Photography on the Playa

epic_elite · Post by **epic_elite** » Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:31 pm

So yeah, not sure if this belongs in the 'preparation' section.

but I'm preparing to bring my DSLR and i have a "Q" that requires an "A". Or perhaps I'd be willing to settle for a tip.

but yeah, I shoot with a DSLR and this will be the first burn that I will have brought it with. I've heard via other threads that I need to have it tagged. I've checked the official site and scoured thier little search engine to find nothing but info on how I can't sell images and how BM reserves the rights to all photos taken on the playa...

...Yeah, I get that.

I've also heard about the potential of being evicted or something...

I've talked to some of the Flickr BM groups, but they are a bashful bunch and don't talk much.

how do I bring my DSLR, and still opperate within BM's TOS?

how do I comondeer such a 'tag'?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:19 am

You were misinformed. Everybody loves cameras.

CapSmashy · Post by **CapSmashy** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:29 am

Tip #1. Bob is sometimes crotchity and jaded in his replies.

As for cameras...

The personal use agreement and camera tags are for video cameras. Does your DSLR shoot video? If yes, than you need to fill out a personal use agreement and get a camera tag. If no, then you don,t.

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... meras.html

What will get you a smack down and an eviction is to be a douche bag yahoo with a camera.

Basic common courtesy is in full effect when you are out and about with your camera. Ask permission, etc before taking pictures of people at portrait range. If they are doing something really cool, snap your candids and then ask afterwards and be prepared to delete pictures.

If you maintain a gallery site (I keep one running on flicker), carry business cards at the very least to hand out to people that you took candids or portraits of so they can get their pictures after the event.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:25 pm

> how do I bring my DSLR,

I bring mine in the car

> and still opperate within BM's TOS?

Screw BM's TOS

> how do I comondeer such a 'tag'?

Tell 'em at the gate when you're coming in if they don't ask you. Print out the form before you come, fill it out, and hand it over at the entry. I much appreciate your having this done already so I don't wait behind you while they get the form, give you the form, wait while you fill it in, etc. I almost always remember to put the tags they give me on my cameras and video cameras.

justfred · Post by **justfred** » Sat Jan 30, 2010 3:50 pm

Tags are gladly handed out by greeters, and unless you plan to be obnoxious with the camera, doesn't hurt to have one.

If you do get a tag and you're making videos, tape it down - I've got two years of tapes with this annoying clicking sound coming from the tag blowing in the wind.

epic_elite · Post by **epic_elite** » Sun Jan 31, 2010 2:53 pm

CapSmashy wrote:Tip #1. Bob is sometimes crotchity and jaded in his replies.

The personal use agreement and camera tags are for video cameras.

http://www.burningman.com/preparation/e ... meras.html

What will get you a smack down and an eviction is to be a douche bag yahoo with a camera.

Basic common courtesy is in full effect when you are out and about with your camera. Ask permission, etc before taking pictures of people at portrait range. If they are doing something really cool, snap your candids and then ask afterwards and be prepared to delete pictures.

If you maintain a gallery site (I keep one running on flicker), carry business cards at the very least to hand out to people that you took candids or portraits of so they can get their pictures after the event.

thanks!

I'm trying NOT to be the douche bag with that camera here!

I also have a Pro flickr account featuring my previous burn fotos, mostly featuring inanimate objects and camp members and prior burn practice setups on shade structures. I've also already got business cards.

my DSLR does not shoot video, but my subcompact does, so doley noted.

thanks too Phil and JF.

i'll look for the printouts and come prepared for such documents. I've been to miscelaneous events that require similar disclosures. i understand that photography is a right, but a right that also needs to be respected as a privelege in many cases.

JF - i SOOOOOO know what your talking about by strapping it down...

ive seen photos of people who had the tag fastened to the hand grip of thier dslrs.

in '07 i caught an AWSOME action shot of a guy windsailing with my sub compact that i caugh while riding with full force on my bike. i was struggling to keep up with him...

after i caught the shot i pulled over to review.... the camera strap was in the shot....

greenthumb85 · Post by **greenthumb85** » Sun Apr 04, 2010 10:17 pm

Walking around with a camera, no one seems to mind, but don't block peoples view of the burns just so you can get a shot! Some ass hole stood up and blocked my view through almost all of the man burning last year... so I threw my beer at him and the crowd around me all cheered!

I know, I know, angry burner, and I never leave M.O.O.P. like that! But I waited all year for that, and he just had to be right in front of me! And the ass hole still didn't get out of the way!

All I'm saying is please don't block anyones view at the burns!