A solution to the cameras problem.

[Dr. Pyro]

This is no answer, really, but it seems to work reasonably well for my camp. We are a very photographed camp [BDC&WB], and our rules are simple: Take as many pictures as you like, we are a photo-friendly camp. But by coming into our camp you give permission to have your picture taken as well. We post that on the internet and our site long before Burning Man, and though I realize most people who wander by will never have read it or, if they had, long since forgotten it, we just say we are a photo-friendly camp. Never once had a problem. I know that is not a very good solution to this problem (if it indeed is a problem) but at least it makes us feel better.

[Otisserie]

I am wondering how anyone can prohibit or regulate cameras, still or video, or the act of taking pictures or videos on public land at a public event?

I'm willing to bet you a $707,000 check to the BLM that it's not public land for that week. If you get caught trying to sneak in the BLM tickets you for trespassing; that sounds like private property to me. If BM can require you to buy a ticket and eject you for infractions, then they can very well control whether or not cameras are allowed and under what conditions.

[bradtem]

Asking is nice, but you can't always ask. Not for group shots, and not for candid shots (though you can sometimes ask after the fact for candid shots.) But generally Burning Man is a place of freedom compared to the rest of the world, and trying to say photographers can't capture photons beaming off you without permission goes against that.

Here's an imperfect middle ground. Develop some costuming conventions that mean "I ask not to be photographed." By conventions, I imagine a particular colour pattern for use in a wristband, hairband, scarf, legband, temporary tatoo, body paint or clothing patch. Some camp or even BMorg would make these up for folks to use. For example a checked or striped pattern or two contrasting colours, or perhaps a spiral of two colours etc.

This works because if somebody takes your photo and displays it, the pattern will probaby be visible, though of course they could carefully photoshop it out or even shoot to avoid including it. But it's also just an instant way to convey your wishes.

And yes, it's a burden on those who want to remain unphotographed to have to declare it publicly. The reverse, however, is not the way of a free society. In a free society the default is you can do stuff like take pictures.

People getting camera tags would sign awareness of the pattern, though currently still photographers don't get camera tags. But they would still learn quickly enough. It would go in the Survival Guide.

Now, I don't want to make this as complex as the BDSM hankie code system, but there might be some variants that make sense. Such as "Stills OK, but no video" and "Don't even bother asking me if you don't know me." But perhaps it's better simpler as "Ask first if taking a shot clearly featuring this person."

And in a group, you could still be photographed. You can't ride in critical tits with the armband and expect to avoid cameras.

Camera free zones could display the pattern as well, but probably would be best to use other rules to enforce as well.