Over at the last post on photographers - following the Pet Conspiracy gig at Mao - we had a great mini debate on the matter in the comments.
There were comments from both sides of the debate including some of the snappers in question.
Finally, Lisa Movius, official English language PR person for the venue, has finished the debate by announcing some trial guidelines that reflect both sides.
Here is what she has posted:
For Mao we've drafted a basic photo guilelines list - for the audience. It's a double standard, but we have to give professional photographers shooting for press, for the venue and for the bands greater leeway - but we'll keep their ranks limited. So here's what we're trying out, and we welcome further input:
"Audience photography rules
1. No flash photography
2. Please only take photographs during the first three songs of each set
3. No tripods in the front section
4. Be respectful of your fellow audience members
Professional media photographers and videographers please register with the front desk to obtain a press pass. Be advised we have a limited number of free press tickets available each show for journalists and photographers who reserve them in advance - please inquire at the desk for details."
What about videotaping for private use?
You mean (in most other countries) bootlegging? ;)
You'll have to check with Lisa now. The point is that a lot of us are sick of going to see bands at smaller venues and having a row of people up front with cameras there.
Even if it's a case of a few aggressive guys spoiling it for the likes of you - you are always unassuming - the bottom line is that we pay to see bands and enjoy the show, not dodge photographers.
So bootlegging is the term...:)
I understand the idea and absolutely agree with it. Next time I'll do my best to find a place somewhere by the wall or far behind everybody else, so nobody will have to dodge me.
YLK
There is of course a world of difference between, say, you - just videoing some songs on a small camera from one position to the side - and the people we talked about - who come in with large DSLRs or cams and walk around shooting the audience and blocking the view.
Good move Lisa- The system works!
I must stress that these rules remain a work in progress, and we do have limited enforcement capacity.
Last weekend I was at the Enoise concert, and the original debate resonated: half the audience was woodenly filming the show the entire time, despite the performers' best efforts to get people dancing and engaged.
YLK, we haven't yet discussed video - and I guess that is subject to the same rules as photography, except the flash issue doesn't apply. Just be polite, and keep it to the first three songs. Until Shanghai has its own Phish (Dingma, perhaps?), people shouldn't be videoing entire sets - unless with band permission, in which case we'll give you a camera pass and total access.