ASK BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHING
This somehow seems to be the most controversial part of the Ask First Campaign. The digitalization of life has made the ability to share ourselves vastly different than a generation ago. Regardless of the legality, it should really be common sense to just ask someone if they mind being photographed or recorded, especially at something as sensitive as a fetish event. Instead of seeing this discussion as a threat to freedoms it should be a reminder that these freedoms exist with a responsibility that some don't think to apply to camera phones, casual, or even professional photography.
A HANDY GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WITH CAMERAS
6 ways to gain permission when photographing someone in a crowd:
Verbal: ask and LISTEN to their response. Try, “May I take your picture?”
Non-verbal: make eye contact or gesture with the camera, await a nod or smile as a response. If they shake their head no or are unresponsive, do not photograph anyway.
If someone is posing/hamming/performing it up for multiple cameras, it’s probably ok to photograph. When that person stops engaging with the cameras stop shooting them. If they are posing to have a friend take a picture of them, it is not a green light to make your own photo.
You will probably not have many issues when you are taking general, wide-angle shots of the crowd. Focus on keeping your lens or cell phone out of people’s personal space. Ya, I’m talking to you up-skirt dude and the person who takes unsolicited breast level shots as they walk through the crowd.
Be aware of privilege and power dynamics. Have you asked them 20 times already? Are you trying to convince them? Is this person younger or smaller than you? A different gender? Is the person you are attempting to photograph alone? Don’t pressure anyone with your camera.
If someone is generous enough to pose with you for a photo - it is NOT an invitation to touch or grope them. That is a gross way to assault someone.