birdseyeview Loc: Indiana

My brother and I were at a show this weekend selling out photos. We had several in frames hanging in our display
when a well to do woman and her mother walk up to look and the woman takes out her cell phone and takes shots of three photos! When we asked her if we could help she says Oh I just like the frames I think they are lovely....
Then she walks away without the decency to even ask for out business card or our names! the shots were full pic and frame. Do any of you think this is theft or just an attempt
to steal my ideas on my frames so she can have some one else make the frames for her? Personally I did not like what she did. Am I wrong or should I have confronted her about it? Thanks for your thoughts

Cattreasure

Put up a sign saying "No Photographs"

I have been to several shows that do not allow any photography.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Rude but, it was in a public place. People are pretty much useless.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Oops!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I wouldn't think much of it. Its a cell phone for crying out loud.

cthahn

You should have a sign posted " NO PICTURE TAKING ALLOWED". Depending what kind of a camera she was using, the probably wont turn out very well. It depends on what she is going to do with the pictures, and there is not much you can do, except you have met a typical cheap person who will steal anything she can steal.

Cattreasure

The problem is she is stealing somebody else's ideas and work. She will probably go home and use the pics of the OP's work to duplicate. If she really likes his work she should have bought it from him.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I have been selling my photos at art festivals for a few years and have run into this situation a few times. I don't consider it to be a major problem, but it is an annoyance. Many fellow artists post signs in their booth indicating no photographs, often a picture of a camera with the universal "no" symbol of a red circle and slash line. Some people will still try, but the sign at least makes it easier to politely ask them not to. Some people are more mannered and will ask first. I generally allow this provided that I be included in the photo standing slightly in front of the image. The resulting image makes it difficult to "steal" the photo. In a few cases this actually resulted in a sale when the photo was shared via email with a significant other who gave a thumbs up for a purchase.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Photo Jim has the right idea.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Wonderful customer service skills, allow the customer to get what they want but on your terms and protecting your work at the same time. Added bonus, you are the nice guy which goes along way with word of mouth marketing.

MacroMan Loc: Texas

I realize your frustration but there's several things here you should know:

1) Placing a sign at your booth stating "No Photographs" is useless if there's not a restriction against ALL PERSONS to take photographs. Other words if the event organizer in charge of ALL vendors has a policy against the public (those visiting the event) taking pictures at the event. It would also have to be posted where you pay to come in for the event.

2) The reason for this is because a person can take pictures and videos of material objects in a public place where there's no reasonable expectation of privacy. In some states one must be careful when videoing children or adults in their own home or property (Texas is one such state) because depending on the circumstances you can be committing a crime.

3) In Canton Texas at the world's largest flea market a vendor had a sign posted stating no photographs of his products. A man strolled up and started taking pictures. He was confronted and an argument broke out. The vendor made the HUGE mistake of placing his hands on the passerby and this individual claimed an injury and filed assault charges on the vendor. Not only was the vendor arrested but a lawsuit was filed against the city of Canton and the individual won an out of court settlement.

The lesson to be learned here is to KNOW the rules of the event and KNOW the laws in your state pertaining to public picture taking. I realize it was a cell phone but the point is you felt robbed because it's your property and I can relate and understand that but be cautious before saying anything and NEVER lay your hands on the individual or try and take their camera/phone! HUGE mistake!

I'm not taking sides here. Just trying to share information I'm aware of hoping it helps. Take care...

pkricker Loc: Woodstock, NY, USA

Some people are just clueless. Someone once asked a craftsperson at a show we were doing if her wares were "real or do you make them yourself?". It takes all kinds (as they say).

lalezo Loc: Gainesville, FL

Cel phone cameras, this day and age, are really very sophisticated and capable of excellent images ... no excuse to use such devise to copy other's art work. My 2¢ worth.

Lloyd

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Yes, I have gone to art shows and photographed, not to steal, rather to put in my idea file.

Art and technology is built on the shoulders of previous works. In a sense, I have copied a lot of ideas from Nikonian72, not to be as good as him, rather to know what lens to use, a lot of "how to". Nikonian72 shares "how-to" with pride.

That little ol' lady in the OP story was probably going to go home sip tea with the ladies, warm up the HDTV and show the photos of photos, pots and cups, artists etc and allow the ol' ladies group to share and chat about how the flower is not like her flowers in the garden, amazed when a strange layers photo is on screen. She will then show the group the one thing she bought on her Social Security money, a Tea Cup. Later that week, she may get out her water colors after 5 years on the shelf and do better than that photo stuff.

If I think I will make money with my photography it will make me unhappy, because "Ain't Gonna Hapn".....

Hell, give her a photo and see the tears in her eyes.... It will bring joy to you and pride in your photos :thumbup:

birdseyeview Loc: Indiana

Thanks Everyone for your thoughts.
I really appreciate them.
It's always nice to get others opinion before doing something you might regret later!
No harm no foul.............