Photography policy

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This page discusses issues related to policies established for photography and videography of people at WNBR events. Having a policy in place can help participants to be more at ease within the event and can also inform photographers and videographers about limitations within which they can operate, making the event a positive experience for everyone.

See also examples of policies in place by different cities. Feel free to adopt components of others' policies in your own event.

Issues

There are several issues to consider in drafting and adopting a policy for your local event.

Cultural differences

Different groups have different styles and different cultures have different feelings about comfort levels with nudity and having their image being depicted and possibly distributed (especially if it is done in a way that is not in the spirit and context of the event)

Respect peoples' space

Think about how you can make people feel comfortable about participating and respected at the same time. People need to understand the positive message of WNBR and understand that part of respecting each others' bodies is giving each other enough personal space to be comfortable, this is especially important for those that have never been naked in front of strangers or in public before. They have their own issues they are dealing with and aggressive gawking or unwanted exposure adds an additional unwanted complication to their experience. They may not participate and may leave if they are not comfortable. So speak up!

The dress code is "Bare as you Dare"!

It is difficult to accomodate all levels of discomfort that some people may have. That is why we have a flexible dress code!! People can wear what they want and even wear masks if they wish!

WNBR is a highly promoted public protest

WNBR is a highly-publicized public event that aims to widely spread a positive message. WNBR benefits from the photographic and videography contributions to project a positive message and image about the ride and getting the word out. WNBR local events often do have a documentary team taking pictures and video, but they are generally very considerate people and will try to keep your best wishes in mind as much as possible. You can see many of their images on this website and on WNBR-generated media, which is sometimes shared with other non-profit progressive groups. It's not really possible to stop people from photographing and videotaping during the ride.

Some believe that attempting to curb photography is counter-productive if the event is designed for media attention, and public attention (e.g., photographers) goes with the territory. They also believe that such a policy also flatly goes against the body-positive principles (and confidence) that WNBR promotes.

Use of public spaces

It is difficult, and perhaps unlawful to restrict access to publically-accessiable, community spaces. In these spaces it is difficult (and many would say unreasonable) to expect any guarantee that someone will not photograph or videotape you. WNBR can ask that people not shoot bikers before or after the ride, but they have no authority to enforce such a "policy" as long as it is a public event in a public place, such as a park, unless there is a parks use permit specifically designated such areas. There may not be a rational expectation of privacy in a nude public event and that anyone can photograph them as they please, short of harassing them. That does not include making them uncomfortable at being photographed or impeding their motion through public space. Because of these considerations some may opt to have their bodypainting parties in private venues or may disclose the pre-ride party only to a select number of riders or photographers/videographers.

For many people this is their first involvement being naked in a social, gender- and age-diverse, non-sexualized context. WNBR should do what it can within reason to make people feel comfortable given the fact that it is a public event. The WNBR Seattle team has noted that some participants have not participated when they some saw photography going on, and that is one reason to justify trying to balance out the needs of some with reasonable restrictions while still supporting a documentation effort.

Avoiding unwanted pre-ride photography, videography and gawkers

• First have realistic expectations given the circumstances of your events and your resources.
• Encourage people to educate others about and defend community standards.
• Advertise the experience as a participatory event and create various roles so everybody can be involved, whatever their comfort level may be.
• Consider having your bodypainting party be in a private space versus a public space to control what can go on in the area.
• If it makes you uncomfortable, let the photographers know that they don't have permission to photograph you.
• Some rides might want to consider having a rolling start, others might not like the idea. Some have said that it is fun to start off clothed and then once the riders are away from the assembly area and the crows they can undress. This has been done in Vancouver and Chicago
• Everybody should take responsibility for making people feel comfortable and informing others (who might be unaware) of the photo/video policy about what is expected.
• Consider appointing a photography patrol to educate photographers about the policy. Most people will be respectful of policy once they are informed. Always assume a good intent unless there is good reason to believe otherwise.
• Consider prohibiting photography/videography taking place in designated areas. As an example, in 2005, Seattle photographers and videographers were prohibited from shooting closer than 15 feet from subjects. The problem is of course, that some have long lenses.
• Tents, domes, shelters, and screens. Consider prohibiting photography/videography inside body painting tent areas without permission from those getting painted.
• Consider issuing IDs to wear around the neck of photographers/videographers that you have good relationships with and that understand your policy.
• Be prepared to directly confront predatory photographers if they have been warned or are actingly in blatantly disrespectful ways. Turn the tables on aggressive people by photographing or videotaping them and posting their image on your website for the public to see. Often this will discourage them from shooting you irresponsibly. There are also those who are at the event to use the images for other reasons, and you won't know without asking. If someone is being aggressive, acting suspiciously, or making you feel uncomfortable please tell a WNBR team coordinator or someone who can confront them and tell them to back off a bit and give people personal space.

Example policies

Examples of policies in place by different cities:

• London

Note: Some feel that London's policy, in place in June 2005, is a overly restrictive given the public nature of the event. Others argue that it helped participants feel comfortable to participate and thus was one factor in helping to build one of the largest and successful rides in WNBR history.

• Seattle