[Leica] Taking photos during school play

[gwpics at netscape.net (Gerry walden)]

I am sorry, but I think the drama director was absolutely right if maybe 
a little over zealous under the circumstances. The production, the stage 
set, the costumes, the lighting etc. etc. would all have been copyright 
in their own right so it is not only the copyright of Rogers and 
Hammerstein that has to be taken into consideration.

You would quite likely have been banned for totally different reasons 
here in the UK. About 99% of all photography in schools is now banned in 
case you are a paedophile, and if I am doing any commercial job 
involving school children (e.g. a charity cheque presentation to the 
school) the school has to ensure the specific permission of the parents 
of every single child involved. My own daughter (estranged from me) 
raised hell recently because her son was included in the class photo.

Gerry


  Gerry Walden

www.gwpics.com <http://www.gwpics.com/>

www.photographersdirect.com/gwpics 
<http://www.photographersdirect.com/gwpics>

+44 (0)23 8046 3076



ylshih@earthlink.net wrote:

>I was all set to take discreet photos during my son's high school play, a
>production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma.  I had an M7 & Noctilux
>loaded w/ Ilford Delta.  No flash.  During the opening announcements, it was
>stated "no audio/video recording and no flash photography".  So I thought I
>was all set to take available light photos.
>
> 
>
>After taking one photo, I was asked to stop by the person two down from my
>seat who I hadn't noticed before but who I knew was the drama director.
>Since it was "her theatre", I complied with her request.  However, the
>reason that she gave was that the work was "copyrighted" and ALL recording
>of any kind was prohibited.  I went to the Rodgers & Hammerstein website,
>and they indicate that the copyrighted materials consist of book, score and
>other similar materials required to stage the production.  Their FAQ
>specifically calls out video recording and indicates that is a violation of
>their copyright without permission.
>
> 
>
>http://www.rnhtheatricals.com/index.php?page=faqs
>
> 
>
>The A/V restriction makes sense, since an audio or video recording would
>capture the book or the score or both.  However, a still photograph captures
>none of what would seem to be R&H's copyrighted material.  Staging, sets,
>costuming, etc would appear to be the property of the production house, i.e.
>the high school.  Hence, I think the drama director misunderstands the
>restrictions and discreet photography could be allowed, so long as it was
>not disruptive (loud motor drive, flash, etc).
>
> 
>
>It seems ridiculous not to allow parents to take photos of their kid's on
>stage.  Anybody with any experience on this question?
>
> 
>
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