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When shooting a music festival it's sometimes more fun capturing the atmosphere and punters of the event rather than the acts on stage.
I love shooting people who are unselfconsciously wrapped up in their own emotions, much like the folks above enjoying Arcade Fire.
At the Big Day Out there's also the flag waving displays of nationalism which the festival has unfortunately become synonymous with.
But it's mainly good natured fun.
One thing us photographers contend with at festivals is the drunk shirtless yobs yelling "take my photo!" Much like the gentleman above with Ashley.
I used to stop and do it just to avoid causing offence. Now i just shake my head and keep walking while they hurl abuse at my back. I've no time for appeasing dickheads.
Comments (14)
"Sorry, I've already filled my quota for photos of shirtless wankers today"
Posted by Paul | January 29, 2008 10:48 AM
Someone needs to had out brochures that list the benefits of wearing T-shirts at the gates.
That is definitely my last ever Sydney BDO. Really didn't enjoy much (especially the crowd) aside from Billy Bragg and Spoon.
Posted by Rhys | January 29, 2008 12:41 PM
shirtless dickheads requesting photos is the exact reason i hang out with ash at festivals now. matt's cottoned onto the fact as well, and we politely tell them we've got the "wrong lenses" on.. ash always has the right lens. :)
Posted by lucky | January 29, 2008 2:29 PM
I'm always taken aback by their vanity and aggressiveness in demanding that I take their photo. Been a couple times where I've felt that I'm about to be punched. And for what? Telling them I'm not interested in taking their photo.
Posted by ed | January 29, 2008 3:25 PM
Next time I will rip my shirt from my sleak 180kg frame and demand that they take my photo...will let you know how that goes.
Posted by Adam Weathered | January 29, 2008 8:45 PM
The thing that confuses me is that afterwards they don't even ask for details about how they can GET the photo.
It makes no sense.
Posted by Paul | January 31, 2008 1:10 AM
When I get stopped for a punter photo I usually do the 'drive-by' shoot style. This involves doing a quick turn, snap, then keep walking. The photo never turns out. I never intend to use the shot. And they do not have enough time to ask where the shot will be used. Within 5 seconds I have deleted the shot and Im on my way.
Lol.
Posted by Elleni | January 31, 2008 12:58 PM
every year i wonder why i go to the Big Day Out, and every year i continue to get a ticket. there is not enough space here to list all the abusive comments i got throughout the day....and i managed that without a camera.
Posted by luke | January 31, 2008 4:19 PM
Ditto for cabbies. Little wonder we avoid BDO like the plague. Yet many other music festival crowds are sweet.
Posted by adrian | January 31, 2008 8:25 PM
"At the Big Day Out there's also the flag waving displays of nationalism which the festival has unfortunately become synonymous with."
I havent been to the BDO for a few years now cause i dont enjoy the crowd BUT BDO does usually coincide with the AUSTRALIA DAY public holiday - but i guess they could ban the flags if its so unfortunate....
Posted by JOEL GIBLIN | February 1, 2008 5:57 AM
Managed to avoid it at the last festival I went to, although I did have a green "press" hat on last time so I did draw attention to myself.
Posted by Tim Chuma | February 1, 2008 6:33 AM
Joel - it used to, but the BDO hasn't been on Australia Day for the past 3 years.
Posted by Dan | February 1, 2008 9:44 AM
I was at a recent gig (taking photos) and had a guy say to me "take my photo" and then turn around & start pulling his pants down. Not nice.
Posted by Australian Rozie | February 1, 2008 11:49 AM
TICKETS SELLING FAST!!!!
Be sure to get your tickets to Glass Candy.
Available from modularpeople.com and moshtix.com
Wooo!!!
Posted by Modular | March 20, 2008 12:30 PM