Cold ,wet and dark Whitby!

And I thought I was going to see some photographs!

Seriously, as a part time resident of Whitby I normally end up being at WGW and would make these observations:

The event seems to have been hijacked by two groups:

1 - wannabe models who use WGW as an opportunity to get their images out into the public domain and network
2 - photographers who use WGW as an opportunity to get their images out into the public domain and network

The majority of attendees I am sure just want to enjoy a weekend with people who share a lifestyle choice.

The problem is that a lot of the photographers think everyone should expect to have their picture taken as they are dressed differently, and there are so many photographers it is a bit like a press pack outside a court case which I know people find a bit intrusive.

I have never taken a photograph there because I just think it is intrusive, I would not want anyone taking my picture when I attend Warwick Folk Festival without my permission.

The issue of using gravestones in the churchyard as backdrops I have always thought to be offensive, a lot of the people buried there still have relatives who live in the town.

What to be done? No one has seemed to offer a solution only argue a point so.......

How about the people at WGW who WANT to have their pictures taken wear something to signal that - a white rose? - so that the photographers know who they can photograph and then the other festival goers can go and enjoy their weekend photo free - just a thought.

Or WGW sets up photo shoots at different locations throughout the weekend so that the goth models and photographers can indulge their passion together.

Oh, and I have to say that just becasue someone dresses a certain does not give other people a right to know what they want.

I know it has been discussed moving the event to Scarborough, but this would just make any problems worse as it is a lot more acessible and would atttract even more people.

So Goths and Togs - how about some ideas for a solution to keep everyone happy as this will not go away so there needs to be a compromise.

Cheers,
Andy

If you do and he complains, you will get a 7 day ban for abuse of the PM system, so please don't.

Yes, you can. When there is a public event, you must expect people and journalist are going to be there to take pictures. And, anything that's beside the norm will attract more attention. So, go figure.

I'll skip over your personal comment. I'll just say I try not to insult anybody (being French Canadian, my English is not perfect, so I might slip once in a while), unlike some...

I've removed the quote from the deleted post. Unfortunate timing I think....

So freedom to chase people around the streets for a photograph is Ok , but freedom of speech isn't.

You can make an argument Ed without being abusive to others. With freedoms come responsibilities, a principle well known and understood in the world we live in today.

As far as I am concerned I was not being abusive at all.
I was merely commenting on what I had experienced with Canadians in the past. That experience will not alter my opinion.
I was contemplating trying some street photography, I don't think I will be doing that now, this whole thread has left a nasty taste. In fact, I am seriously considering not bothering with PU anymore.

I couldn't agree more. You have a responsibility to the people you photograph to show respect, and that includes afterwards once the image is disseminated in the public realm. My complaint directly regarded this lack of respect being shown at the time, and then afterwards.

The fact remains that you cannot say that if you dress up you are asking to be photographed. Has it occurred to you that your faith in this being the case merely serves your own aims, and helps you distance yourself from the subject, freeing you to do what you like?

If you want to read a very eloquent and measured analysis of this subject, I refer you to the following link, written by Clare Amaranth, a prominent figure in the goth community: link

This is getting ridiculous.

A photographer who is in a public place excercises his lawful right to take a photograph, the said image is then posted on a public forum where someone (me) makes an obvious tongue in cheek joke about the subjects manner of dress, it was a joke for gods sake, get over it! I have made light of images on this forum before and I shall continue to do so, I even poke fun at myself.

It is an unarguable fact that anything out of the norm will attract the attention of photographers, Goths have the right to wander round in public in alternative dress styles and photographers have the right to point their cameras at them, the only way your going to solve this problem fairly is to ban both.

I have already stated that I ASK before taking photographs, that I offer the subjects copies for free, they get my business card so they know who I am,
If anyone refuses I leave them alone, So please Goth_and_photographer I refuse to accept your pathetic arguments, go away and leave me alone.