Why You Should Never Do This in the Artists Alley

I’ve heard stories of artists who have caught people flipping through their portfolios and taking photos without getting permission. It’s happened to me. These fans may think they are doing no harm but they’re wrong.

Imagine this scenario. A new position is being created at your workplace with a higher salary than you’re earning. You want to apply but it requires skills you don’t have. So you take night classes to gain those skills on your own dime. When applications open up, you submit your updated resumé.

Time passes and the company sends out a form letter saying they have decided not to create the position after all and wishing applicants luck in their future endeavors. Instead, they change your job description to include the tasks that job would have encompassed with no increase in salary. How would you feel?

This is essentially what happens when people take photos of an artist’s work without asking at a show. It is in essence theft of labor. They may reason that it’s somehow OK because they are flattering the artists. If employers gave us the choice, everyone would choose a paycheck over flattery. You can’t pay the bills with the latter.

Taking photos deprives artists of sales when every sale counts, especially as the costs of working a show keep going up. For an artist, one lost sale can be the difference between profiting, breaking even, or going home in the red.

If you admire an artist’s work, tell them so. If you want to take a picture, ask first. He or she may say yes, but if the answer is no, don’t take it to heart. In this day of digital theft, it’s a risk many artists may not want to take.

If you can’t afford to make a purchase, the artists understand. Instead, ask for their contact information to reach out when you can. Strike up a conversation – most of us enjoy interacting with con goers. Even if it only lasts a few moments, it will add value to the encounter and leave memories that will stay with you. I still remember the encounters I had with my favorite artists and writers at the conventions I’ve attended over the years.

So please never just walk up and take pictures of someone’s artwork. Always ask first before taking photos, and if you don’t get permission you can still make a memorable experience.