Real Quick =)

<p>SO tonight I'm got wind of a couple bands playing at a local place called Kuppajoe and my friend is actually in one of these bands, but I see this as a business opportunity, so I am planning on going and taking photos of the bands and handing out business cards as a way to get more exposure. Problem is that no one asked me to come a take pictures so do i need to speak to the bands first? I was planning on speaking to the manager of the place and making sure it was ok that I take photos there, is that all i need to do? Anything i am missing? </p>

<p>Make sure if you plan on taking pictures of the patrons, you get their permission IN WRITING before you take any of their pictures.</p>

<p>And....since it is in a private venue you really must get the managers or, preferably the owners permission too...</p>

<p>I shoot bands a couple times a week and shoot patrons all the time. Nobody cares. There's no reason to get permission in advance. </p>

<p><center><img src="http://www.spirer.com/fabaug2009/slides/357P5097.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="333" /><br>

<em>Elbo Room Crowd, Copyright 2009 Jeff Spirer</em></center></p>

<p>In terms of asking, I usually tell the bands I'm shooting. I ask if they care about flash, which none ever do. I only talk to the manager if I want to use areas that are considered "off limits."</p>

<p>You can see my article on photo.net about this <a href="../learn/club-photography/photographing-bands-musicians/">here</a>. </p>

<p>I'm not sure what you're expecting from exposure, bands typically have negative cash flow until they get big.</p>

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<p>since it is in a private venue you really must get the managers or, preferably the owners permission too...</p>

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<p><br />Why? Never asked, never questioned. Do it <em>every</em> week.</p>

<p>If you take my picture and use it in a photograph you sell, and I am clearly identifiable, I will sue your butt. Many of you have no idea of personal privacy and/or copyright law. Have your checkbook ready when you meet me. I'll have my lawyer...</p>

<p>Only if I sell it for commercial purposes. Sorry, but that's the way it works.<br>

<br />And I seriously doubt any lawyer would take it on unless it's a significant commercial usage.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>If it is in a public park, beach, or if there is a band playing in a public area, then you do not need permission in general. BUT if it is in a bar or local coffee house, and someone is there that is not their wife or husband, and you take their picture WITHOUT permission, then you could be in a world of hurt.It is always best to ask management for permission to take pictures. If it just the band, no problem.<br>

And no , I am not a lawyer, but have talked to many photographers and lawyers on this subject, and they all agree that to ask permission, is the best policy.<br>

I am sure that different States have different laws.</p>

<p>Why don't you cite some law on this?</p>

<p>After you're done looking, try this: http://www.photoattorney.com/?p=364</p>

<p>You can read the Restatement of Torts 2d, Section 652B that she refers to here: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/privacy/Privacy_R2d_Torts_Sections.htm</p>

<p>Then come back and explain to me what you are going sue me for.</p>

 

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<p>the best policy</p>

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<p>What does "the best policy" have to do with what is legal? People know I'm there with the camera, "the best policy" for me has always been to be there taking photos.</p>

 

<p>While I'm shooting on the other side of the planet (in Korea), my experience mirrors Jeff's. I shoot in bars and clubs regularly. Every once in a while, someone will ask me not to take photos of them because they're camera shy (I honor their requests). Far more often, people come over and ask me to take their photos. It's also common for people to ask about how they can get copies to post on Facebook or where I'll be posting them so they can see them. I regularly get invited to events by promoters and organizers who want me to take photos.</p>

<p>As far as exposure, don't expect to bring in much in the way of high-paying work. I can't get paid for my shooting here because it would violate my work visa, but because of the friends I've made and goodwill generated through shooting shows and events, I rarely have to pay for a drink when I'm out on the weekends.</p>

<p>Shooting in clubs is a great way to have fun and meet people (it's a much more congenial atmosphere than some on photo.net would have you believe), but I wouldn't recommend it as a profitable business venture.</p>

<p>Here's link to coverage of a recent event: http://mikedixonphotography.net/worldfamous/</>

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<p>Here's link to coverage of a recent event: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://mikedixonphotography.net/worldfamous/" target="_blank">http://mikedixonphotography.net/worldfamous/</a></p>

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<p>Dude with hat = Terrific.</p>