Photogrpahy At Northern Soul Events

[Guest dundeedavie]

I'd be surprised if it was a secret, the photo was maybe the proof needed? They should behave anyway

possibly yeah, i never really delved too deep into the ins and outs

[Ian Dewhirst]

then they deserve to be photographed and have it widely distributed

But surely he was doing 'hard traction' physiotherapy in a desperate bid to get his back working again........?

Ian D

[Zed1]

Just no circle skirts/vests/beer towels/baggies.

We`ve all had enough of them-haven`t we?

Clearly not looking at some of the pic's in the Gallery.....

Edited July 21, 2012 by Zed1

[Guest MBarrett]

I don't know if this is a common problem but I knew someone who was absolutely paranoid about having her photo taken.

We were at a function once and a photographer started snapping random photos and she virtually went into mental melt-down.

It was pre-digital days so the photographer couldn't even show that he had deleted the ones with her in.

Very scary scene it was!!

MB

[Guest nubes]

possibly yeah, i never really delved too deep into the ins and outs

Am sensing a lot off friction here Delxxxx

[Mal C]

Yeah, but surely that's only if they realise they've been photographed?

What are your rights if you're in a photo that gets widely distributed and you didn't even know about it? Let's say that for personal reasons or security reasons or privacy reasons you'd rather that people didn't have a record of where you've been? If an unexpected photo of you gets distributed on the internet, then isn't that an invasion of your personal privacy? I know many people disable 'tracking' apps on mobiles for similar reasons.

Or, if I came across a brilliant photo and bought it from the agency or photographer for commercial use would I still need sign-offs from the people in the picture? Which would mean tracing each and every prominent person in the photo which would be a pain in the ass.

I'm obviously playing devil's advocate here but I really don't know what the law is and most lawyers I know don't either.........

Ian D

Ian if its for editorial use, then if your in there incidentally its really at the discretion of the Photographer / Medium its appeared in, and I mentioned earlier the various factors with regard to this, if its commercial, you need model release if your seen clearly, obviously you must be fully recognizable within the frame. So in answer to your question about tracing all recognizable people for commercial use, you would have to, and if you could not find them, these days editorial clients or the press would likely do some mac work to loose the person/s, or disclaim.

I've had instances where incidental people have come forward, and we offered to pull the picture for future syndication, the image in question was at a Rave do at Shoom, and was licensed into a 3 pt series for Ch4 by Flame production called 'Pump up the Volume' all this chap eally wanted was cash and I ended up being pretty heavily threatened in the office by one guy, not nice...

A happy related story... I worked for an agency called PYMCA long time ago, and I cleared images taken at the 100 club and various other soul nighters / weekenders for commercial use within Virgin Mega stores through out London. One very recognizable image was a certain person below, I wont mention his name; anyhow I knew him and approached him to sign a release form at the 100 club one night, for which my client paid a very nice 4 figure sum, he could not believe it, that much for doing, uuurrrr nothing.. laughs... and the picture since then has been on all sorts of places, CD's god knows what else... a happy ending, and I think one of the best images I've seen taken at a soul do... this is what its all about!!!

Mal.C

Edited July 23, 2012 by Mal.C.

[Guest Soul Glo]

I don't mind having a photo, it's once they're put on facebook and you're exposed to the world looking like a sweaty moonpig.

[Anais nin Carms]

I think the best photos are the one's people don't know you are taking , to capture a natural emotion is one of the best images you can capture . Also I find if the person you are taking the picture of knows you and they trust you it helps , you can see it in the way they look at the camera . Most the pictures I take are posed for , the best ones that I have produced are the instances where they have not been aware of it , and those I can count on one hand

[Guest peter burke]

"All the fun of a night out is slowly being drained by people continually harping on that you can't do this that or other or play this that or other."

Too bloody true Chalky.

Pete

[Guest lambrettanik]

Ian if its for editorial use, then if your in there incidentally its really at the discretion of the Photographer / Medium its appeared in, and I mentioned earlier the various factors with regard to this, if its commercial, you need model release if your seen clearly, obviously you must be fully recognizable within the frame. So in answer to your question about tracing all recognizable people for commercial use, you would have to, and if you could not find them, these days editorial clients or the press would likely do some mac work to loose the person/s, or disclaim.

I've had instances where incidental people have come forward, and we offered to pull the picture for future syndication, the image in question was at a Rave do at Shoom, and was licensed into a 3 pt series for Ch4 by Flame production called 'Pump up the Volume' all this chap eally wanted was cash and I ended up being pretty heavily threatened in the office by one guy, not nice...

A happy related story... I worked for an agency called PYMCA long time ago, and I cleared images taken at the 100 club and various other soul nighters / weekenders for commercial use within Virgin Mega stores through out London. One very recognizable image was a certain person below, I wont mention his name; anyhow I knew him and approached him to sign a release form at the 100 club one night, for which my client paid a very nice 4 figure sum, he could not believe it, that much for doing, uuurrrr nothing.. laughs... and the picture since then has been on all sorts of places, CD's god knows what else... a happy ending, and I think one of the best images I've seen taken at a soul do... this is what its all about!!!

Mal.C

i was there when this iconic pic was taken,and as i recall it was taken at kings hall at stoke by a guy called jonas unger,he also took one of me and the images were used in manifesto magazine in a centre page spread Edited July 24, 2012 by lambrettanik

[Mal C]

i was there when this iconic pic was taken,and as i recall it was taken at kings hall at stoke by a guy called jonas unger,he also took one of me and the images were used in manifesto magazine in a centre page spread

that's right, I used to rep some of Jonas's material at PYMCA back in 2000/1, strange cause he always told me it was Sean at the 100 club..but hey.

Sean's face was a peach, initially he was WTF are you on about, then I mentioned how much my clients might pay... happy days..

Mal

Edited July 25, 2012 by Mal.C.

[sir cumference]

thats right, I used to rep some of Jonas's material at PYMCA back in 2000/1, strange cause he always told me it was Sean at the 100 club..but hey..

I thought it was Sean at the 100 Club also!

Don`t remember him at Stoke,ever-could be wrong.(Ain`t been to all of them)

[Guest Krissii]

What if an old wigan photo is in a book about wigan and says (i think it says) "with permission" and the photo takers name ? It has 3 people in it , one has since passed away RIP but other 2 are still on scene and so is person who took the photo (at wigan and has the original) and didnt give permission , wasnt asked . Whats that about ?

[Paddy Ferry]

Anytime that my [ mugshot ] has shown up I just don't get it, It's not me! Like my passport photo I don't look anything like it.

[Amsterdam Russ]

What if an old wigan photo is in a book about wigan and says (i think it says) "with permission" and the photo takers name ? It has 3 people in it , one has since passed away RIP but other 2 are still on scene and so is person who took the photo (at wigan and has the original) and didnt give permission , wasnt asked . Whats that about ?

Hypothetically speaking, if the owner of the photo did not give their permission for it to be reproduced in the book then they should have taken legal advice or at the very least made contact with the author and publisher to discuss the following options:

a) have the photo removed from future editions of the book, and/or

b) negotiate a fee for the prior use of it

c) negotiate a fee for future usage of the image

If the author & publisher refuse to discuss 'b' and/or 'c', refer to 'a' - and a solicitor.

However, if you're talking about a book that was printed some years ago and the copyright owner of the photo has failed to act during that period of time - and knew the image was being used - it is unlikely that any claims will be listened to.

However, if the image owner were to learn that the book might be reprinted, then they should make contact with the publisher/author and raise the three points mentioned...

[Guest Krissii]

I dont think the book has been out long . Thankyou for reply Russell , thats really helpful .

[Guest lambrettanik]

that's right, I used to rep some of Jonas's material at PYMCA back in 2000/1, strange cause he always told me it was Sean at the 100 club..but hey.

Sean's face was a peach, initially he was WTF are you on about, then I mentioned how much my clients might pay... happy days..

Mal

do you have any contact info for jonas?

[Tezza]

I am all for the odd picture at Soul Events, we all like to keep a record of great nights and friends but ....

Recently I have seen a massive surge in the amount of Cameras ( and 'professional photographers' ) appearing at Soul Events all over the place. They are becoming very intrusive and their ENORMOUS flash guns shooting off all over the Halls lighting everything up. I suffer somewhat with bright lights and strobes etc as I am photphobic so it is on a selfish note I raise this, but despite that I am seeing quite a few of my friends getting slightly perturbed by it.

We left an event early this week because of this and it is become endemic of most places.

We all know about Coops and Martyn Johnson and accept those 2 as their work is exemplary but do we really need it every minute of every night. Its bad enough that all Mobile Phones now come blessed with descent Cameras without all the budding the David Baileys. This is not pointed at the occasional photographer taking piccys of their mates by the way.

Bad eggs on my part ?? Perhaps -

Discuss !!

[Mike Lofthouse]

Discuss !!

They already have!!!

[Tezza]

They already have!!!

Sorry about that. Last night tipped me over. I will check it out and comment on it.

Thanks for the heads up

Terry

[Tezza]

I am all for the odd picture at Soul Events, we all like to keep a record of great nights and friends but ....

Recently I have seen a massive surge in the amount of Cameras ( and 'professional photographers' ) appearing at Soul Events all over the place. They are becoming very intrusive and their ENORMOUS flash guns shooting off all over the Halls lighting everything up. I suffer somewhat with bright lights and strobes etc as I am photphobic so it is on a selfish note I raise this, but despite that I am seeing quite a few of my friends getting slightly perturbed by it.

We left an event early this week because of this and it is become endemic of most places.

We all know about Coops and Martyn Johnson and accept those 2 as their work is exemplary but do we really need it every minute of every night. Its bad enough that all Mobile Phones now come blessed with descent Cameras without all the budding the David Baileys. This is not pointed at the occasional photographer taking piccys of their mates by the way.

Bad eggs on my part ?? Perhaps -

[Bazza]

Sorry about that. Last night tipped me over. I will check it out and comment on it.

Thanks for the heads up

Terry

Looks to me like its the same few snappers in Fancy dress, as you say Coops is a master photographer tho

Bazza

Edited August 11, 2012 by Bazza

[Mike]

just merged new thread in to this one

[Guest dundeedavie]

As i think someone mentioned before I can understand back in the day when it was an underground scene, something new and mysterious...... but now?

[poppy]

I am all for the odd picture at Soul Events, we all like to keep a record of great nights and friends but ....

Recently I have seen a massive surge in the amount of Cameras ( and 'professional photographers' ) appearing at Soul Events all over the place. They are becoming very intrusive and their ENORMOUS flash guns shooting off all over the Halls lighting everything up. I suffer somewhat with bright lights and strobes etc as I am photphobic so it is on a selfish note I raise this, but despite that I am seeing quite a few of my friends getting slightly perturbed by it.

We left an event early this week because of this and it is become endemic of most places.

We all know about Coops and Martyn Johnson and accept those 2 as their work is exemplary but do we really need it every minute of every night. Its bad enough that all Mobile Phones now come blessed with descent Cameras without all the budding the David Baileys. This is not pointed at the occasional photographer taking piccys of their mates by the way.

Bad eggs on my part ?? Perhaps -

Discuss !!

Well said Tezza, we have felt this way for a long while now. The other weekend at both the Friday and Saturday venues there was at least four different people going round taking photos, very often too the person taking the photos just walks round the room and then stands smack in front of you taking photos, just makes you want to shove the camera where the sun don't shine!

[Anais nin Carms]

I had the pleasure of going to a photgraphic exhibition last weekend in Lythem St Annes and it did cross my mind watching two elderly people in a room looking at pictures from their youth on a video screen , the smiles on thier faces showed much pleasure, obviously they could identify a memory with the images that had been selected for show.

How lovely it would be to one day see a Soulphoto exhibition

[alanmandy]

Well been keeping a watchful eye on this thread as i take photo's of the venues we attend.Also from the old adage "if the cap fits wear it" it seems to fit quite snug,i was at the event Tezza relates to and hope i wasn't the cause of his distress and if so i apologies.Also i always wear baggies and vests (to some fancy dress) but that is my choice of dress and that debate has been covered many times on here.In my defense i would like to say i always ask permission if i can take someones photo unless it is a floor shot where there are quite a few dancing,if someone says no i don't take it.Have given people who i have taken pics of that photo of them,asked frequently to take a pic of someone at a venue and in my profile there are many likes of photo's i have put in gallery.

Coops and Martyn Johnson take wonderful soul pics and i always look and enjoy them,but they had to start somewhere and i hope that i have cleared my name of one of those irritant photographers but to someone who wants everyone to enjoy themselves and capture that in a photo.

Alan.

[Tezza]

Well been keeping a watchful eye on this thread as i take photo's of the venues we attend.Also from the old adage "if the cap fits wear it" it seems to fit quite snug,i was at the event Tezza relates to and hope i wasn't the cause of his distress and if so i apologies.Also i always wear baggies and vests (to some fancy dress) but that is my choice of dress and that debate has been covered many times on here.In my defense i would like to say i always ask permission if i can take someones photo unless it is a floor shot where there are quite a few dancing,if someone says no i don't take it.Have given people who i have taken pics of that photo of them,asked frequently to take a pic of someone at a venue and in my profile there are many likes of photo's i have put in gallery.

Coops and Martyn Johnson take wonderful soul pics and i always look and enjoy them,but they had to start somewhere and i hope that i have cleared my name of one of those irritant photographers but to someone who wants everyone to enjoy themselves and capture that in a photo.

Alan.

Hi Alan,

Quite the contrary. You have the good manners to request a picture and they are of the highest standard. You also have the descency to offer copies to the Subjects at the following event FOC. One particular photographer apparently charges for any copies you may request. I suppose it costs to produce them but ...

Don't mind the odd one or two but all night long.

As I said, it was on a selfish note I brought it up because of my 'condition' ( bad enough I'm a Ginna without this as well !! ). The one this weekend had a repeat Flash that strobed for 10 - 15 secs taking numerous pictures to capture that perfect moment but it was like being at a Firework display !! Bit of overkill me thinks but thats my personal opinion. I have no problem with the people taking the pictures, a nicer set of people you couldn't wish to meet and I suppose they take great pride in their work. I like the rooms to be dark, not bothered about watching the 'good dancers', its all about me, I want to loose myself in the Music and the moment.

As I said, bad eggs on my part as it is painful for me personally. Sorry, no intention to offend.

Keep up the good work Alan

Tezza XXX

[Liljimmycrank]

I've invited a good friend of mine down to our event a few times to take some snaps, and yes they do end up on the web (not on a designated website, just social network stuff).

She's always very courteous when taking the pictures and tries to remain stealth. She once did make the mistake of bringing the wrong flash, which was a bit bright to say the least, so we kept the shots to the lighter areas of the venue and eventually abandoned things on that night.

Thing is, if done properly (which the original poster seems to do) then the photo's can be a very powerful thing.

The photographer i use is into soul music; not massively, but likes it, mainly due to her liking for the scooter scene. She's got a great nack of taking fantastic natuaral shots whether that be dancers, people talking, natural observers, or just a cheeky laugh at a joke. Often the photos feature people well dressed but to be honest, i just trust her to come up with great shots of all people in the room that 'fit'..................and when i say that, i mean fit with the ethos of the event. Having a good time, capturing the atmosphere etc. It aint a fashion parade, and it aint just about snapping the young, or good looking. I give her a brief, she follows it applying her own etiquette.

She also does it in fits and starts, as she likes to enjoy the night and music too!!

The law itself has been explained on here by some experts (thankfully i've got Mr Buckley on my side for that!!) but i think a general common courtesy approach and trying not to intrude is the way forward, and will actually lead to better shots in the process.

Edited August 14, 2012 by LilJimmyCrank

[MartynJJ]

Well I stumbled across this thread purely by chance and guess I should respond as I'm one of the camera culprits doing the rounds at the moment

Firstly I must thank everyone who has tolerated me, put up with me, allowed me and welcomed me to take images over the years. I am always concious that having a camera pointed in your direction can amount to a significant invasion of privacy, even in the most public of places and even more so if it's a big in your face piece of kit. My ethos is always to respect the individual throughout the entire process. Thats from pointing the camera and firing the shot to the post processing and final publishing. It is not in my interests to alienate or offend the people I snap and I never publish what I believe to be unflattering or distasteful images, not least because my own integrity and reputation is on the line and I do want to be welcomed back warmly.

I first picked up a camera and started taking images about 3 years ago. I was using a fairly basic camera at the time, and put some images up here. I got some really motivational feedback from Coops and my partner suggested that the current scene needs documenting in some way shape or form and so began my Northern Soul obsession. Many of you dance, many collect rare and wonderful vinyl, a few DJ and entertain, many more trade and sell merchandise, I take photographs.

Whenever I go to an event I always get permission from the organiser to take photo's, whether it's a local club night or a big weekender. If it's an event that I go to regularly and I know the crowd then not a problem by and large. An event that I'm not familiar with I will usually take stock for an hour and try and figure how the crowd is and get a feel for the general vibe of the place. I'll then go and do a few test shots and again just check the reaction. If I feel I'm in a good place then off we go.

If I'm not in a good place then the camera will go away and thats it. I recently left a big all nighter early doors after forking out £30 to get in because nothing was happening for me with no images.

I always try and shoot from the sidelines. The dancefloor is for dancing on so why would you tolerate a bloke with a camera running loose around the place. In my early days I did move around the floor a couple of times but a few choice swear words soon made me realise the boundaries and ground rules

I have been asked from time to time not to take a persons shot and that is always respected. And I will always run through my images with them so they can be sure that any shots I may have taken can be deleted there and then. However if that person is in a place they should not be for whatever reason then they should think about their behaviour given the number of mobile phones, compact camera's etc around and about. And being in a public place, or a place frequented by large amounts of the public really does preclude a right to assumed privacy. Sympathy and empathy only extends so far.

My images get posted up in 3 places, Facebook, Flickr and on the appropriate events listing on Soul Source. I will not tolerate any comments on any of my images if they are percieved to be derogatory, harrasing or bullying in anyway. I do wish Facebook would do more with their privacy controls but thankfully there is a 3rd party plug in coming soon which may help.

I am not a commercial or professional photographer so do not do this to make any money. I have a perfectly good and well paid job. I do stick a logo on my work to differentiate it and confirm it's copyright. I also make my work available to the event organisers if it helps to publicise their events and I do also offer work for sale, mainly to those individuals who want to have an image of themselves in print. My reason again is to provide them with a really first class high quality print without a huge logo splattered all over it

But coming back to the reason why do I do it. It's far more than just taking a few shots at dayers and nighters. It's about capturing the emotion and energy thats generated at each and every event by each individual going there. It's about grabbing that candid emmotion, stealing the piece of soul and capturing it for an eternity. It's about knowing the music in your own head, dancing with the camera and anticipating the moment there will be a twist, a drop, a spin or a facial expression so wonderful and lost in the moment. And getting the shot off once. You may think you are old, fat and sweaty at 6am in the morning but there is something both real and beautiful. Us 40 and 50 plus's are meant to be tucked up in bed at 6 am, not staying up dancing and singing until the Sun rises. If that's not worth capturing, if that essence of spirit that is so fundamental to us all in our world of Northern Soul is not worth celebration then what exactly are we doing.

Always with respect, humilty and your goodwill

Martyn x

[Dekka]

Well been keeping a watchful eye on this thread as i take photo's of the venues we attend.Also from the old adage "if the cap fits wear it" it seems to fit quite snug,i was at the event Tezza relates to and hope i wasn't the cause of his distress and if so i apologies.Also i always wear baggies and vests (to some fancy dress) but that is my choice of dress and that debate has been covered many times on here.In my defense i would like to say i always ask permission if i can take someones photo unless it is a floor shot where there are quite a few dancing,if someone says no i don't take it.Have given people who i have taken pics of that photo of them,asked frequently to take a pic of someone at a venue and in my profile there are many likes of photo's i have put in gallery.

Coops and Martyn Johnson take wonderful soul pics and i always look and enjoy them,but they had to start somewhere and i hope that i have cleared my name of one of those irritant photographers but to someone who wants everyone to enjoy themselves and capture that in a photo.

Alan.

Really respect your honesty, humility to Terry and balls to put up that post, i'm sure you no you get a bit of stick on here about your photo's and dress sense,

however, you come across as a really nice guy and i'm sure it's just water off a ducks back.

After all, It's just banter and alot of people on here take it far too serious.

I may not agree with your take on Soul but keep on keeping on, as I admire your honesty and you staying true to yourself in your beliefs.

atb

dekka

Edited August 23, 2012 by dekka

[Coops]

there are three people on this wonderful scene of ours who have asked me not to photograph them, when ever i see them i let them know i'm there and assure them i won't photograph them, this i hope helps them not to worry and enjoy the event. if their image accidently gets in the background of a shot i will burn it out.

i was asked to take some photos at an east midlands event when a lady came up to me and told me her husband had epilepsy and could i not take photos. i said to her that at three stages in the evening i will be taking photos for about two records each stage but i would warn her first so her husband could leave the area.... sorted, although the next time when i saw them at a venue and asked for the same arrangements she said, no worries, he's cured??????

at the stafford celebratory 'nighter a couple of years ago a woman came up to me and insisted she looked through the images on my camera and deleting any with her on.

i politely told her that i would ensure no image of her would be published anywhere. she still thought she had a right to look through my images on my camera until i politely told her she had not got the right and if she tried to take my camera from me that would be assault also that i had the permission of the promoters. the upshot is.... her images didn't get published because i respect ALL individuals' rights to ASK for them not to be published whether they are rude pissed arrogant women at a stafford re-union or any mild mannered polite person at a.n.other event.

all a person has to do is ask and i will make sure they are NOT photographed or, if in the background NOT published.

[TOAD]

see my earlier post ! Why should we have to ask ? I will make a sign lol lol.

[MartynJJ]

becasue we can't read minds

see my earlier post ! Why should we have to ask ? I will make a sign lol lol.

because we can't read minds and we do actually quite like chatting with you

Edited August 23, 2012 by MartynJJ

[Tezza]

there are three people on this wonderful scene of ours who have asked me not to photograph them, when ever i see them i let them know i'm there and assure them i won't photograph them, this i hope helps them not to worry and enjoy the event. if their image accidently gets in the background of a shot i will burn it out.

i was asked to take some photos at an east midlands event when a lady came up to me and told me her husband had epilepsy and could i not take photos. i said to her that at three stages in the evening i will be taking photos for about two records each stage but i would warn her first so her husband could leave the area.... sorted, although the next time when i saw them at a venue and asked for the same arrangements she said, no worries, he's cured??????

at the stafford celebratory 'nighter a couple of years ago a woman came up to me and insisted she looked through the images on my camera and deleting any with her on.

i politely told her that i would ensure no image of her would be published anywhere. she still thought she had a right to look through my images on my camera until i politely told her she had not got the right and if she tried to take my camera from me that would be assault also that i had the permission of the promoters. the upshot is.... her images didn't get published because i respect ALL individuals' rights to ASK for them not to be published whether they are rude pissed arrogant women at a stafford re-union or any mild mannered polite person at a.n.other event.

all a person has to do is ask and i will make sure they are NOT photographed or, if in the background NOT published.

Cured !! Have you got thier address ??

As always Coops, you are a gent. I recall asking you once not to take too many in my vicinity to which you duley obligued.

Its the irreverent Clickers and Flashers that have popped up. New technology makes it a little easier to take good quality/resolution pictures, its the framing etc that needs extra work but until then they take a hundred pictures hopng that one will be THE Picture.

As I said, I like the resulting pictures but as I suffer its sometimes not worth it for me - Selfish but honest.

Love your work my friend XXX

[Coops]

see my earlier post ! Why should we have to ask ? I will make a sign lol lol.

because we ALL have the right to take photographs in public areas and if i didn't want mine taken i'd ask the photographer, i wouldn't think the world was orbiting around my ego and expect every fooker with a camera to know what i wanted or didn't want! just saying

[TOAD]

your ego is obviously takeing photos !

[Simsy]

A couple of people complained as I was taking photographs, one gentleman asked me to wipe his photograph which I did no problem I always respect the wishes of individuals. Another lady asked me to remove her photograph and any shots of the dance floor in which she may have appeared, also she stated to me that I was breaking the law by taking photographs of people.

Unbelievable! I think these folk are in danger of disappearing up their own backsides with delusions of their own self importance!

You're not Pete Doherty or Naomi Campbell, get a grip ffs!

[Roger Williams]

I remember taking a picture at prestwich and that picture directly resulted in the break up of a marriage, maybe that's why they don't want there photos taken

But that was because you took a photo of him getting across another woman behind the bins outside.

[Roger Williams]

Unbelievable! I think these folk are in danger of disappearing up their own backsides with delusions of their own self importance!

You're not Pete Doherty or Naomi Campbell, get a grip ffs!

I don't think it's self-importance because let's face it, a large proportion of the scene haven't exactly aged well have they, so they're not going to want their road-map grids splashed all over the internet, especially when the photos are good quality, so really it's not surprising people ask for their photos not to be put up is it?

[Coops]

your ego is obviously takeing photos !

nope, my art is taking photos......obviously,

an 'ego' is an abstract state of mind and cannot actually take a photograph.... next?

[Simsy]

I don't think it's self-importance because let's face it, a large proportion of the scene haven't exactly aged well have they, so they're not going to want their road-map grids splashed all over the internet, especially when the photos are good quality, so really it's not surprising people ask for their photos not to be put up is it?

It's not the end of the world, but to my mind it's the music that draws me there. it's the music that makes me dance. I care not a fig if photos are taken and I'm in them or not.

Only people who would be bothered to look at these kind of pics on the internet are our people. So a heavy-set follically challenged geezer is viewing pics of a heavy-set follically challenged geezer dancing - so what?!

Much ado about nothing in my very honest..

[Amsterdam Russ]

because we ALL have the right to take photographs in public areas and if i didn't want mine taken i'd ask the photographer, i wouldn't think the world was orbiting around my ego and expect every fooker with a camera to know what i wanted or didn't want! just saying

But the point is that inside a club is not a public area. Clubs are private facilities owned by individuals or organisations. As I stated earlier, at the very least, photographers need the permission of venue management before snapping away. Alternatively, management should advise patrons that a photographer is in the house.

People are entitled to their privacy. What we have here is a situation where people should be able to opt-in to having their photos taken, not opt-out. The photographer should get permission from people first - people should not be put into a situation where they have to ask to not be photographed.

There is a big distinction between people taking snapshots to show friends and a photographer who is taking a professional approach to their work and displaying images of people in a professional context.

Edited August 23, 2012 by Russell Gilbert

[Simsy]

But the point is that inside a club is not a public area. Clubs are private facilities owned by individuals or organisations. As I stated earlier, at the very least, photographers need the permission of venue management before snapping away. Alternatively, management should advise patrons that a photographer is in the house.

People are entitled to their privacy. What we have here is a situation where people should be able to opt-in to having their photos taken, not opt-out. The photographer should get permission from people first - people should not be put into a situation where they have to ask to not be photographed.

There is a big distinction between people taking snapshots to show friends and a photographer who is taking a professional approach to their work and displaying images of people in a professional context.

With respect, what utter twaddle!

In 30 years I've never known a promoter to ask attendees to refrain from taking pictures as some of the punters are precious!

They should stay home and hide under the duvet if they are that nervous, give me strength!

[Amsterdam Russ]

It just goes to show how little you and promoters know about the law as it applies to photography. And as any lawyer will tell you, ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the law. This is not my 'twaddle' but the law's 'twaddle'.

The point here is that ultimately, people 'could' complain about having their photo taken at a venue by a photographer. Obviously, it's rare that anyone does.

Courtesy is the watchword here - people have a right to be advised if a photographer (as opposed to someone taking snapshots) is in the house. Simple.

Don't like it? Don't take it out on me. Write to your MP and seek the appropriate changes in the law.

Edited August 23, 2012 by Russell Gilbert

[MartynJJ]

But the point is that inside a club is not a public area. Clubs are private facilities owned by individuals or organisations. As I stated earlier, at the very least, photographers need the permission of venue management before snapping away. Alternatively, management should advise patrons that a photographer is in the house.

People are entitled to their privacy. What we have here is a situation where people should be able to opt-in to having their photos taken, not opt-out. The photographer should get permission from people first - people should not be put into a situation where they have to ask to not be photographed.

There is a big distinction between people taking snapshots to show friends and a photographer who is taking a professional approach to their work and displaying images of people in a professional context.

As mentioned I always ask permission of the event organiser before taking images and at the end of the day, you and I are there as their paying guests. Any subsequent issues should then be taken directly with them.

Generally if a venue is open to members of the public and is deemed to be a public event then it's reasonable to assume we are in a public place. There are instances where venues will explicitly state no photography on their premises and in those instances it's always wise to double check.

That doesn't mean to say we should be rude, arrogant or disrespectful when shooting and like I say I am happy to discuss and avoid people who don't want their images taken for whatever reason.

Please can you clarify the context of proffesional photographer?

[dean jj]

Just a thought...Isn't it a bit strange taking a camra to a night club. Years ago it would have been taken from you by unsavourey fellows. I hate flash photography in a nice dark dancehall, and hate being photographed, but as it usually happens when I'm DJing, thus in the public eye, and unable to hide, I can't really complain. As I say it seems a strange way of spending your time at a club but each to their own.

dean

[Stevie T]

by all means keep taking them , i love looking through the gallary , but not of me , for some reason i always look very old with massive eyes , you will recognize me , i am very old with massive eyes

yes keep taking them

[MartynJJ]

Just a thought...Isn't it a bit strange taking a camra to a night club. Years ago it would have been taken from you by unsavourey fellows. I hate flash photography in a nice dark dancehall, and hate being photographed, but as it usually happens when I'm DJing, thus in the public eye, and unable to hide, I can't really complain. As I say it seems a strange way of spending your time at a club but each to their own.

dean

Unsavoury fellows at Soul events? I thought we were all paragons of honesty, trust and virtue

the vast majority of event goers really enjoy seing themselves and the scene painted in a very positive light and why not thats what I try to portray in each image and it's my way of hopefully giving something back to the scene.

Mind you I do tend to find there are different attitudes at venues, different attitudes in regions and different attitudes across the scene in general. In northern soul circles you really have to be a lot more sensetive to each person because the whole attitude to the music and dance is often taken very seriously. But you shoot a Jazz Funk gig and you get mobbed with event goers literally throwing themselves at the lens to be snapped

[Simsy]

I'd be interested to hear from Mark Sargeant, or Mick Cooper on this subject.

I could understand to some degree a journo from a local wrag taking snaps, but soulies?