Caught on Camera: ‘Paparazzi Etiquette’

By Janet Adetu

Have you ever been caught on camera in a way that you did not like?

Many times you attend events where it is bombarded with a multitude of media men, both photographers, videographers, TV crew, fashion journalists you name it. They are all geared towards getting their best shots to be publicized for others to buy or use on social media. Their aim is to capture treasurable moments, stylish trends, fashion, celebrities, eminent personality’s innocent guests and the like. Recently we see these ‘Paparazzi’ as we call them dominate events at the detriment of the invited guests almost becoming a nuisance. We see it all the time from the moment you step through the gate, ‘clink’, ‘clink’, ‘clink’ you are welcomed by paparazzi, you have no idea who is who. You wonder are they local photographers or organized by the events planners and celebrants.

The next thing you know they are searching for you at the party with a beautiful picture of you for a charge. Did I say beautiful? Most of the time the picture is unclear, you are caught in an uncompromising pose if you were walking. Not much you can do with the picture as the quality is so substandard. They begin to try your intelligence and charge you a high price, it then becomes a case of take it or leave it. I have so many of such not because I like them, but I somehow do not like my pictures lingering around the place. Those are the ones I am aware of I am sure there must be countless pictures taken that I do not know about. Have you seen the way this same ‘Paparazzi’ storm weddings and literally smother the newlyweds or the celebrants during prized moments all clambering for the same picture? Yes the celebrants would like to have all their treasured moment captured but surely not at the inconvenience of their invited guests.

They act in an annoying manner by covering the celebrants preventing the authentic invited guests from seeing what is happening surprisingly there is nobody to put them under control. They become very negligent since nobody puts them under control. We see this more and more at weddings and events that attract large crowds of people and many of the crème de la crème in society. My next question is:

Where is the events planner please?
So many pictures and videos whatever happens to the all?

What baffles me is when you are told you that your picture was spotted in a fashion magazine or a fashion blog. Paparazzi do not need your permission to use your picture as we have seen countless times. Yes there is always going to be a high chance of these pictures landing anywhere and everywhere given the freedom of expression and action that has been condoned by society. ‘Paparazzi rule the world’

Imagine sitting in a wedding reception eating they still do not respect the fact that you are eating and still take the picture or video regardless. There are time do not get me wrong when a photographer may ask you of let you know that he is about to take a picture however they will never tell you if you look alright for the picture. They will not help you adjust anything or even ask you to smile, you have no clue as to how you appear in the picture unless you insist on seeing it.

What is the etiquette behind public photography?
Paparazzi need to be sensitive to many situations when it comes to using the camera, all their media gadgets. Who is responsible for controlling these media men, is it the party planner, the security on patrol or the celebrants themselves? I personally feel the events planner as a major role to play in specifying the do’s and the don’ts to all suppliers, vendors and providers at all events. Caution must be taken as we may fall into a complete breach of security regarding the celebrants. All this talk about paparazzi interestingly the same paparazzi has now extended to the guests themselves using their mobile gadgets to do the same. Once again we all need to be cautious, kind and considerate when attending these events.
Areas to watch out for the Paparazzi Craze
i.) Couples / Celebrants grand entrance
ii.) Cutting of the cake at weddings, anniversaries and birthdays
iii.) Father daughter dance at weddings
iv.) Celebrant dance
v.)Couples dance at weddings and anniversaries
vi.)Celebrity performances
vii.)Prominent speeches
viii.)Celebrity poses

Etiquette Tips for Celebrants/Event Organizers
a. Identify how many media personnel you want at the event
b.Provide important ID tags for each confirmed media man
c.Identify which organization they have come from and indicate behind tag
d.Provide strict access and off limit zones
e. Specify photo boundaries for both guests and celebrants
f. Emphasize safety and security measures
g.Emphasize the use of zoom lenses zones where necessary to avoid inconveniences guests
h. Lay down all the do’s and don’ts as you desire that must be dhered too.
i. Remember to avoid all breach of security to ensure a successful event

Etiquette Tips for the ‘Paparazzi’
• Secure an access card
• Follow all protocol and rules given
• Know your boundaries and adhere to them
•Understudy the environment and the people
• Identify the celebrants of the day
• Use discretion in carrying out your duties
•Have a least a two man team to capture the event
•Take relevant pictures of the day
•Respect guests
• Ask guests before you take their pictures
• Don’t block the view of guests
• Don’t be a pest or a nuisance
•Reduce flashy lights

Good luck during your next outing
Janet.adetu@gmail.com

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