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Newbie photographers should be reading all of the same information about this in the survival guide and other documentation found on the website for first-timers.

I spend a significant portion of my time in the Cafe educating photographers who are clearly being “snipers”.

It’s usually clear when someone is posing for the camera and making eye contact with the lens that permission has been granted. But it never hurts to make contact with that person, if only so they know where this (hopefully great!) photo can be found later for them to point their friends at. This also confirms that you have actually been granted permission. This is the practice I recommend to most photographers and practice myself.

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If I find one picture of myself or a friend taken by one of these douche bags like John Curley (who magically obtained my permission by some sort of general awareness of his presence) I’m going to rip the dick a new asshole.

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That’s good to know. Everyone else must have agreed to have their pictures taken through the general osmosis of a staff photographer being at the event, because they’ve been to the event more than once.

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With 40% of tickets going to newbies this year, it’s safe to say that not all of them know who John Curley is. It doesn’t matter if you’re a staff photographer, the PUA requires photographers to ask permission before taking photographs of participants.

Simply sayin, ‘Well we made people generally aware…’ doesn’t cut it. There are unlimited reasons why participants may not want their photograph taking by ANY person, and they should have a right to decline. The only way they can decline is if they are asked directly, ‘not generally made aware’. There are no exceptions because you happen to be known by some people.

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A heartfelt thank you is in order for two DPW crew members who went out of their way to make sure I not only got dusty, but also felt welcomed: Chicken Bone (Heavy Equipment and Transpo) and (Fluffer) Scott. Early Burn was my only option in lieu of not being able to participate in my seventh burn this year; I am so glad I was able to witness this gathering and display of creativity first hand.

It also bears mentioning my perspective towards the event has changed. All too often we take Burning Man at face value without taking into consideration the level of effort, craft, creativity, emotion, and personal sacrifice in addition to the blood, sweat, and tears poured into making sure everything is ready and in place for the residents of Black Rock City at the appointed hour. Furthermore, the sense of community cannot be overstated… talk about an extended family!

Again, I feel honored and thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. See you in 2013!

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