July 31, 2005
Ronald McDonald and Destiny's Child
Thank you for the contribution!
Destiny's Child visits sick children
Ronald McDonald House/ 3pm photo-op
July 30, 2005
I will try to be professional in this post, because I
believe that the PR needs to know how they can prevent
these types of things from happening in the future. I
truly believe that PR meant to give us a good shoot,
however for the second group, this turned out to be an
absolute fiasco. Several points:
1)Random groups: The photogs were split up into two
groups, presumably to shoot in shifts. Sounds good,
only the groups were NOT assigned in order of arrival.
I was approximately No. 10 and ended up in the second
group. For PR, we always line up in order of arrival,
this is the only fair way. It is not fair to flip a
coin and have those arriving last in the first group.
2)First Photo Op: We were promised:
a)that there would be plenty of space
b)both groups would get a photo op.
For the second group of shooters, this was not true at
all. People like Andrea and others refused to leave
when their time was up, preventing the second group
from starting their shoot. By the time we got up
there, Destiny's Child were all over the back of the
room and when Beyonce actually got to an area where we
could shoot, we were practically physically acosted by
security and told DO NOT SHOOT-it's for the kids.
I can certainly appreciate this fact and it's great
that Destiny's Child visited the center, BUT the press
was invited for a photo op.
Why not pose them for 1 minute and then let them
continue to chat with the kids? I don't like to be
made to feel like a criminal when I was invited to
shoot.
3)Second Photo Op-this changed 3 x-first from two
shifts shooting, second to DC posing briefly, then no
posing, 1 minute of shooting to around 20 seconds of
posing.
Again, I can appreciate the fact that these shoots are
variable and subject to the moods and schedules of the
celebs. But in those 20 seconds, DC could have looked
LEFT, RIGHT and CENTER and everyone would have gotten
the shot and walked away happy.
We were promised that we would line up in order of the
list, but again, the second group got totally shafted.
When we arrived upstairs after getting NO SHOTS, all
the spots were taken and 2nd, 3rd row only available
in the corner. We were told "sorry you didn't get your
shots" and then "you have enough shots". Beyonce
didn't look in the corner at all and then PR blocked
the rest of the shots.
The list should have been recalled or at the very
least those 20 seconds could have been used to
everyone's advantage.
I walked away stressed and very agitated with only a
few useless frames.
Something for PR to keep in mind: Photogs get panicky
when they are not getting any shots. If we get a
simple photo op, even for a minute, we generally
behave in a professional fashion. But when chaos
ensues, we become part of that process too, even if we
choose not to.
Extremely disappointing, especially since we were told
in advance this would be a great shoot!
July 30, 2005
DESTINY Packs The Pit

Destiny's Child
Today Show Concert Series
July 29, 2005/ 7am press call
You would think that everyone would be co-operative after all that hugging (if you were there, you'll understand)...
The photo pit was extended and a second set of risers was added this week to accommodate all the extra shooters (34 were on the list).
When the pit was opened, everyone followed the list, and picked their spots in an orderly manner. Unfortunately, after everyone was settled in, security needed to adjust the riser because someone moved it and there were more late photographers that needed to fit in the pit. (I thought cut off was 7:30am?). Everyone got off the riser, moved it, and reclaimed their spots. But, by moving the riser backwards, it became tough to clear the heads of those shooters standing on the ground. There was a lot of people complaining, but you can't please everyone. There were plenty of unobstructed photos opportunities to be had.
And right after their set was over, we managed to get their attention to pose for a group shot. And wouldn't you know it...the SECOND they all got together and looked our way...they were called off the stage. Impeccable timing and a missed op. SO close.....
July 29, 2005
Destiny's Child at Ronald McDonald House-7/30
Just got off the phone with the PR people regarding tomorrow's event. They are running this event the way events should be. They are asking for the photographers to arrive no more than an hour before hand. They want our day to be pleasant and for everyone to get the photos we need/want.
There will be 2 shifts, with 2 different photo ops. When one group is setting up for one shot, the other group will be shooting. Then we will shift. Then for photo op #2 we do the same thing.The room is large, like an "L-shaped living room" and there will be ropes set up and the photographers can roam around the ropes shooting. We will have approx. 10 minutes at each area. I was told there is "plenty of room" unlike other events there. This is one Media Company (MWW Group) that sounds like they know what they are doing!
July 28, 2005
Scarlett Sees Red

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson says overzealous paparazzi should be arrested and prosecuted as stalkers.
Johansson spends plenty of time running from the bad guys in her new science-fiction film The Island, but the 20-year-old actress is tired of running away from the paparazzi in real life.
The paparazzi are stalkers, she says. It's that simple.
Catch the rest of the article HERE.
July 27, 2005
BROKEN FLOWERS In The Rain
Chelsea West Theaters
July 27, 2005/ 7pm screening
Nor rain, nor heat, nor lack of talent shall kept these shooters from producing lackluster photographs of B-list celebrities...
Go ahead KCD and tease us... let me rephrase that...torture us.
Are you aware that the temperature is 95+, heat index 110+?
Can you hear the thunder from the storm clouds over head?
Do you see the 30+ photographers, huddled under a tree, in the rain?
Do you remember putting the names 'Kirsten Dunst, Sofia Coppola, Anne Hathaway' on the ENC tip sheet?
Do you receive some secret twisted pleasure by NOT having this talent on the "Revised" press list handed out at the event? (That's a dumb question, of course you do!)
Oh sorry...Sofia Coppola showed up, but quietly refused to walk the carpet. How nice.
At least Bill Murray was his usual self, he waved and moved on. Classic Bill.
And what's a premiere without Sylvia Miles....
I would cry...but I'm too dehydrated.
July 26, 2005
Dealing With The Paparazzi...Hilton Style
Team Park and Madison have been dissolved and it's everyone for themselves. The contestants are bombarded by paparazzi on their way to lunch with Kathy Hilton at the world famous Palm restaurant. Mrs. Hilton explains that living in the spotlight means dealing with the press, which is something her family knows all too well. The contestants receive tips from real paparazzi and publicists on how to handle the press and later that night, they think they're headed to a party when actually they face a press conference and their newly acquired skills are put to the test.
July 25, 2005
LOS ANGELES (AFP) - A photographer accused of trying to blackmail Hollywood star Cameron Diaz over topless pictures he took of her before she was famous was convicted of forgery, attempted grand theft and perjury.
Read it here on Yahoo News AFP
Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez, D-San Fernando, who is working on AB 381, would hit paparazzi in the pocketbooks -- allowing celebrities who are assaulted or intimidated by paparazzi to sue for the amount the photographer is paid for the photo, plus damages.
Read the article on the Los Angeles Daily News website.
July 23, 2005
ELVIS Sighting...
TODAY SHOW/Rockefeller Center Studios
July 22, 2005
It looks like the Today Show is trying new things in the photo area. The riser has been moved forward, allowing for only one row of photogs to shoot on the front barricade, and no walking room behind. It makes for closer shooting conditions, and you can physically feel the body heat from everyone. And with the way the humidity has been lately, it gets hot really quick.
Aside from that, Elvis and Emmylou were VERY gracious for the press. The stood just a few feet from the photo pit and posed up a storm, posed on the stage together, then greeted almost every fan their. Good show!
July 21, 2005
Stars Beg 'Don't Shoot' To Armies Of Paparazzi
On one side, superstars say they can't leave their homes without being chased by paparazzi clamoring for that money shot. On the other, photographers say the well-compensated celebrities are fair game. The two couldn't be further apart, yet they have to coexist.
You can find the article on USA TODAY.
July 19, 2005
The City Heats Up...
With a heat index of 100+ degrees, what better a day to jam full with events. And all over the city, none the less.
Billy Bob Thorton and the Bad New Bears play baseball in
Jermaine Dupri's "Young, Fly & Flashy" Record Release Party at Scores West…
Gus Van Zant's "Last Days"
Thalia's "El Sexto Sentido" CD Release Party at Kmart…
Magician Chris Angel finishes his ‘Oasis’ illusion in Bryant Park…
Elvis Costello at Summerstage…
Nicole Kidman is filming 'Fur' in the city...
Plus tons of private ‘rooftop’ parties all over…
Lindsay Lohan Loves Paparazzi
This article was found on FemaleFirst.
Lindsay Lohan loves being stalked by the paparazzi - because she finds it flattering. .
The sexy teen actress claims she doesn't mind being constantly pursued by shutterbugs wherever she goes because it means people are interested in her life.
She said : "In a way, it's cool that people want to know aboutBut in another, it's weird because they don't get the full story about me me" .
Last month, Lohan narrowly escaped serious injury after her car was hit by a photographer in a high-speed chase.The 'Mean Girls' actress was driving away from a Beverly Hills restaurant when snapper Galo Ramirez smashed into the driver's side of her Mercedes car - ripping the door open.
The Heat Is Bad News Un-Bearable
Ziegfeld Theater, 7pm premiere
July, 18, 2005
Ok...A high of 99 degrees and 85% humidity...now add 40+ photographers, and then more video, all stuck under a tent with no breeze....Welcome to summer in NYC.
Tempers were under control, although outbursts did occur. Photogs were stacked two rows deep around the entire perimeter of the arrival pen. By the finish of the premiere (pardon the following) everyone was a glistening, sweating mess.
A school bus full of the kids from the movie arrives. All 15+ pose on the rug at the same time...ugly shot. Harding was in nice fashion. And Billy Bob Thorton (with guest)....dark sunglasses the whole carpet (so much for headshots). Lots of B-list celebs.
July 17, 2005
Eye vs. Eye: Inside the Photo Wars

Read the article on the NY TIMES website.
You will need to login to view the article, but it's free to register.
You can also use these to sign in:
account: pidmeoff
password: pidmeoff1234
Bill Focuses On Paparazzi
A California politician wants to punish pushy photographers and protect celebrities.
Read the article HERE.
July 15, 2005
The Vote Is In....
Two Hour Break--------- 8 votes/ 14%
Four Hour Break-------- 30 votes/ 53%
No Breaks--------------- 19 votes/ 33%
I belive the next step is to have a run off between the [No Breaks] and [Four Hour Break] choices.
To pass an ammendmet to the US Constitution, a three quarter (3/4) vote is necessary (Article V). WE THE PEOPLE have used the US Constitution since 1791, I think that it's a good place to start. And if we can't get the 3/4 vote? The current two hour system will remain.
We should make sure we hammer out all the specifics for both plans so their is no confusion.
I started another discussion group to finalize ideas.
You can find it here: FINALIZE THE VOTE.
July 14, 2005
Cameron Diaz vs Paparazzi
Read the article here.
WEDDING CRASH and Burn
Ziegfeld Theater
7pm screening
There will be at least two distinct views on how things were run at this event. If you were at the first position on the carpet, things went moderately well. If you were at the end of the carpet...that's another story.
It's going to be bad if the HEAD OF PR announces,"If you don't like the set up, then LEAVE!". This set the tone for the entire event. Here's how it progressed.....
The PR placed A-List photographers, then video, followed by print journalists. All this was done at a leisurely pace, spread out over more space than they needed. Now it's time to place the B-List/Agency Shooters.
The initial plan was to place all the shooters (40+) behind 3 barricades. Because of the tent wall, anything more than two rows was impossible. This space barely held the first 20 photogs. And to add insult to injury, PR is yelling at the shooters to get off the carpet and get in the pen, which now degrades the integrity of the list. Very chaotic...
A second pen was then opened up for the rest of the shooters, which everyone bumrushes. No order, every man/woman for themselves. All the "B-List" photographers were treated in an unacceptable manner by both security and PR, which in turn, caused this situation.
July 13, 2005
HAPPY ENDINGS For Everyone
Chelsea West Theaters
7:30pm premiere
Did evryone notice how well things ran at this premiere? That was due to the PR woman Janice Roland. She really knew how to do things. When security was going to shorten the pit by one barricade, she was right there to tell them to extend it. Hands on. Well done. Kudos to Janice.
And once things were settled with Janice, the pit and the list...things ran quite smoothly. No major problems.....everyone had time to shoot and talent was cooperative.
I tell you folks...if we can get PR to be as responsive and calm as Janice, I honestly think every premiere would be a smooth ride.
New Bill Aimed At Punishing Paparazzi
SACRAMENTO — A new bill aimed at punishing paparazzi who threaten or assault celebrities gets its first hearing today in Sacramento. The bill follows an incident in May, in which a photographer allegedly crashed into actress Lindsay Lohan's car, in Los Angeles.
The proposed law would make a member of the paparazzi subject to civil damages, when an assault is committed during the pursuit of a photograph.