Funfair @ Balloons over Basingstoke



Funfair @ Balloons over Basingstoke

Originally uploaded by .

Talk Photography meet at Ballons over Basingstoke. The Balloons were a bit pathetic really with just three off them inflated but in no way over Basingstoke. This was the Night Glow event and the balloons were always going to be tethered anyway but I expected a little off the ground at least. However it was quite windy, which also made it a nightmare to shoot. A fairly good laser and firework show set to music with the balloons however.

More interesting was shooting long exposures at the funfair.

Copyright Theft

Sorry I had to do this. Replaced some Dunsfold photos I’ve posted on some forums (specifically this thread on Key Publish Ltd Aviation Forums) with this…
Copyright Theft

What more is there to say really? It would annoy me so much if they hadn’t actually asked how much I wanted for them to use them, and then despite my reply, went ahead anyway! And then I find some of them on their web site, and later in the leaflets for the airshow in my local Chinese takeaway!

It’s not about the money, it’s purely about the fact it was theft.

Of course there’s more to Dunsfold / Rutland than meets the eye. They are of course behind the plan to boot out Top Gear, the Wings & Wheels airshow, demolish the historic airfield and build 2000+ homes on the site. Makes me wonder why they run the airshow really. Note that this was never an issue for me when they asked for the photos. I was only too happy to accommodate them.

Photographers Rights

Another incident on photographers rights.

Was in Whistler recently and happened to come across Gordon Ramsey filming a piece to camera on the street about a local restaurant. Not many people about and tucked away out of shot I decided to get the camera out for a snap.

The instant I did, one of the crew comes rushing over shouting about no photos.

Thing is, this was a public place. Now I know in Britain I’d be well within my rights and they have no leg to stand on, no matter how much they protest. I’m not so sure of the rights in Canada and public places. However the TV and movie industry is very protective and can get heavy handed. Rather than risk a scuffle with the crew and potentially having my camera nicked or smashed, I reluctantly put the camera away.

Nearly got a shot off but the lens was set on manual and I didn’t focus it in time. Thing is though, I would just be doing a snap for pure “ooo look, Gordon Ramsey!” purposes and maybe shove that on Flickr or whatever. Not for profit. Not that it should make a difference. Public place, my photo, I can do what I like with it. Surely?

Anyway, the crew guy spouted something about it being hush-hush and some new show. Well, he didn’t demand my silence so I’m free to blog about it of course :-). More than that, I didn’t get asked for a release when I walked off down the street, quite possibly in shot in the background!