Pierre St. Pierre and Photographers' Rights

This is Pierre St. Pierre (a.k.a. Roland Gritanni) who performed at this year's Buskerfest. St. Pierre is essentially a human jukebox who stands motionless on his pedestal with fingers poised over his accordion. When a passer-by drops change into his donation box, Monsieur St. Pierre comes to life and, with precise robotic movements, plays an all-too-human melody on his instrument.

The performer had posted signs stating that photography is by donation only and that those creating a video recording of the performance request his permission first. I find this more than fair and was glad to slip him a few coins for the privilege of snapping the following snap. But dozens of photographers failed to fulfill this simple request and I found that rather galling.

In this climate wherein our rights as photographers are beset upon by corporations, merchants, overzealous security guards and even passers-by (the classic "why are you taking my picture?" coming from somebody when I'm pointing the camera in the opposite direction comes immediately to mind), such simple guidance from a performer is not only appreciated but welcome. I feel truly bad that so many photographers failed to drop anything into this man's coffers. After all, if we are to be respected as a group, we must be respectful when others make such an effort to address us directly.