Topic: Sony World Photography Awards - London 2014

[Late Developer]

Just been to see the Sony World Photography Awards at Somerset House.  It's on from 01-18 May 2014. £7.50 to enter.

It's good and there's a lot of it.  However, I couldn't find any reference to which photos are film based and which aren't (I suspect most aren't).  Also, there's limited detail with each about where they were shot.  Not all of them but enough to wonder why detailed labelling wasn't consistent.

The standout element for me was the "Outstanding Contribution to Photography" award to Mary Ellen Mark. Lots of her work and this was worth the entry fee alone.  There's also a "Sony Global Imaging Ambassadors" exhibition of a purely d*****l portfolio shot by William Klein and Panos Pictures, called Brooklyn + Klein.  Not really my cup of tea - but I'm sure many will like it.

Weirdly, they allow photography inside the gallery and there were loads of people taking digi-snaps of a lot of the work.

[zapsnaps]

Thanks Late for the info - I shall try and get along there, if I can.

I've seen people taking digital snaps of other photographers work before at various exhibitions. I have two questions: what do these digital snappers do with their snaps and how do FWs feel about others snapping their work?

I'm not at all possessive about my work and would be flattered if somebody liked my stuff enough to snap it. But I appreciate that others are very protective of their work, and in law, have every right to be. But if I really like some pictures at an exhibition (great name for a tune), I'd either buy the catalogue or a postcard of a particular shot. I wouldn't dream of taking a shot with either a 'phone or a digital camera with auto flash, lousy framing, other viewers in the way etc. I just don't see the point.

A few years ago I saw a 'photographer' with the latest digital EOS D Whatever (but a few grands worth - this was serious kit) just snapping the labels of works at Frieze Art London. Perhaps this was his 'art' - photographing the labels of other exhibitionists (if that is how they style themselves) - but I didn't once see him photograph any the work itself. Funny folk, these Digital Bods.

[Late Developer]

Thanks Late for the info - I shall try and get along there, if I can.

I've seen people taking digital snaps of other photographers work before at various exhibitions. I have two questions: what do these digital snappers do with their snaps and how do FWs feel about others snapping their work?

I'm not at all possessive about my work and would be flattered if somebody liked my stuff enough to snap it. But I appreciate that others are very protective of their work, and in law, have every right to be. But if I really like some pictures at an exhibition (great name for a tune), I'd either buy the catalogue or a postcard of a particular shot. I wouldn't dream of taking a shot with either a 'phone or a digital camera with auto flash, lousy framing, other viewers in the way etc. I just don't see the point.

A few years ago I saw a 'photographer' with the latest digital EOS D Whatever (but a few grands worth - this was serious kit) just snapping the labels of works at Frieze Art London. Perhaps this was his 'art' - photographing the labels of other exhibitionists (if that is how they style themselves) - but I didn't once see him photograph any the work itself. Funny folk, these Digital Bods.

Actually, I walked back to the desk at the entrance and asked if photographing the exhibits was okay.  The young lady smiled and told me yes and to help myself.  I said something along the lines of "if I was the photographer of the exhibit(s), I'd be very upset at the thought of people photographing my work without my permission". 

Like yourself, it's not that I'm overly possessive, it's just that it smacks of breach of copyright.  I'm usually happy enough to allow people to have a copy of any of my photos - but I'd like to know what they're going to do with them.  If they're intending to pass them off as their own work and/or make money from them, the answer would be a definite NO.  If they want them for their own amusement and would credit me if re-posted on the net, then no problem.