Please Don't Assault the Photographer!

[johnphoton]

I'm a professional photographer and fourth year burner. Each year, I go to the Press tent and register just like the rules say I must. I'm also very familiar with the rules and etiquette of photographing people out on the playa. I've been a photographer for 20 years now so I know the drill. In case anyone is wondering here's what the BM website has to say about photographing people during the burn:

Burning Man's number one rule of etiquette for photography is Ask First – you should get permission before taking somebody's photo. Does this mean you can't grab a shot of somebody cruising by on a really cool bike, or capture a compelling scene you happen to see through your telephoto lens? No, of course not – realistically, you should ask first whenever realistically possible. But the question you have to ask yourself before pressing the shutter is "Am I invading this person's privacy in any way?"

If I am in your space, I will ask or at least make eye contact with you so that you know I'm taking your photo. If I'm doing a wide shot or a shot with many people in it or you're doing something very public, then I'm not going to ask. There's no requirement that I do, in fact the back of your Burning Man ticket explicitly states that you may be photographed without permission. Though it is good etiquette to ask whenever possible, it is not a Burning Man rule that permission be asked.

I bring this up because I personally have been physically assaulted by individuals who are mad because I did not ask to take someone's photo. I've been grabbed, pushed and threatened with violence. I had one guy grab me and not let me go insisting that I delete my photos since I didn't ask permission. (I told him either he had to beat me up or call the cops but I wasn't deleting anything.) The irony is that it's not the person in the photo, but some well-meaning but misguided protector of imaginary rules. Usually I'm shooting wide with the person hardly identifiable and they're not doing anything out of the ordinary - which is within the the guidelines as set forth by Burning Man.





I just want to make the point that assaulting a photographer - which is potentially a felony - in response to a perceived breach of etiquette is not okay. My fellow campmates (we used to do Camp Photon which was a photography friendly themed camp) and I are all professional photographers and all of us have similar stories of being physically confronted. None of us are "that guy" who's out to grab nudie shots of women. Being physically assaulted not only sucks and ruins the entire BM experience - it's illegal.

If you don't want to be photographed, just say so. If you don't like the photos someone is shooting of someone else, either mind your own business or say something (preferably politely). Physically restraining or attacking somebody is potentially a host of crimes from assault to kidnapping to unlawful imprisonment. I'm sure there are guys out there who are creepy, but even for them, unless they're breaking the law, physical violence is not the answer.



Just had to get this off my chest. Looking forward to being back on the playa soon.

Johnny Photon

[Elderberry]

Probably those same people complaining and threatening people with cell phones. Those "real" burners.

[much2naughty2]

Nice pictures Jon. Very classy looking. We wouldn't mind having our pics taken if they were of this quality and not some slimeball posting them on the Internet.

[Trishntek]

Hi Jon, I agree with everything you say. In a camp such as ours, we do have a dungeon monitor who will protect the privacy of our participants during scene play. It is our obligation to assure their safety and privacy within our camp. While a scene is in progress, we will not allow it to be interrupted. If, before a scene begins, you work something out with the subjects, that is between you and them.

We would be honored to have you visit us and entertain the possibility of imaging sensuality in action. We simply ask you to respect those in the throes of extreme sensuality who may be witnessed in a compromising position without any knowledge of your presence.

If you get a chance to stop by, I'm sure we could provide some great subject matter for your consumption. We do have some unusual games and unique lighting you may find interesting.

[Token]

What a strange way to show your own photography!

Cool imagery and narrative of unrelated violence and legal preaching.

Is this a PSA, art project or ad campaign?

[daned420]

The picture w/ the man and woman sitting on bikes doesn't look real. Really great pictures you have posted in this thread, I look forward to checking out your other pics. Is there any advice you have for an amateur photographer w/ a new Canon Rebel T3?

We purchased this waterproof bag for ~15 bucks on dealextreme.com ... its this flemsy bag that fits the telescoping lens and the camera housing, but can't seam to take half decent pictures w/ it and the flash cannot go off inside the bag.

I have heard its okay to take SLR cameras out on the playa as long as you don't change the lens and continually wipe it down... Is this accurate?

Any tips welcomed
seeya in 2 weeks

[CapSmashy]

What a strange way to show your own photography!

Cool imagery and narrative of unrelated violence and legal preaching.

Is this a PSA, art project or ad campaign?

I think it is a combination of all three.



But I do agree it is an interesting way of showing photos..

I have heard stories of photographers getting harassed out there, I've personally never had any issues shooting out there, no threats of violence, or even self righteous indignation from a self appointed do gooder nearby.



Maybe its my size? My demeanor in how I approach my photography while on the playa? I dunno. In 5 years, I do not think I have even had someone say no, you can't take my picture when I've asked. Even times when I've just been shooting in the moment and there was no mistake that yes, I am taking your picture, it has never been a problem. Maybe I am just more respectful of other people's space or maybe I'm just a good read of my potential subjects, because sometimes, you can just tell that someone is not going to be to keen on having their picture taken.

Of course, I approach my photography from the perspective of being an admirer of the subject and not with an eye for potential exploitation. I have let many pictures go by, never even touching my camera, because the moment in time I was witnessing did not need to be disturbed by the presence of my camera. I think there are a lot of photographers that feel they have sense of self entitlement regarding their pursuit of taking pictures and have lost the ability to just take in what is happening in front of them and just enjoy it by watching and not documenting.



Now, one thing that might help perspective picture takers, have a lovable prop available for the subject to hold. I participated in the Gnome Project in 2009 and asking someone, "Will you pose with my gnome?" turned out to be a great ice breaker and a much better way of engaging someone for a picture than just a "Hey can I take your picture?" opener.





Of course, there are also the times when you spot someone that is definitely out there, doing their thing and looking fantastic while they are doing it for all to see. Making eye contact and saying something like "work it!" with a smile while bringing up the camera let's them know you are both admiring the effort they have made in their look and that you want to take their picture.





One thing that I have noticed is that the volume of my photos shot has declined every year. My first year, I shot thousands of photos. Last year, a few hundred. I even left my camera behind on several outings last year because I was more interested in just being a part of the event rather than being worried about missing a photo opportunity. I must say though, sometimes, there are moments when the opportunity just can not be ignored.



Because really, where else but Burning Man are you going to have an opportunity to catch a picture of Big Cock, drinking a martini in front of a gorgeous sunset?

[CapSmashy]

Hi Jon, I agree with everything you say. In a camp such as ours, we do have a dungeon monitor who will protect the privacy of our participants during scene play. It is our obligation to assure their safety and privacy within our camp. While a scene is in progress, we will not allow it to be interrupted. If, before a scene begins, you work something out with the subjects, that is between you and them.

We would be honored to have you visit us and entertain the possibility of imaging sensuality in action. We simply ask you to respect those in the throes of extreme sensuality who may be witnessed in a compromising position without any knowledge of your presence.

If you get a chance to stop by, I'm sure we could provide some great subject matter for your consumption. We do have some unusual games and unique lighting you may find interesting.

Unique lighting? Oh my... well, we were planning on stopping by anyway...

[johnphoton]

What a strange way to show your own photography!

Cool imagery and narrative of unrelated violence and legal preaching.

Is this a PSA, art project or ad campaign?

I figured I'd include photos in my posts since photos are kinda like bacon - everything goes better with them. Not trying to be a legal preacher - just not get assaulted (which really sucks) for breaking a rule that doesn't even exist. BTW, I shoot many thousands of images each year at BM and the overwhelming majority of my interactions with my subjects are amazing. It's why I go back every year. I'll start a new thread for tips on shooting on the Playa.

I have my Blackrock Portrait series posted here for anyone interested in seeing more. http://www.johnmireles.com/#mi=2&pt=1&p ... 3&a=0&at=0

Johnny

[Foxfur]

Personally, I don't mind if anyone takes my picture. I don't care if they put it on the internet, in a fashion video (thanks Dusty!), or on their bathroom wall while touching themselves. I don't care if they use it to make money. I don't care what they do with it.
I find it a compliment that anyone would want to take my picture. I am among the minority that rejects the idea that taking my picture steals my soul. If you see me and want to snap a pic, just do it. Want me to move this way or that? Just shout at me, I respond well to that.
Yay for people who want to photograph the most beautiful event in the world and all the lovely people who are the biggest part of it.

[The CO]

My personal reaction to photographers is one of two:

1- They ask permission & I say "sure, go nuts, watch this!" or "No thank you, we wish to keep this private." depending on circumstances.

2- They don't ask permission, & I proceed to give them 2 upturned middle fingers. If they persist, I will walk over and stand in front of their camera with a big smile and the double finger flip, insuring that I am the only shot they get, until they ask me to move. This usually leads to a discussion about asking permission, which I will politely quote the BRC official policy stated above, as well as an explanation about camera tags if they don't have.

It has served me well over the years; I'd say 90% of people I've done this with have walked away better informed & with a new friend. 2 of them have gotten shitty with me, and one of those two complained to a passing ranger, who then repeated the speech I had just given & told the guy that he would happily escort him to media mecca to get his tag.

[OregonRed]

CapSmashy "I approach my photography from the perspective of being an admirer of the subject and not with an eye for potential exploitation. I have let many pictures go by, never even touching my camera, because the moment in time I was witnessing did not need to be disturbed by the presence of my camera. I think there are a lot of photographers that feel they have sense of self entitlement regarding their pursuit of taking pictures and have lost the ability to just take in what is happening in front of them and just enjoy it by watching and not documenting."

And this is why you're awesome Smashy!

I LOVE seeing great photography! LOVE IT! Some of the most amazing photographs I've seen have come from TTITD.

I have gotten pissy with exactly two photographers in ten Burns: One was a frat boy trying to take a picture of me and Quick as we were heading back to camp and we we're topless. We covered up our ta-tas and flipped him the bird and (if I remember correctly) were informed that we "ruined his fucking picture". Our response was to tell him he needs to ask before taking pictures of anyone, but especially people in any state of undress. He hadn't asked, so we flipped him off.

The second was a guy who was trying to shoot pictures of two girls showering together, not in the posed sexy way, but just two naked girls showering and chatting with no clue that there was a creeper on the street nearby trying to take their picture. And I know this because when I asked loudly "Do you have permission to take their picture?" the two girls in the shower got very upset and the "photographer" took off when he realized he'd been caught.

I refuse to feel the least bit bad for calling the person with the camera out in either situation.

[johnphoton]

I agree completely with the need to ask about shooting photos when the moment is private or nudity is involved - especially when they people are identifiable. I personally wouldn't photograph someone in the shower unless I had their permission. And if someone doesn't want their photo taken, no problem. There's 40,000 other people out on the playa who likely do.

And blocking the camera or calling someone out when you don't want them to shoot is perfectly acceptable. That's the right way to do it! Photographers can shoot all they want, but that doesn't mean you have to cooperate. If someone is being a dickhead, then standing in front blocking their shot until they move on is perfectly okay in my book. Once you go beyond that - touch someone against their will or physically restrain them - then you're entering into the realm of assault which is inappropriate and illegal.

BTW: I created a separate thread on how to protect your camera and get great shots on the Playa here: http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 98#p717798 Figured I'd add something positive to the conversation.

John

[phil]

If I may ask my own favor: When someone asks if they can take your picture and you don't want them to, just say, "No thanks!" I don't want to hear your long song and dance about why you don't want your photo taken. I really don't care why you don't want your photo taken. Just say No thanks and let it be. Please.

[The CO]

Phil that is a great point. The other side of the transaction is once no thanks has been said, the photog needs to move on, not try and convince you of why you should say yes.

[portaplaya]

Asking permission, taking photos, saying no and defending the rights of people to make that choice are really all covered within the Ten Principles.

If anyone is being too much of a pest to a photographer, or a photographer is being a pest to others, and that cannot be resolved verbally between the parties present, consider getting a Ranger before things escalate to violence.

As Johnphoton says, there is no law requiring that he ask permission. But there is the expectation that he try. As with a lot of exercising of Radical Self-Expression, there are some expectations on the artist which allow leeway, but have lines that can be crossed. You cannot Self-Express by burning someone else's art; and you aren't going to get far if you use a megaphone to berate and disparage your neighbors. Expect a Ranger intervention, and under the "right" circumstances, an eviction from the city. Same for photographers.

On the other hand, if you are not a Ranger or LEO, educating and persuasion are your only tools. Try anything else and you are being just as much of a dick as they are. Being a dick to a dick just results in a bunch of dicks waving around; few people want to see that.

As an aside, what bothers me is that a bunch of photographers just get lazy. Or are too shy (bigger problem than you probably know!) They see someone else that has given permission for photography and join in. Soon you have a pack of paparazzi all shooting the same subjects, but only the first guy asked. Look lazy photographers, there are ways to ask that don't interrupt the whole thing, ways to make eye-contact and get that nod, ways of waiting until it dies down and checking that it was okay to shoot with the rest. I don't have time to do education for lazy photos when I am in the middle of a set of shots, but when I do I see the appreciation of the (for you) unwilling subjects. Let's just learn that lesson before we go to the playa this year, okay?