Something sacred seems to be photos especially. Those taken by someone brings them ownership to the photos. Photos are meant to be shared, and seen, and credit is of utmost importance.
Photos taken at concerts, or book signings or other events are "private". Even if they are performing in a giant arena & in full view of everyone.
ie If pictures get "shared" on FB, without proper credit, it is a VERY big deal. (It's never happened to me, but I've witnessed it!!)
Friendships have deteriorated by people "sharing" photos without attribution or permission. (As in "If the photo is not yours, don't pretend it is") As if someone is trying to steal the credit, the image and the moment.
I've been wondering about this deeply, and I feel like each photo is just like a "private" moment caught by the photographer. Beyond that, when they get viewed afterwards (or in the old days "developed") they are personal memories. "Captured" by the photographer her/himself. A way to get some privacy in the midst of this giant phenomena. (Nothing weird or sexual implied here, honestly, it just seems like a way to carve out a distinct piece. And explains the strong sense of ownership)
Do other people feel this way? Does this sound true, or completely off the wall?
I have had some of my photos from the 2011 tour copied and shared without credit on a popular fansite. The photos were quite good as I had awesome seats at that particular show. It was discouraging to discover. There is definitely something about being the one who captured a particular moment that makes it private and special, even when you intend to share with others. Credit should be given. I learned the hard way to always shrink the file size before uploading and to add a watermark.
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