So, whether you’re a happy snapper with a point ‘n shoot, a professional photographer, or even taking shots for a media title, you need to be 100% respectful of people’s right to privacy. Even if they’re naked as the day they were born, the onus is on you as the photographer to request permission if the image you intend to record would in any way infringe on another person’s rights.
One important thing to bear in mind about AfrikaBurn is that it’s not a public event – it’s held on private land, with access limited to those who have tickets. This means that unless you have express written permission to publish people on photos or film, you can’t.
Why? Because it’s kak against the spirit of what we do to publish your fellow participants in the media without their knowledge – especially when the person you plan on photographing is naked or semi-naked. In the same sense that you wouldn’t want your photo taken and published without your knowledge, taking pictures of other people – no matter whether naked, fully clothed or asleep – without their permission is unacceptable. This includes images that could make their way onto social media sites or be featured in the mainstream press.
Suppose you’re taking shots of inanimate objects, art or landscapes. In that case, these considerations change – but in those instances, if you’re shooting an artwork or other creation, it’s good practice to attribute those artists and creators where possible. If you don’t know the name of an artwork, Mutant Vehicle, or Theme Camp, check out Quaggapedia for the details – or just ask someone. The team at our Arteria (located right next door to Off-Centre Camp) are at your disposal: you can always ask them for the ID on artworks and artists – and they have event guides available for you to use for the same purpose.