dirty dave

Thought I might get some ideals here on a party that I am the photographer for each year. Last year was a incident in which a photo got out to the public of a person with someone they shoud not have been with. And another with a politician in a drunken state. This year a security company has been hired to oversee the party and I have been asked for my input on how this type of photo won't be an issue this year. ( these pictures were taken by someone else with a camera phone) The only way I know so far is not to allow any type of camera or phones into the party and keep the lights dim so photos would be hard to take without a flash. I will be meeting with them on Tuesday and don't want to go into the meeting looking like an idiot so any suggestions will be helpful. ( there are national celibs and politians at this thing in which some of them will have there own secruity but they are counting on me to to have some ideals)

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

In other words, they want pictures, but only under their set rules and circumstances? That's going to be really hard to do. You're the paid photog? I'd say to them, "well, you can't very well confiscate everybody's damn cell phone at the door, so I suggest you stay sober and keep your hands off the other guy's wife." But somehow that doesn't sound like it would be too well received. You'll never keep all the possible cameras out. So what, hire some bent-noses to mash anybody they see snap a shot of Senator Blowhard feeling up his 17 year old intern?...

They put you in a tough spot.

jerm

TTIWWOP. :lol:

It's pretty difficult to tell people that they are not allowed to use their camera phones without pissing someone off.

dirty dave

didn't think about it but yep I guess I am in a tuff spot and I can't make any money off of the pictures I have to give them to the person having the party I just get a fixed pay even tho it is a lot of money I sign a contract giving up all rights to the pictures they belong to them I can't even use any to promote my on bussness it kinda stinks after you think about it.

jerm

How is regulating everyone else part of the event photographer's job?

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

+1

:thumbup:

jerm

BTW: In case you didn't know, TTIWWOP = "this thread is worthless without photos" ;)

saside Loc: live in pueblo co

I think not. It's all about ideas not photos. I'd suggest talking to a lawyer ( even though i loathe them). You are between a rock and a hard spot there. Good luck.

jerm

You missed the point... I wanna see the pics of the sauced politician. :wink:

saside Loc: live in pueblo co

Aren't they a dime a dozen? I bet Will Rogers never met one! Theres no reality in Hollywood and no logic in Washington. (insert any capital)

mommy115 Loc: California

I think that first of all, if you are taking photos of famous people, only do them when the topic of the photo won't be embarrassing to the subject. Secondly you gave up all rights and are being paid which means you cannot release any copies to the public in any media or form.

frank bruce Loc: Albuquerque,N.M

dave , let 'em know that u r the photographer not a cop or a bouncer. why isit ur job to police things?

JHodge Loc: Missouri

I agree with Frank here. Since you don't own the photos at the end of the day, why not just tell them "I'll do the shoot and hand the results over to you. Then you choose which pictures to use."

Them being whoever is placing the restrictions on the photos to be taken.

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

I'd guess that would be a problem left to the security company. Your specialty is photography not security issues.
You have enough to worry about without playing Dick Tracy.

KeithF199 Loc: Frisco, Texas

I tend to sit back and learn from all of you that have far greater photography skills than yours truly.
However I do have some experience in this arena. In this discussion you appear to be involved in a contractual relationship with the event organizers and as such I offer this advice.
As I understand the parameters of this event, I count three major requirements for your participation/involvement or lack thereof.
You are to be a party to an agreement for “Authorized” photographs, control of unauthorized photographs and an overall method of security.
Since the event appears to occur on an annual basis and is a private affair, suggest you notify the organizer to issue a FORMAL party invitation with a requirement of “No unauthorized photographs or other forms of recording be allowed and any offender(s) will be subject to legal action or a good old fashion Mississippi backwater butt whipping (kidding).
Because the event is a private affair there is an implied level of privacy, with the invitation it is also an expressed condition of attendance.
Lastly, expect someone(s) to sneak in and take photos so unless you are a security expert avoid this area of involvement.
Lastly, suggest the invitation also include a notice of the inevitable loss of privacy at the worse possible moment then smile and go take photographs at an unchecked velocity and get your money immediately.
My best to all this special day.