Photography policy
This page discusses policies established for photography and videography of people at WNBR events. Having a policy in place can help readers feel more at ease in considering going topfree or clothes-free and can also inform photographers and videographers about limitations within which they can contribute to making the event a positive experience for everyone.
Things to consider
There are several things to consider in drafting and adopting a policy for your local event.
- Different groups have different styles and different cultures have different feelings about comfort levels with nudity and having their image being depicted.
- Consider what it means to be in a highly-publicized public event. It is also important to understand that if you are in a public event in a publically accessible area, it is difficult (and many would say unreasonable) to expect any guarantee that someone will not photograph or videotape you.
- Think about how you can make people feel comfortable about participating and respected at the same time.
- Think about how WNBR has benefit from the photographic and videography contributions to project a positive message and image about the ride.
- How to cut down on photographs taken before the ride starts
- 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.
- 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.
- Be prepared to directly confront and photography/videotape predatory photographers if they have been warned or are actingly in blatantly disrespectful ways. Often this will discourage them from shooting you irresponsibly.
- It's not really possible to stop people from photographing and videotaping during the ride.
- 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.
- 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. 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. So speak up!
Examples of policies in place by different cities
- Note: Some feel that London's policy is a bit overly restrictive given the public nature of the event.
