Photos / Videos at gigs

[Shaun]

I was going to post this a while back but forgot. My mind was jogged regarding this at a wedding fayre on Sunday.

So, on Sunday I'm speaking to a groom who has already booked me, and had popped along to the fayre to have a look at the other suppliers there. When he was chatting to me he noticed my Photo Book Album on display and picked it up. He then asked if this (taking photos) at the event was something DJs normally do. I told him I used to, but very rarely know due to an experience I had a year or so back (which I'll get to in a minute). The groom then went on to explain that he was at a wedding recently and the DJ was in and out the booth many times throughout the night taking snapshots. He said it was a topic of conversation at the table he was sitting at, and that the majority of those at the table thought it was unprofessional of him to be out taking pictures for what he perceived was "marketing purposes". I mentioned that some DJs take pictures and provide them to the Bride & Groom after the event as a memento, to which he replied "I just want the DJ to play the music and make sure everyone has a good time". I promised him I wouldn't be taking photos at his wedding.

Ok, going back to a a year or so ago. I used to take my camcorder and my helper would take footage throughout the night. I used to pass the edited clips to the client soon after and it was always gratefully accepted. However, on one occasion when I was doing the editing a gentleman stepped in front of the camera and said into the lens "what are you doing? Don't you realise you may be intruding into the couples day with your camera. Don't you realise that I personally don't want to be filmed by the DJ, nor does my friends". Now, he didn't say it an a smart arse fashion. He was polite and matter of fact in what he said, and didn't appear to be drunk....it was concise enough to make me take it serious. My helper didn't even mention it at the time and I only found out when looking back at the footage a few days later. It kind of made me think. Maybe it was an isolated incident but that one person having that view stopped me taking my camcorder to gigs. For whatever reason he felt strongly enough to leave that message with me, and since then I haven't taken footage out on the dancefloor. Then with the Groom bringing it up on Sunday there it's definitely provided food for thought.

All too often we think that taken images of footage at events is somewhat the norm for us. Yet there may be some who might take offence to that, as I've found out from the 2 occasions I've mentioned.

I still don't personally see anything wrong with it, but knowing that some might has made me look at things from a different angle.

I look forward to reading your thoughts.

[surround sounds]

I have never had a problem and i always ask if its ok to do so on the night.
I have been taking photos for around 3 years and only once have the bride and groom said No. Most of them think its a good item and i do tell them i will send them a few to say thanks (Normally between 5 - 15 Photos) But i also Charge if they require more Photos if they like them or when i send my Mobile Disco quote to them, Photography is a add on.

[Jim - Scotland's Party DJ]

I do it now and again particularly if it's a nice venue or I have any extras or new toys out on display. I'll be doing it this weekend actually with the full blessing of the couple.

I do however always ask beforehand if it's OK and I announce early on in the night that I'll be taking some photos and it's never been an issue but I suppose some people may see it as unprofessional.

[Shaun]

I guess my concern is not so much what the Bride & Groom think (as I'm sure we all check it's ok prior). It's how some guests may perceive it. Even though the clients know the score I still want to show myself in the best light to as many potential customers as possible. Knowing that a future customer of mine had been discussing [the DJ taking pics] with his table at a recent event he was at, and the consensus between him and his friends at the table was that it was "unprofessional". If I didn't already have reservations due to my camcorder incident a while back, I definitely do now after speaking about it with my client.

On the flipside, it's impossible to second guess every guests perceptions. The conversation I had on Sunday has definitely put even more seeds of doubt in my head though.

[Excalibur]

No hard and fast answer, I'm afraid. John and I did a 50th Party where we were both snapping away from time to time, and the customer was delighted with the piccies we sent him. On another occasion, our efforts might have earned us a clip round the ear.

We tend to regard taking photos as the norm, but some folk might think that's taking liberties. Each case on its merits.

[djdave01]

We quite often take photos at large events or those with nice venues, with the best ones ending up on the website.

I have a line in my terms stating that we may take photos or record video clips for promotion purposes, and ask that the client lets us know if they'd rather we didn't.

Couple of years ago, I was asked to remove a few pictures that id taken at a Christmas party. Turned out a group of people included in the photos were police officers who didn't want there faces being shown online.

Not had any other issues with it.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think if you are being paid to DJ, then that is what you should be doing. The odd photo now and again is OK IMO.

If the client has paid for an extra service then fair enough.

You wouldn't suddenly get out and start icing the wedding cake if unprompted would you? :rolleyes:

[DazzyD]

I don't like taking photos at gigs. The main reason is that I've not got a good camera and I'm totally rubbish at photography anyway! The other reason is that I don't feel comfortable with it myself. I tried it a month or so ago at a birthday party and it wasn't until I reviewed the photos later that I noticed the woman whose birthday it was looking at me in a very disapproving way! She didn't say anything on the night but it made me think about the whole taking photos situation.

[yourdj]

I never photo the bride and groom at all.
- Mostly myself :muppet:


Actually i don't do that anymore and focus on the other bits and bobs, like cakes and ideas that can go on Facebook.
When the party is going I then take some snaps. No one has ever seen it as a problem from what i can see, depends what level you take it too?

I generally do it when people will not notice so much, which is coincidentally when the dancefloor is busy.

[DJIanScott]

Going back to the question of video, a common decency is to let the audience know that you will be filming the event, and should they not wish to be seen on camera, to simply put their hand in front of their face briefly as the camera passes. This means that any clips of those people can be deleted in the final edit and no-one gets upset. It's worked for us previously, but much like many others on here, we don't bother anymore and leave video/photography to the experts!

[ukpartydj]

I do find it a bit unprofessional, especially going away from your booth for the purpose of making a video. However its something you need to do if you want those pictures. I tend to ask for photos after the event if they are willing to share. Unfortunately only 1 in 5 ever comes back with photos and they can sometimes be of no use as they don't know what type. Of photos we want.

[yourdj]

Going back to the question of video, a common decency is to let the audience know that you will be filming the event,

I have never seen a videographer do this?


However its something you need to do if you want those pictures.

You should not have to - why not bring a dedicated photographer or video person with you :)
I am doing this as of this month as its something clients have said they would be interested in and I also get great footage of me hosting and Djing.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Every now and then I will take the odd photo of the Bride & Groom and if I get a good one I will actually tell them on the night and send it to them.
If I am supplying Uplighting or a Dance Floor then I will take photos when I have set up if they look good but just lately everyone has had Lilac Uplighting and I have lots of photos with that colour already.

I don't agree with coming away from the DJ Booth and videoing people. We are there to do our jobs as DJ's at the end of the day so we should stick to that unless you have been booked to do that too in which case I would say that someone else on your behalf should be doing it if the customer has paid for the additional service.
Yes, it's nice to have some great footage and photos for marketing etc but if it comes across as intrusive then I think it's unprofessional personally.

[Excalibur]

.
Yes, it's nice to have some great footage and photos for marketing etc but if it comes across as intrusive then I think it's unprofessional personally.

The whole of the matter neatly and succintly summed up, for me.

[ukpartydj]

You should not have to - why not bring a dedicated photographer or video person with you :)
I am doing this as of this month as its something clients have said they would be interested in and I also get great footage of me hosting and Djing.

I have done this one a couple of occasions - given my friend a few quid to take some photos and those photos are the ones I use the most so worth it but unfortunately he is very busy now and is always doing photos on friday and Saturday so I need a new photo guy!! I have asked on a couple of occasions if the client minds asking the photographer to get a couple of pictures and they've agreed, taken the pictures but they never send them over to me even when I offer to pay!


I don't agree with coming away from the DJ Booth and videoing people.

Indeed, surely customer who see videos of people dancing quite up close and personal will think - do I want a DJ running around filming my guests all night? I'm happy to take the odd crowd shot when people aren't looking at me otherwise it could be embarrassing for anybody who doesn't like their picture being taken.

[Gonzo.pete]

I don't often leave the console to film anything, in fact I think I have done it once during a memorable full floor dance routine. But I have a camera mounted on the stand that I'll use to video the first dance and any other notable bits of the night. This is put on a nicely customised lightscribe disc and sent to the B & G afterwards. So far all have appreciated the sentiment.
Though I did have a gentleman come up and ask me the other night "What are you filming this for?" after I told him his tone completely changed and he thought it was a great idea. I suppose I enjoy doing it as we are in a unique position, vantage point wise to get some cracking footage, I never really considered the wider implications.
Its a shame one or two less than perfect experiences lead to you stopping altogether. Shouldn't it be a case of majority rules and you'll never please all the people all the time? Get the camera back out ;)

[yourdj]

Have a look through some of these.

https://www.facebook.com/newforestwedding

i show all brides the pics after and they have all loved it.
i must say I am going to hire someone else to do the video from now on as I have missed some excellent moments.
And it is unprofessional to be videoing and photographing IMO. :)

[Jiggles]

You could put up a sign saying something like this:



NOTICE OF FILMING
This area is being used to photograph and record video
and filmfootage in connection with the promotional and
publicity campaign of the series __________________.
By your presence in this area, you acknowledge that you
have been informed that you may be photographed and
recorded as part of the release in home video and/or any
media now known or here after devised, in perpetuity
throughout the universe and the advertising and
publicity there of. Further, by your presence here, you
grant your permission for your likeness and voice to be
included there in without compensation, credit or other
consideration. If you do not wish to be photographed,
recorded, or appear underthese conditions, you should
leave this area immediately. Thank you for your
cooperation.


That should solve any issues. Put them near the dance floor. Although some events may not need it.

[DJIanScott]

I have never seen a videographer do this?

What the videographer does is his/her own look-out, I done it out of professional courtesy because my videos were for promotional purposes. Plus of course the videographer is there for the sole purpose of recording the day for the bride & groom, so his presence is generally accepted without question, whereas a DJ wandering round with a camera.......

[DJDC]

I take the odd photo at gigs but they are subtly taken, and I will always concentrate on DJ'ing. I do have a condition stated within my terms and conditions, that I may take the odd photo of the event for marketing purposes, but do everything I can to not take images with Children visible in the shots. That's unless they are paying for a photographic add on then I have a person specifically provided to take photo's, they are then given a full copy of all images, and if I intended to use any we would inform them which ones we might be using.

[BeerFunk]

I used to do that sort of thing, but now look back on it as something I did because I didn't know any better. I echo what others have said, in that you're paid to provide entertainment, and the only self-promotion taking place should be shown through your service.

However, that doesn't mean that promotional photos and videos shouldn't be obtained from other sources. It occurred to me that there is already a professional photographer at most weddings - why not negotiate something between them and the client? :confused:

[Gonzo.pete]

Have a look through some of these.

https://www.facebook.com/newforestwedding

i show all brides the pics after and they have all loved it.
i must say I am going to hire someone else to do the video from now on as I have missed some excellent moments.
And it is unprofessional to be videoing and photographing IMO. :)

Some great photos on your page chap. Mind if I ask what camera you use?
Also the uplighting of the marquee roof lining looks absolutely fantastic. Did you have to mount fixtures inside the lining on the support poles to achieve such good dispersion?