Discreet Photography for Private Events

In the last 3-4 years I've seen a steep increase in my everyday clients requesting additional privacy of their images for things like celebrations and family portraits.  Sometimes it's because of their political stature, occasionally for the sensitivity of celebrity guests, and most often with regular families just because they really prefer to protect their image from being shared in any way that isn't approved by them first.  I've encountered more speakeasy-style events with an intimate audience in which guests are asked to leave their phones and cameras at the door, as well as home events or private gatherings away from traditional public access to keep the atmosphere secluded.  Many people want to focus on having fun, but still want some great photos to remember the event by, so they hire a photographer who helps put their guests at ease and provides private access to images, but rarely do they consider all the ways in which we can protect their privacy.  Read on to learn about the many ways you can protect your image privacy online.

As much as I appear to share openly on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, I fully appreciate the differences between a very public life and the privacy desired in a personal life, especially when everything else about a person's life can be so public regarding their career.  People come to feel like they know me well over social media, but in reality, they're only getting the story that's curated for public consumption.  So, when clients ask to keep their images of family photos, weddings, or other personal celebrations private, I completely understand.

Hiring a professional photographer for an event can ensure greater image privacy and quality curation than working with an amateur who has no formal privacy agreement or business reputation to maintain.  Before you work with a professional, it's important to define what level of privacy is desired in advance.  If all expectations are clear and well-defined before any work begins, it will prevent any surprises or slip-ups later on.  Whether you're working with me, or another photographer, here's a check-list of questions regarding privacy protection that you might want to consider:

Online Proofing Gallery:

• Does the photographer offer a password-protected online gallery?
• Is the gallery publicly searchable?
• Does the gallery require email log-in so that invited visitors can be tracked?
• Can the proofing gallery be made available only to the client and to no one else?
• Is it possible to make select images private while still allowing guests to see most of them?
• Are images watermarked to provide an added layer of protection in case of a screen capture?
• How easy does the online gallery make it to share images on social media without registration or approval?
• Is there an option to proof in person instead of using an online gallery?

Blogging:

• Is it important that a blog post or portfolio of images be made available to the client first before sharing in a public format? 
• If the photographer has permission to blog some of the images, which images are OK to blog, and which are not?  For example, a private event may approve public sharing of images related to the venue, catering, decor, and flowers, as long as no images of people or faces are to be made publicly available.  This solution helps the photographer and other vendors promote their creative work, while still protecting privacy for the client.
• If approval is given by the client to allow certain faces or moments to be shared publicly for the photographer's use and public portfolio, can any names be used with the images?  If so, first names only, last names only, or initials only?  (This is often taken into consideration most when a family has children that they are concerned about sharing publicly.)

Social Media:

• What sites are approved for sharing the images on, and what ones are not?  This comes into play because many social media sites and image banking/sharing sites retain permissions and controls over the images once they are uploaded to that site.
• Will images be watermarked when shared online to provide an extra layer of client and photographer protection if they go viral?  What kind of watermarking or other image protection is important and appropriate for the images that are made publicly available?
• If an image appears to be featured on an unapproved website or format, whose responsibility is it to pursue the removal and privacy infringement of that image placement?

Image Ownership:

• In the event of client or photographer death, who retains permission and control over the images and honoring the privacy agreement?
• Does the client have the ability to purchase full rights to the images, sacrificing all privacy protection and control that can be offered by the photographer?

Do you see any privacy considerations missing from this list?  Let me know by leaving a comment here so others can see what you feel is important to know as well.  If you'd like me to be your discreet photographer, please visit http://anneruthmann.com to get in touch.

Private Outdoor Event Spaces in New York City

When most people think of outdoor events in New York City, they think of Central Park, Battery Gardens, and Fort Tyron.  While public places are nice and easy to access, some of the most amazing outdoor venues are actually hidden inside buildings and are much more favorable for private events.  Here are some of my favorite lesser-known outdoor venues in Manhattan that provide an amazing event experience with full service and event planning.  BONUS: Since these are all walking distance to my home office, contact me for a special photography offer when booking your event in any of these locations.  (Note: photos are referenced from each venue's website.)


Gilligan's at Soho Grand
310 West Broadway / Soho
60 - 300 Guests
Special Bonus: Pet friendly



The Bowery Hotel
335 Bowery / Lower East Side
75 - 600 Guests
Special Bonus: Fireplace & heated outdoor garden

Isola Garden & Patio at The Mondarin
9 Crosby St / Soho
55-175 Guests
Special Bonus: Year-round glass conservatory garden



Studio Urban Garden at The James
27 Grand Street / Soho
10-75 Guests
Special Bonus: David Burke menu

Arise - Film on Women Creating Environmental Awareness

"We can vision a different reality.  

Once we can vision it within us, we can live it.  

When we live it, then we can radiate it to others." 

- Aida Shibli

Click play on the embedded video below to view the trailer for Arise.  If you're able- come to the screening at the Lowell National Historic Park Visitor Center at 7pm on Tuesday, February 26th- I hope to see you there!


If you'd like to see all of the films that are part of this environmental awareness series, visit the Land, Air, and Water Eco-Film Series Website, sponsored by the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.

Jack Kerouac's 90th Birthday Celerbation in Lowell, MA

I wish I could be in Lowell to celebrate Jack Kerouac's 90th with everyone. I've actually seen a lot of Kerouac traces here in Australia- in cafes, independent bookstores, and even at a recent Bukowski poetry reading. I think he calls to those who live in a state of wanderlust, which are often artists, writers, and adventurers. If you're anywhere near the Boston area and don't already have an adventure planned for today, I'd highly recommend indulging in some Kerouac wanderlust for yourself.

Jack and I feel similarly about the type of people we find interesting...
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” - On The Road

LOVE IT: The Swapaholics

The Swapaholics combine three of my favorite things: fashion, recycling, and an amazing deal! If you've never been to a Swapaholic event, there's no better time than during Boston Fashion Week to check out their Sip & Swap this Thursday at Arts at the Armory in Somerville! Founders Amy Lynn Chase, owner of Haberdash Vintage, and Melissa Massello, creator of Shoestring Magazine, make a powerful pair of fearless fashion finders, bringing their  expertise together for the benefit of lucky swappers. Armed with an impressive team of volunteers, each event provides an opportunity to trade in your less-wanted items for something you'll love more! The best part? You know the entire stash is fresh that day direct from other swappers just like you, and whatever doesn't go home- doesn't come back- it heads off to Salvation Army where the less informed can wade through racks of unwanted clothing and pay more for one piece than you traded for all you can carry!  Want to be in the know before you go?  Check out these  6 Tips for Becoming an Expert Swapaholic!

I had a ton of fun documenting the Canal District Clothing Swap earlier this year, and even did a mini-fashion shoot with Jen Loves Kev and Orchid Grey, who are part of the Delightful Dozen collective of fashion bloggers who trade fashion pieces and interpret them in new ways.





Click play on the slideshow below to see my coverage of the entire swap!

Red Ball Masquerade Fundraiser for Miracle Providers NorthEast

The Miracle Providers NorthEast have a mission to "improve the quality of life for local, less fortunate children and their families infected/affected by HIV and AIDS". Most of their funding is accomplished by throwing party-style fundraisers with fabulous performances in drag. Afterward, that money goes to local health agencies as well as providing items families may not be able to afford due to the costs associated with medical treatment.

Their most recent event was held just one floor below me in the Western Ave Studios Loading Dock. They did a great job of transforming a bare bones space into something fancy and fabulous! While I wasn't able to make it to the actual performance this time, I was able to capture some of the people who were enjoying themselves and contributing to the cause! Press play to begin the slideshow:

LOVE IT: Harvard Oktoberfest & Honk! Parade & Festival

On our way into Cambridge on a Sunday morning we were stopped dead in traffic for 30 minutes, so after about 8 minutes of sitting in the car and not going anywhere, I decided to hop out and see what was happening. To my delightful surprise, the intersection in front of us was overtaken by hoards of crazy costumes, invented instruments, and all around FUN!! Just one more reason why I adore living in Massachusetts- people fearlessly & publicly celebrating the geeky and weird. ;-) After getting home, I found out that it was actually the Harvard Oktoberfest & Honk! Parade & Festival which is meant to “Reclaim the Streets for Horns, Bikes and Feet!” how awesome is that?! Take a peek at some of the fun that went down while many angered and confused drivers sat in their cars (press play to start the slideshow):

Jack Kerouac Memorial Walk | Lowell, MA

I heard about this little adventure through Lowell at the last minute and since the starting point was literally next door to me, I decided to check it out and hear a little more about one of Lowell's legends- Jack Kerouac, author and beat poet. The night started with a stop at the home he spent quite a bit of time in while living in Lowell, followed by a walk over the bridge mentioned in Jack's memoirs, with a few stops at his hometown church and favorite hangout - the public library. The evening ended with a set of readings of Jack's work and original work inspired by Jack Kerouac. It was a fantastic evening for a walk and for being immersed in the words of a man who lived fully in each and every day. Here's what the adventure felt like to me (click play to start the show):

Capoeira Rosa Rubra at UTEC | Lowell, MA

I first learned about Capoeira at the Lowell Folk Festival which brings performers from all over the world right into our backyard! Have I mentioned how much I love living here?! Anyway, it looked so cool that when I found out about a group of people in the Boston area called Capoeira Rosa Rubra getting together for a Batizado, I thought I'd check it out and attempt to photograph it. It's something that really cannot be given justice by still images because it's a constant state of motion and music along with two people negotiating a movement relationship within the midst of a shared space. It's a true fusion of martial arts and dance that needs to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated. In any case, here's my attempt to capture still images of a very movement driven experience (press play to start the slideshow):