The Pro At The Event Dilemma

[Porktitioner]

Another point to consider in this case is that if this is a copyrighted play (Mulan), then no one should be taking pictures without the written consent of the copyright holder. We had this issue come up with one of our small town local plays. Thus, there is no photography whatsoever at the plays.

Speaking of camera confusion at events, I had my iphone on my belt at the last Cirque du Soliel event. I thought the guy at the door was not going to let me in until I explained that I was a Physician and had to keep my phone with me. I promised not to take any photos and finally got in. Wow, those guys are strict!

 

[WDWFigment]

Another point to consider in this case is that if this is a copyrighted play (Mulan), then no one should be taking pictures without the written consent of the copyright holder. We had this issue come up with one of our small town local plays. Thus, there is no photography whatsoever at the plays.

Speaking of camera confusion at events, I had my iphone on my belt at the last Cirque du Soliel event. I thought the guy at the door was not going to let me in until I explained that I was a Physician and had to keep my phone with me. I promised not to take any photos and finally got in. Wow, those guys are strict!

This is not accurate, there is no such requirement. I'd hazard a guess that about 75% of photos taken in America feature something that is copyrighted or trademarked in them. Do you seek written permission from each copyright holder prior to each time you take a photo? No, and to require so would be absurd.

That said, an organization can condition attendance/entrance on adhering to certain rules and requirements. One of those rules can be no photography (or no X type of equipment) if they don't want photos of their copyrighted work taken.

 

[Porktitioner]

This is not accurate, there is no such requirement. I'd hazard a guess that about 75% of photos taken in America feature something that is copyrighted or trademarked in them. Do you seek written permission from each copyright holder prior to each time you take a photo? No, and to require so would be absurd.

That said, an organization can condition attendance/entrance on adhering to certain rules and requirements. One of those rules can be no photography (or no X type of equipment) if they don't want photos of their copyrighted work taken.

I stand corrected. In our case, when we ordered the scripts for "Hansel and Gretel," we were told by the company in no uncertain terms that everything in the play down to sets and costumes was copyrighted (even though we made them) and, therefore, no photography of any kind was allowed. As you said, that was their (the company's) rule/ condition to get the play.

Again, shows how confusing these things can get.

 

[Experiment_626]

Again, shows how confusing these things can get.

Not surprising -- the people who tell you that are often confused themselves (even if they think they're giving you accurate information), and the ones who do know better sometimes use that as an easy excuse because they know most others are fuzzy on the actual requirements.

SSB

 

[cosine4]

I stand corrected. In our case, when we ordered the scripts for "Hansel and Gretel," we were told by the company in no uncertain terms that everything in the play down to sets and costumes was copyrighted (even though we made them) and, therefore, no photography of any kind was allowed. As you said, that was their (the company's) rule/ condition to get the play.

Again, shows how confusing these things can get.

Did this include filming for actor review & improvement? When I was in HS drama club we would always film ourselves and study it in order to make improvements in our roles.

 

[Porktitioner]

Did this include filming for actor review & improvement? When I was in HS drama club we would always film ourselves and study it in order to make improvements in our roles.

The contract did not list any exceptions. I just know that we have not been allowed to take any pictures. As PP said, it would be pretty absurd to not be allowed to take pictures of anything copyrighted. I guess I could understand if one was trying to sell pix of copyrighted things. But still...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Gdad nice to see you posting.

It’s an interesting dilemma. If parent’s show up with professional photography gear and start taking pro quality pictures, the pro probably won’t make enough money to make it worth their time. The parents all know each other, so they’ll just get free pictures from the photographer parent. On the other hand, if no “photographer parent” shows up or if they are all gear and no eye, no one gets decent pictures.

I’m sure it is challenging for people running sports leagues, weddings, pageants, plays, etc. On one hand, you’d like to contract with a professional photographer and videographer so that your people have access to high quality pictures and videos. On the other hand, you don’t want to tell parents that they cannot bring their own cameras and take pictures of their own kids.

I enjoy shooting my son's baseball games and over the years have come to know the players photographically. I've literally shot hundreds of their games.

A few years ago we were at an out of state tournament where they had "professional" photographers with those $5K sports mega lenses mounted on their pro cameras. I admit I had lens envy being there (at the time) with just an entry level dSLR and slow walkaround zoom lens, but I enjoyed chatting with the photographers regardless and a good time was had by all.

Boy, was I ever surprised to see when the "professional" pictures came in they weren't really all that great. In many shots feet, hats, bats, etc, were amputated, expressions were ho hum or non-existent, angles shot were not flattering, many were blurry, etc. Many families from our team proclaimed my pictures were better.

It drove home the point that it really can be the photographer and not the equipment for me.

It wasn't so much that I was a great photographer, necessarily. But it was that I wasn't rushed (as those photographers were), there was no pressure, I was familiar with my subject matter, I had lots of practice with this particular team, and I cared about getting really good pictures. This is, IMO, what made the difference between mediocre "professional" photos and good "amateur" photos.