns. If someone gets in your personal space, or touches you without permission, let them know about it in no uncertain terms. If they persist don't hesitate to ask for help by yelling "HELP!" loudly and often until a helpful citizen or a Black Rock Ranger (Burning Man's volunteer Rangers) comes running.

3. Many times people get taken advantage of because they altered their minds with alcohol or drugs. Consider keeping your mind and senses sharp by abstaining from those chemicals.

4. While I think there are very, very few cases of people being drugged on the playa with out their consent, you may also want to consider not taking food or liquids from people you don't know (unless some guy wants to give you chai of course, then drink it up!).

5. Safety in numbers- go out in a group, or ask to join a group that you see on the playa.

Statistically speaking however, you're much less likely to be the victim of a violent crime in Black Rock City than you are in almost any other locale in America.

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:15 am

Oh.

I forgot to mention there are "spectators", also.

when you want to get down
they want to see that too

so we are in the open
though together seams sew fast

nipples · Post by **nipples** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 12:26 am

most peoples will GO OUT OF THEIR WAY
to i give you lee-way
the least judgemental place on earth

might as well do a crab walk, or clam-suck (how do they propell?!)
no one will notice until you ask them to.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 10:45 am

GC,

in addition to the good info already proferred...

be it known, there are areas/camps of BRC that definitely have a heavy meat market vibe. A lot of people are there to try and hook up. However, if you spend any time in bars/clubs with that kind of vibe it should be somewhat familiar. The stakes are a bit higher though and the atmosphere much more sexaully charged. This atmosphere also grows more intense as the weekend progresses due to a number of factors.

also, I know of some very nice folks up in Seattle who are doing a 20 or so person camp. I don't know if they are taking in strays, but if you want I can ask for ya.

Glittering Clitoris · Post by **Glittering Clitoris** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:05 am

nipples wrote:i saw you twitching
thought you might be getting sick
out by the trash fence

Silly Rabbit, what made you think I was sick.

I was only entertaining myself, if you know what I mean?

Glittering Clitoris · Post by **Glittering Clitoris** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:12 am

Chai Guy wrote:Consider keeping your mind and senses sharp by abstaining from those chemicals.

you may also want to consider not taking food or liquids from people you don't know (unless some guy wants to give you chai of course, then drink it up!).

No altered state, wouldn't that be a little boring at such a fun place?

And how can I trust the Chai Guy? Maybe it you that slips a little dose in my chai.

But you do sound sweet, just like chai and sincere, Chai!

Thank you!!!!

Glittering Clitoris · Post by **Glittering Clitoris** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 11:21 am

stuart wrote:GC,

the atmosphere much more sexaully charged. This atmosphere also grows more intense as the weekend progresses due to a number of factors.

Now you're talking the shit! I'm not going to Burning Man to be a nun, I just want skinny on the scene and have a little heads up!

What are those factors leading to a more intense atmosphere toward the weekend when I hear that more "Spectators" dilute that atmosphere?

Stuart what are those funny glasses you have on your head?

'stine · Post by **'stine** » Fri Jun 11, 2004 9:30 pm

yeah, Stuart, what she asked... welding goggles? horn stump covers, you devil you? ;-)

I have a pair of snow board goggles with good UV eye protection, however they're a bit bulky to wear with wide brim hats. Do you have any dust/sand goggle recommendations? Brand/type? I look the look of the round eye pieces. Are welding goggles too dark to see through during evening/night storms?

'stine

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sat Jun 12, 2004 8:01 am

Welding goggles will be fine for staring into the sun, but usually too dark for general use. I have used swimming goggles and liked them, small and light, available in countless styles. Since they're designed to keep water out, they're pretty good at keeping dust out.
That's my goggle of choice.

robbidobbs · Post by **robbidobbs** » Sat Jun 12, 2004 8:40 am

I've lived/worked out at the Work Ranch, and work all day during Events, and I've never bothered to bring sungoggles. During the year, I collect sunglasses that are big. They do the job when my head is wrapped in a scarf -- which it is in dirt-storms. After dusk, or "indoors", I wear hard-plastic safety glasses...the ones at hardware stores. All eyewear then is affixed to my person with granny-glasses chains.
So when I'm getting ready for another fun day, I put on a pair of sunglasses, a pair of safety glasses, sunburn lotion, a scarf, and away I go!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 9:56 am

CG--
Don't let the perception of BM as a "meat market" put you off. You live as a woman in this culture, you know the score. If you can handle yourself in a bar or on an American street, you probably have enough smarts to handle BM. Remember Rangers are there to help you (and 90%+ of everyone else will too!) and trust your gut. It's good to have a buddy, but sometimes ya just gotta be an independent woman, for good or for ill. You'll handle it, if that's what you want.
Chukka

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 12:27 pm

last year I had my eyes fixed about 3 months before the event. As a result my eyes were a little dry and my Doc told me to be careful about U.V.. He told me even after I fully healed to be careful about U.V.. I told him about conditions on the playa and he said 'be really, really, careful about exposure.' So I got dem der goggles. I gotta say, for daytime playa use they rock. No dust in the eyes and my eyes don't feel tired at the end of the day. I keep them and a dust mask around my neck at all times. They are also ultra comfy. This year I need to find a funky clear lense variety for night use.

I think I got them at

http://maximumeyewear.com/

as per the meat market vibe, sure, if you can handle yourself in a bar in america it's not going to throw you too much. Although, I have never seen a wasted guy wearing nothing but a cock ring pawing some stranger in a bar in america.
As with many things burning man, if you want a meat market, it's there for you (think pinkies), if not there's the trash fance (and an inumerable number of other places, but far less on Fri/Sat).

and

aside from the Change in demographic from early in the week to the final weekend, there are other changes. First, many folks have been there for awhile. They are sleep deprived, dirty, perhaps cracked out, perhaps having dealt with one too many camp dramas. While I am no fan of the stereotypical weekender I strongly believe that if you locked the gates tuesday night things would still get a little funky by saturday. Some people start really believing that they are entitled to do anything they want. Also, a lot of pathetic fucks view burning man as perhaps the only place where they are gauranteed to get laid. By friday the reality might just be setting in a little bit and drunken harassment ensues.
I love burning man, but I hate witnessing that shit on the playa or anywhere else for that matter. I still love burning man. Dare I say it? So will you.

stuart · Post by **stuart** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 12:30 pm

oh, as mentioned above you can see, in the photo, the dust mask. In case you were wondering, the pink things are spent glow necklaces from the night before. I think the photo was taken at about 9 a.m. at Spoon Return Center.

pokiedot · Post by **pokiedot** » Mon Jun 14, 2004 3:55 pm

this is a tangent, requesting permission to take off. eplaya respond. okay, here goes:

stuart wrote: As with many things burning man, if you want a meat market, it's there for you.

this is along the lines of my general feeling about burning man: you can find just about anything you want, you just have to know what you're looking for. if you want to watch public sex every night, you can find that. if you want to meditate and do yoga the entire time, you can find that too. if you want to swig beer and heckle hippies, you can do that. if you want to dance all night, you can (most certainly) do that. if you want to go to 12 step meetings every day, you can do that. if you want listen to live bluegrass, see great art, paint your toenails, exchange tea recipes, learn to pole dance, etc etc etc.

this isn't as true in this thread as in others, but i figured that the chat on this thread has wondered enough that i might as well say this here. the more i get into these eplaya threads, the more i'm struck with the most common concern of the newbie: will i fit in? will i feel left out? will i feel pressured? threatened? challenged? aw.. poor newbs!! i really feel for those new burner worries! i totally remember all of those fears, and if i could tell the old, pre-burner me one piece of advice on being at burning man it would be this: you are responsible for your own good time. if you're not having fun, then be proactive about it and go find it! your kind of fun is out there, you just need to look, while keeping your options open.

now that this ides has sunk in i have no problem with finding the right people to hang out with and the right kind of fun for me, which mainly entails dressing like a space princess, but also includes seeing wonderful art, talking to different varieties of nutty people and being a part of a community that values my idea of fun. that whole respect for self-expression thing, ya know?

now, i'm not saying that it's impossible to feel left out, or that everyone will get what they need out of burning man, but i think the 'you are responsible for your own good time' motto covers that, too. if you really hate it, it's okay. treat yourself to a big buffet in reno, reward yourself for giving it a try, and be okay with the fact that it wasn't your scene.

anyhow. what a tangent, eh? permission to land.

first time rookie questions

Doing my homework, but there are mixed messages flying

rebar

Re: rebar

Re: rebar

~gifting~...

Art project needs artist

Bada Bing...

Re: Art project needs artist

speaking of goggles