Taking photos at an event

[pontifex]

For example, last year I went to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's WWII Weekend. They had all kinds of WWII items from clothing and supplies to guns to planes and vehicles.

They also had tons of reenactors dressed up in period clothing and doing re-enactments.

I didn't take many photos of the reenactors because I felt weird doing it without their permission.

I want to go again this year and take more photos, specifically of the reenactors. I've seen other people's photos of the reenactors and it seems like they asked them to pose and whatnot.

What is the etiquette for something like this?
Is it fine to take photos of the reenactors without their knowledge if they're just going about their normal routine?
Should I ask them first?
I assume that most, if not all, would be fine with posing for a photo if asked nicely and they weren't busy with something else?

 

[Paladin3]

For example, last year I went to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's WWII Weekend. They had all kinds of WWII items from clothing and supplies to guns to planes and vehicles.

They also had tons of reenactors dressed up in period clothing and doing re-enactments.

I didn't take many photos of the reenactors because I felt weird doing it without their permission.

I want to go again this year and take more photos, specifically of the reenactors. I've seen other people's photos of the reenactors and it seems like they asked them to pose and whatnot.

What is the etiquette for something like this?
Is it fine to take photos of the reenactors without their knowledge if they're just going about their normal routine?
Should I ask them first?
I assume that most, if not all, would be fine with posing for a photo if asked nicely and they weren't busy with something else?

A friendly "Hi, my name is pontifex, mind if I take some photos?" goes a long way.

When I cover such an event I always have to talk to the reenactor at some point to get info. If they are in the middle of a task, I usually start taking photos (without getting in the way too much), and then say hello at some point to break the ice. I'm not sneaky about it, but sometimes it's better to just start shooting if what they are doing is on display, so to speak.

After you say hello, you can ask questions and get the subject comfortable with you shooting. I don't usually pose my subject, especially if they are in the middle of some task, say a blacksmith working. I'll work around him, keep talking, make him comfortable so I get natural photos and better access to what they are doing.

At the end of this process I'll ask for a posed photo if I need it, but I like to make my images when the reenactors are in character and doing whatever it is they came to do.

Sometimes the reenactors are off duty, and may be between sets, and I try not to bother them during this time. Every reenactor I've ever met was more than happy to talk at length about their "life/trade" and will stay in character pretty much the entire time.

The best part of carrying a camera all these years have been the fascinating people I've met.

 

[EOM]

I'd say they likely somewhat expect to be photographed at these type of events, but as Paladin says, approach them afterwards and at least introduce yourself and get a name.
Also, smaller lenses are less intimidating, or so i've heard ;-)