Red Carpet Photography – Part Two

The second entry into my series on Red Carpet Photography.

Etiquette and Ethics of Red-Carpet Photography

WHAT…There’s ethics involved with photographing a red-carpet event?

          That is a question I get A LOT, not so much from the general-public BUT from other photographers.  I have been photographing red carpet events for close to ten years, on and off.  And I see a lot of photographers do the unthinkable…go all starstruck.  They see their favorite actress or public figure and instead of doing their job they run up and ask for a autograph; either before or after the photos are taken.  This is a BIG no-no.  It’s also a turn-off for many celebrities.  Most public figures no matter how big or small they are usually going to these events in order to relax.  It’s really the only time they can be around friends and colleagues.  Yes, some go because it’s in their contract or good publicity, etc. But like I said most go because it offers them a little peace and quiet away from people who are always wanting their autograph or demanding their time.

          There are some photographers whom I know personally that once they shoot the event it seems like they do a quick edit and post their photos.  Yes, when covering events, especially ones centered around something or someone major i.e., a movie premier, awards show, etc.  Time is of the essence. But what I don’t see anymore is good quality editing of the photos, I don’t see the love or passion that drives true photographers.  What I do see are photographers who have one set of “codes” for paying legitimate clients…  And another set for red-carpet events and that second set is usually of the level of paparazzi photographers.  Which in my opinion are lower on the professional and moral level than those who shoot POV pornography?.   I’m not saying that each doesn’t have a place and we all must pay the bills but what I am saying is respect the privacy of these public figures.  They already know that you’re going to be there, they already know that even though they are trying to “relax” anything they do may have them on the front page in tomorrow’s paper.  If you are lucky enough to get a business card or some type of contact information back from them then please keep that info to yourself.  Because nothing will make you lose credibility faster than handing out an “A-Lister’s” personal or even business contact information to the highest bidder.  I’ve been asked to attend red carpets and other functions and I’ve even been lucky enough to have had photographs taken with them.  But I would NEVER in a million years even consider divulging the personal info that someone shared with me.  Why?  Because my sister is a EP (Executive Producer) and several years ago people where “not happy” that they did not make the show.  Even thou she gives out her personal cell phone and email to people, I ask if I can give it to this person or that person.  Why do I ask?  Because she has told me to ask.  It would be like your mom’s information you wouldn’t give that out to someone just for no reason at all…  Right?  But you would ask her first if it’s ok to pass it on to another.

          Yes, I already know that this post has been “all over the place” but I’m a photographer not a writer.

          But in closing when a celebrity or public figure gives you their contact information it is only ethical to keep it to yourself… But remember they are giving it to you to for a reason.  What is that reason?  I don’t have a answer to that.  But I do know it is the right and often smart thing to do to send them a copy of the best image you get of them BEFORE publishing them to social media or your website.  Give them a chance to “review” the images just like you would any other client.  Because these people are highly connected.  They have the power to make your work a household name; how you want to be perceived is up to you.

#KeepItEthical

Copyright:
Sherry Dansby
Dansby Photography 2022
All rights reserved.