A couple of incidents recently have brought this topic to
the forefront of my mind. We are very
lucky in the ACT we have a significant number of really excellent burlesque
event photographers. They do amazing work are incredibly supportive and very
understanding of the etiquette around shooting shows were people expose
themselves.
However, occasionally we are unlucky enough to have
significant misunderstandings with photographers we don’t know so well. I’ve done some thinking about this and here
are my top tips for avoiding misunderstandings and keeping stress to a minimum
on both sides.
For Producers:When engaging a photographer:
1/. Be CLEAR about what you want and what you can
spend. This might seem obvious but
sometimes producers are so used to dealing with photographers that already know
they forget to fill in the blanks when engaging a different photographer. What do you expect? How much can you pay?
When can they post the images? These are
all things that will need to be addressed.
2/. Explain the rules.
A new photographer may not know the burlesque etiquette we take for
granted. You know the ones; no pastie
shots on the internet (without the performers express permission), which
performers don’t like to photographed, only use stage names etc.
3/. Know the law. In
Australia copyright belongs TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER. We have some limited control because events
are usually private (ticketed and secure) but that control is limited. Maintaining a good relationship with the
photographer is the best way to ensure that photos don’t end up in places you
don’t want them.
When a photographer
approaches you at an event:
1/. Did they approach you?
You do not have to let them take photographs. It is (likely) a private ticketed event and
you have every right to request that they not take photographs. If you let them shoot the event make sure you
(or another organiser) have time on the night to explain burlesque photography etiquette
to them.
2/. Tell them up front if they can expect payment for this
or not. You have no contract in place,
you are not obliged to provide financial consideration and conversely, they are
not required to provide you with images (see on copyright above). If they want payment and you can’t afford it,
politely decline to have them shoot the event.
I my experience my photographers who show up to a ticketed event (with a
ticket) are pretty understanding, if they aren’t you probably don’t want them
there anyway.
3/. CHECK WITH THE PERFORMERS! This might seem obvious but if there is no
agreement in place to photograph the show some of the performers may prefer not
to be photographed. Before you let
anyone shoot a performance be sure that the performers are okay with it. If they aren’t be VERY clear about who can
and cannot be photographed.
For Photographers:
0/. (Yes, I made a zero because I think this one should go without saying.) Want to shoot at an event? Ask. Be prepared for the producer to say no, if they say no, don't argue. If you shoot an event without express permission expect people to get upset with you. Performers and producers go to great lengths to protect their brand/image and you're infringing on that.
1/. Same as for producers; be CLEAR about what you expect. As I already mentioned producers are so used
to dealing with photographers that already know they sometimes forget to fill
in the blanks when engaging a different photographer. What do you expect? What can they expect at
the end? How much do you need to make the gig a reasonable one? When can you
post the images? These are all things
that will need to be addressed.
2/. Be considerate.
This is slightly different than a regular gig, not only is this the
performers brand, it’s their body. It is
fraught with all kinds of considerations.
3/. If you are approached by someone outside the event
organisers (press, interested parties etc) for an image please check with the
performer (preferred) or the producers before supplying that image. This can cause huge amounts of anxiety that
are not necessary. You generally wouldn’t
publish a photo of anyone else without permission the performers are no different.
4/. Please do not publish pastie shots. This is the final
reveal, the punchline so to speak. Some
performers don’t mind but unless you have express permission to post these
shots please don’t.
5/. Do not go backstage without EXPRESS PERMISSION. It might
seem that this goes without saying but sometimes people get carried away
wanting to capture the entire event. If
you don’t have permission to be backstage ask, some performers are very careful
of how they allow themselves to be captured.
6/. Ugly faces. If
the body looks amazing but the face doesn’t, please don’t post it. Burlesque performers’ faces sometimes do some
funny things that don’t translate well to still images. Crossed eyes, tongues out etc… This is our brand, we rely on looking amazing
EVERYWHERE.
In the end burlesque photography etiquette is easy, as long
as everyone is on the same page.
