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August 25, 2010
Rude?
Last night was our regular meeting of Miss Spiritual Tramps Knitting Circle. We love our Tuesday nights at The Bridge Hotel (in actual fact a pub, not a hotel), with delicious real ales, served by friendly bar staff to a bunch of lovely knitters and crochet fans. Last night we were visited by a nice group of knitters from the US who had been in town all day after 12 days craft cruising round the UK and Ireland.
We like having visitors, and they were a friendly lot. Until the cameras came out.
Now the two groups I attend are used to people taking photos. After all a group of 15 knitters drinking beer, singing songs and knitting is still fairly unusual in the UK. And no-one has ever really minded - as long as the 'photographer' asks if it is OK. And I cannot remember a time previously where photos have been taken without asking.... unless they did 'em surreptitiously, without using flash.....
Those who want to can then move out of shot. However, personally, I think it rude not to ask. And when it starts to feel like you are in a zoo, or with the amount of flash being used, like you are surrounded by paparazzi, it's ('scuse the language) just fucking annoying - especially when you have asked politely if they would mind seeking permission.
This is not to say that our guests were unwelcome, or in any way less than a delight with MST regulars. They all seemed like nice people!
But.
Please.
If you are fascinated enough to want to document your visit, and people (strangers) are the subject of your snaps, do the polite thing, and ask if they mind? It's not much to ask, and you'll probably get an answer like 'Sure that's OK.' But please don't assume we all like being photographed. Some if us hate it. And we prefer to be asked, so that we can apply lippy or choose to visit the toilet and stay our of the way.
If any of our visitors read this - it's not meant nastily. It was lovely to meet you all - and you would be welcome back anytime. But think before you click. And think double hard if you click with flash. Flashing is just rude anyway, and your camera will more than likely have settings that enable you to take lovely photos in the ambient light. It'll all be there in the manual.
Thank you.
Posted by glittrgirl at August 25, 2010 8:39 AM
Comments
Totally agree.
Many people haven't worked out how to turn off the flash on compact digital cameras, and some of the earlier/more basic models must have you turn it off for each shot, or after every time you turn it on. But it's basic politesse/etiquette not to attempt to blind someone, especially a stranger, especially in a pub, who's knitting. Common sense, really.
Posted by: brendadada 
at August 25, 2010 11:26 PM
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