Quote:
Originally Posted by 27cows
Picture the scene - it's a glorious day and there are rapidly building crowds of people gathering at The Level in Brighton preparing to take part in the ride. The majority are perfectly happy to be snapped if you ask (for close shots) or show a little respect and don't try to hide what you're doing (for longer shots).
Then this bloody militant feminist head case steward comes storming out of the cordoned off painting area bring two henchmen with her and goes about loudly shouting that 'none' of the people taking pictures without permission have any respect for women. (Pointedly ignores me when I ask her about the clothed female snappers taking shots of naked men and women without permission.) She and her mates tell people they *can't* take shots (in a public place). Physically stand between snappers and people being painted or just naked to prevent shots, even when you'd got permission to snap. Threatened people with being removed from The Level by the police, and later 'security' when someone told to go fetch the cops. And constantly lambasted any people getting painted up outside the cordon for 'encouraging the wrong kind of attention and harming the ride's reputation' 
That's what we had to contend with. I took issue with Nick Sayers (head honcho of the ride) and he seemed genuinely embarrassed - not least as none of the troublesome stewards were naked or even slightly so, nor did they show any visible signs of supporting any of the causes connected to WNBR. And pretty much were only there on some kind of power kick. Many of the participants were pissed off too. Those twin girls and their friend told the most odious of the three that they wanted to be snapped and were adults, free to do what the hell they liked. So good on them for that but most were intimidated and went and hid away. |
Sad to read people having problems with this year's ride.. previous ones seem to go off with good vibes, so next time I think there needs to be a clear statement by organisers, re what is / not acceptable, ahead of time..
And maybe a clearly marked posing area, for those that WANT to be photo'd?
Only rider I recognise is 'Lucy', with the hat.. :-)