Cameras/Video at Renfest

[Wildbore]

Hello, all.  I have been to the Texas Renaissance Festival twice now and I'm going back again this year.  I think Sound and Fury keep me coming back for more, but to be sure, those attending the festival are a huge draw for me.  I have a question concerning cameras or taking video while at the festival.  Does it detract from the experience to see someone in their garb and suddenly they take out a camera and start taking video?  I would like to take some video again this year, but I wasn't sure if it was taboo to sort of bring down the fourth wall, so to speak.  Anyone have any thoughts on it? 

[KiltedPrivateer]

So many people do this that you would not stand out in the crowd.  Many of us carry cameras, some simple point and shoots and others have 3 foot long lenses in front of their noses (Slight exaggeration).  I wouldn't worry yourself over it.

[Sir Martin]

Ditto what KP said.  People videoing performances are usually trying to hold the cam still and do not cause a distraction.

[Autumn Blaize]

 It has never bothered me. Most of the time It bothers me that I do not pull out my camera more. I get wrapped up in everything and then when I get to camp realize I only took maybe 5 shots all day!

[Bob of the Lake]

It has never bothered me. Most of the time It bothers me that I do not pull out my camera more. I get wrapped up in everything and then when I get to camp realize I only took maybe 5 shots all day!

I was doing the same thing, Blaize--just lugging the camera around and not taking pics. I took a lot my first year but less and less as the years past and I haven't even bothered to bring a camera in probably the last 5 years.

But back to topic for Wildbore, I agree with everyone here--as long as you're not blocking someone's view, I think everyone is pretty cool about cameras. A lot of performers I know actually like it when you take their photos and post them on Facebook. If it's a good shot, it can go in their portfolio!

[Wildbore]

Thanks, all.  In that case, I just may bring TWO cameras   Actually my biggest passion is making quirky little videos.  I made one last year and I plan on doing another this year.

[Wakarimasen]

Thanks, all.  In that case, I just may bring TWO cameras   Actually my biggest passion is making quirky little videos.  I made one last year and I plan on doing another this year.

Note that Christophe will not allow you to record him, though I've never had any other performer call me out.

[KiltedPrivateer]

He's hardly worth watching, why record him?

My personal opinion of course (o:

[Wakarimasen]

He's hardly worth watching, why record him?

My personal opinion of course (o:

He is an off-putting prick, but that's his thing. He's made me laugh until I thought I was going to die (when he was at the Sea Devil). Seriously, his rants have been that hilarious to me. Fortunately, once you've seen his act two or three times, you've seen everything and don't need to return.

I think it was last year that I heckled him during his entire last act of the day. I knew what I was getting into, but there was probably more mead in my veins than blood by then. I was his final act, and it was awesome. I'm prepared for fame and the Comedy Central roasts to come, that's for sure.

Regardless of whether you like his act or not, you've got to respect the business model. That guy clears $300-$800 an ACT, probably slightly more now that he's at the Agora, regardless of the constant and yearly sound system problems at that venue (!).

[Mouse]

Never seen him myself..I may have caught the tail end of his stuff awaiting the fire show from the dancers.......I do so love the fire show.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Never seen him myself..I may have caught the tail end of his stuff awaiting the fire show from the dancers.......I do so love the fire show.

Fear not... you'll be the star of your own fire show this year... 

[Mouse]

Never seen him myself..I may have caught the tail end of his stuff awaiting the fire show from the dancers.......I do so love the fire show.

Fear not... you'll be the star of your own fire show this year... 

You folks are keeping me in mead for this....

[Hector_]

It has never bothered me. Most of the time It bothers me that I do not pull out my camera more. I get wrapped up in everything and then when I get to camp realize I only took maybe 5 shots all day!

I'm saddened that this happened to me at TRF last year and Sherwood this year...  No pics of my young lad and lassie as faeries or pirates. 

[Sir Martin]

I've enjoyed Christophe's show and have taken a few photos of him over the years.  So far, I have never made a video at TRF, but wonder how he can forbid it there.  On the back of an admission ticket it says (or at least, used to say) that the bearer has no expectation of privacy and may be photographed while on the festival grounds with no compensation.  It is my understanding that as a performance artist, Christophe may not be photographed or videoed for *commercial purposes*, but I am not aware of any restrictions on photography or videography for personal use.  Perhaps he is just making this statement to intimidate some folks so the amount of video recordings will be reduced.  You can go to YouTube and find clips of Christophe shows from several years back, so he either does not have the right to restrict taping in the public domain, OR he chooses not to pursue litigation against those who have posted clips from his shows.  He quite often says that Carlos Mencia steals material from his show as a reason why he does not want recordings being made.    Pffffft       

[Mouse]

Me thinks he doth protest too much...Carlos Mencia steals from plenty of other people as well...Egotist  *I should note I really like Christophe...but not that other guy* Digression over.