January 16, 2009
Camphone shots at gigs is illegal
Taking snapshots is now a core part of the gig experience for many, but some say the practice is annoying and illegal. The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
... Mobile phones have moved from being an adjunct to the concert experience to being a core part of it, says Kate Crawford, associate professor at the Journalism and Media Research Centre at the University of NSW.
"This is because they are adapted for so many uses. You might start using it for micro-co-ordination - finding your friends in a venue. If it's a good show, you might take photos, start calling friends so they can listen in or sending Twitter updates," she says.
"Then, after the gig ends, it lives on in a complex series of reproductions of the images and video on various social media sites."
... "Most bands allow people to take photos so long as it's not a professional camera and they don't use a flash. People tend to respect that. Besides, they have come to see the band and not just take photos."
Promoter Michael Coppel says artists legally have the right to restrict photographic equipment at concerts (see box for more legal issues) but most only limit professional photographers and turn a blind eye to mobile phones. "Taking away fans' mobile phones is a logistical and security nightmare for promoters and venues," he says.
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