raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Flash & the clicking of a camera shutter not only interferes with the performers but is a distraction to the audience. That said, it will all be forgotten in the long run, & I’m glad you captured the memory.

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

Did you think that maybe they were announcing the restrictions so everyone could enjoy the play as it happens?
Nothing like teaching your extended family members your version of ethics as you proudly display your photo.
The word bubble above the girls head could read, " your grandpa is doing what? " and your DNA connection could reply " he's old and very set in his ways, we have tried to get him to understand but to no avail."

Dannj

It’s not just the noise. A cell phone can be distracting to people sitting near “Grampa”not just the people on stage. Even without a flash, the screen is distracting. The faculty and kids involved in these shows work very hard and they deserve to be left alone to perform and the audience should be allowed to enjoy the show free from distractions.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Which may break their concentration on the play and detract from their viewing experience.

Dannj

👍

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great capture, Ioannis.

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

There’s nothing wrong with being angry. I am picking this battle to defend the right of other artists to practice their art as they deserve to and with the respect they have earned.

I find it ironic and sad that, on UHH, we discuss photography as art and art as photography and some of us don’t seem to respect the performing arts in this instance. All of this excuse-making for deliberately violating a request to enjoy the art of others bothers me because it implies other inappropriate behaviors reeking of privilege. For example, would those of you supporting this intrusion feel the same way if you asked people to not jump in front of your camera while making a photograph and they did so anyway? What defense would you mount for them?

I would think that the “rights” we’ve earned as grandparents and older people are equally responsibilities — obligations to set good examples for those for whom we model.

I repeat: This performance couldn’t have been a surprise and there were ways, with a little forethought, to capture this memory without intruding on the performers and the audience.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Ever notice that actions, no matter what they are, can always be justified by the actor?

EJMcD

When I attend my Granddaughter's Dance Recitals, I sit in the last row with a 200-500 Zoom and no flash. "If" I feel the need to stand up the only thing sitting behind me is a blank wall. The music volume is such that you could not hear a siren let alone a shutter click. I will continue to do so and doubt that I'll be arrested nor interfere with anyone else's enjoyment of the program. I will however have my own photos to print and enjoy rather than the overpriced videos the dance studio would be happy to sell you. Maybe that's the underlying reason they don't want you taking your own photographs. Happy shooting everyone!

EJMcD

[quote=Longshadow]

And then there are people who cannot simply converse without getting distressed or upset.[/quot

I wholeheartedly agree.

Dannj

Wow! Nobody’s gonna put one over on you, are they? Got it all figured out how to get what YOU want!!

EJMcD

Correct...and it shouldn't offend anyone but you.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

But it probably does...
Why shouldn't it?

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

I haven't read through all of the comments, but I am of the mind that the time and place for images such as yours is during a dress rehearsal. Consider what the effect would have been if every proud dad or granddad in the audience would have proceeded as you did.

EJMcD

We could probably go back and forth for 15 more pages. You do you and I'll do me. Enjoy what you shoot and how you shoot. Everyone will be OK. Over and out.