Exposure: A Picture A Day…Ted Rhodes |

I don’t understand why a 27 year old would keep us so far away.

At Avril Lavigne’s Saddledome concert last night the three cameras on hand, one two still and TV, were kept back at the soundboard. That’s about half the length of the Saddledome ice surface. OK, I understand why Rod Stewart might not want prying eyes up close. Or Neil Diamond. Even Reba McEntire. But Avril Lavigne?

Performers have long had restrictive contracts for media to sign: limits on the number of songs to be photographed, no flash, designated positions etc. (that’s why people in the front rows often see the camera people being escorted out by security after 2 or 3 songs). They run tight ships.

But more and items are being added, like restrictions on reuse, sales to the public, even destroying unused images. The contract we had to sign in advance for Rihanna stipulated that a representative had the right to veto images. Presumably that meant someone could stand over you during the hectic editing process following the 2 songs allowed and overrule selection they didn’t like. It didn’t happen but the contract said it Could.

Generally the younger the performer, the more likely that the designated position will be in “the Pit”, the 6 foot alley immediately in front of the stage. Definitely it’s the more exciting and personal place to be. And, sure, if, heaven forbid, I’m a member of Motley Crue, I want cameras as far away as humanly possible. But a beautiful 27 year year old promoter of her own perfumes and clothing lines? I don’t get it. What’s there to hide?

SOURCE : http://blogs.calgaryherald.com/2011/10/12/exposure-a-picture-a-day-ted-rhodes-2/