[NewMusic] Cosa Brava photos/ Photo etiquette

[George Cremaschi]

I wasn't there, so I don't know, but I'm sure most of us can imagine the 
situation well enough. I do know the photographer, and in his defense, 
he is very professional, very highly regarded in his native ex-Yugoslavia and 
beyond, and a really nice guy. He certainly didn't 'get in my face' when he 
took photographs of my show once, but that was just my experience. 

But the fact remains that, actually, yes, he was there to promote
Mr Frith's career. We need those photographers and writers, badly.
Maybe Fred and Zorn don't, now, but no one can deny that their careers
have been sustained by the often slavish coverage I've seen them get
over the years. Their position as near-rockstars in little countries like Slovenia
is enviable, unimaginable if you haven't witnessed it firsthand - and would not 
have happened without people like Ziga Koritnik taking pictures and getting
them printed in major newspapers.

How many discussions have happened on this list about how badly the Bay Area 
scene needs people to write about, and photograph, it? 

Anyway, the next time you're playing in Ljubljana, and Ziga Koritnik shows
up to take some photos, be grateful - that means it's a real event. 

-George





> Subject: Re: [NewMusic] Cosa Brava photos/ Photo etiquette
> 
> I read this guy's blog - what a whiner! If he was taking flash photos, 
> or getting in people's faces like annoying photographers like to do, he 
> should have backed off when told to do so. Also I couldn't help but 
> notice his sense of entitlement, acting like he was there to help 
> promote Frith's career.
> 
> As a musician and photographer I do see both sides of this argument. 
> Most often I side with the musician, and it is annoying that so many 
> people take pictures at gigs now without permission or professionalism 
> or sensitivity to the performers. Not to mention that people post 
> pictures indiscriminately. I'm in a band that is touring the country 
> now (Vermillion Lies) and there is a steady stream of under-exposed/ 
> unfocused/ unflattering/ just plain bad photos out there that do no 
> good to the subject or the photographer.
> 
> Anyway, my thoughts on photo etiquette and ways to avoid annoying 
> performers and audience members...
> 
> DON'T use flash in a concert, not ever.
> Figure out how to mute the stupid faux shutter noise on your point and 
> shoot digital.
> Don't shoot with your fancy SLR during quiet passages.
> Don't run around during a show like you're in the middle of a military 
> coup  - find a good inobtrusive vantage point that is not in front of 
> the stage and stay there for a while.
> If you don't know the performers, introduce yourself and generate a 
> little goodwill before taking photos.
> And don't post crappy-looking photos on the internet.
> 
> My 2 cents - Myles



_________________________________________________________________
Going green? See the top 12 foods to eat organic.
http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164&ocid=T003MSN51N1653A