Swinging With Cameras Present

[MrkLin 393]

Ok, here I go again – lighting a brushfire with a topic that is sure to generate some very differing opinions. I think it’s a pertinent topic, however, because we’ve all either been in or will be in the situation at one time or another. That situation is the use of cameras during playtime.

 

Let me preface this by saying that in the narrative below, it is assumed that ALL participants have given permission to be photographed. Without specific permission to do so, no photographs are taken. Period!

 

Lin and I like to take pictures and record video of some of our swinging adventures and watch them later. Most – by no means all – of our lifestyle friends are the same way. There are one or two couples who don’t want any pictures or video taken of them – and that’s fine. I’m big on privacy, and have absolutely no problem with someone not wanting their picture taken. I have one digital still camera, and two camcorders that I leave on the coffee table, which can be used by anyone in the house. I encourage people to snap a few pics if they find themselves in a particularly sexy situation, and want a shot or two of the activities.

 

I’ve had a lot of couples ask me to follow them into a bedroom to take profile pictures for them, and a few have asked me to videotape them having sex for their own enjoyment later. Just about everyone at our parties has a lot of fun with the cameras, and there’s usually a ‘slideshow’ featuring pictures taken at the last party. Everyone gets a kick out of that. We often play back party videos as well. Believe me when I say the videos are a major turn on for some people, and are definitely an ice-breaker.

 

Along with that rather cavalier attitude about cameras, however, come some basic rules.

 

1.) The people you wish to photograph MUST give you SPECIFIC permission to take their picture.

 

2.) Without that permission, NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO WILL BE TAKEN. PERIOD.

 

3.) Everyone in the picture or video that is recognizable will get an unedited copy of the picture or video – and nobody else, without express permission.

 

4.) I WILL NOT share any pictures or video with anyone not in said picture or video. There is one exception to this rule. That is if person A wants a picture of person B, person B must e-mail or phone me and ask me to forward person A a copy of the picture in question.

 

5.) Pictures WILL NOT be posted online unless ALL of the people in the picture SPECIFICALLY REQUEST that I do so. No, it doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

 

It’s all about privacy, and I know that. Privacy is my number one rule, and believe it or not, I put it above “no means NO.”

 

Now, having said all of that, with privacy and picture sharing concerns being discussed, what is your attitude toward cameras and playtime? Do you sometimes wish you’d have had a cameraman in the room after a particularly memorable party or ‘meeting’ with a playmate? Do you allow cameras anywhere near your swinging adventures? Do you even care if someone takes your picture?

 

I’m just trying to get a feel for the climate out there in this regard.

[Chicup 41]

No brushfire for me.

 

The answer is no.

 

Camera = no play for the Chicups.

[hands4fun 15]

We make for the door if we see a camera. It doesn't both me the male half, but the wife is NO WAY! Hell I don't even have anything more than an R rated pic of her. So if we showed up at a party where there is a camera getting passed around at the very least we would be keeping our clothes on for the evening.....also if everyone who is in the video is gettting a copy, that is alot of copies to be just floating around.......all it takes is for one person out of all those people to get pissed at their SO and bam....everyone is on youtube...that our 2 1/2 cents...(inflation)

[IvoryTowers 380]

No cameras for us either. We've experimented with taking pictures of each other (found out we liked it after we had to take our profile pictures), but that's posed shots. When there's action, we both want to focus on that, not on creating a mediatized version of it.

[MrkLin 393]

I guess that I should have added that cameras are never present on playdates, club outings, or meetings with friends. This is a 'house party only' activity. Also, if even one person has the slightest reservation about cameras, they get put away with the batteries removed.

 

Also, to address the amount of videos or pics I've given out, the most copies of anything I've ever given out was two copies of one video - to the two people in the video. Everything so far has been for the private viewing of the person or people involved.

[Chicup 41]

I guess that I should have added that cameras are never present on playdates, club outings, or meetings with friends. This is a 'house party only' activity. Also, if even one person has the slightest reservation about cameras, they get put away with the batteries removed.

 

Also, to address the amount of videos or pics I've given out, the most copies of anything I've ever given out was two copies of one video - to the two people in the video. Everything so far has been for the private viewing of the person or people involved.

 

Here's the issue for me.

 

If I KNEW with 100% certainty they would be erased and never get into 'wrong' hands I'd not have a problem. In fact it would be fun.

 

The problem is we don't know that, and just like all the people who find their ex-boyfriend has put their 'personal' pictures on the net, I'd rather not trust everyone.

[MrkLin 393]

Here's the issue for me.

 

If I KNEW with 100% certainty they would be erased and never get into 'wrong' hands I'd not have a problem. In fact it would be fun.

 

The problem is we don't know that, and just like all the people who find their ex-boyfriend has put their 'personal' pictures on the net, I'd rather not trust everyone.

 

Fair enough, and a very good point. That's why I posed the topic. I do understand privacy issues, and I'm a total SOB when it comes to keeping certain things to myself. That's also why the cameras get put away with the batteries removed if anyone at all has even the slightest concern. I want them to be assured that there will be absolutely no 'lingering evidence' of their visit if they don't want any.

[CXXC 435]

Now I am surprised. Knowing your distaste for a simple Journal, which may be somewhat incriminating if it fell into the wrong hands, having photos and or video would remove all deniability.

 

If a journal can and "Will" be read or discovered eventually, so will photos.

 

Dont you think?

[good times 991]

We actually will not attend any swinging function where cameras are present. In fact, some good friends of ours started having house parties several years ago. We were all supportive of their plans until they said they were going to take pictures to post on their web site. Now in their defense, they said that they would only post pictures of those who gave permission. But we never went of one of their parties because for us, it isn't worth taking the chance that someone may post a picture that we were accidentally included in.

 

Due to some other (non-swinging) alternative activities that we have participated in which involve some nudity, my wife's boss found out and actually found it necessary to tell her that if he ever became aware of naked pictures of her on the internet she would be fired. So, we would not be there if cameras were involved, and if cameras do come out, we make a hasty exit.

[MrkLin 393]

Now I am surprised. Knowing your distaste for a simple Journal, which may be somewhat incriminating if it fell into the wrong hands, having photos and or video would remove all deniability.

 

If a journal can and "Will" be read or discovered eventually, so will photos.

 

Dont you think?

 

I do think - and that's an excellent point. It's also why I don't leave them laying around. Videos are kept in a locked video cabinet (the key to which is on my keyring, which is kept on my person,) and digital pictures are kept on an external hard drive, which is also kept in that locked cabinet when not in use. Anyone can come over at any time and are free to explore any file or folder on my computer they wish, and they'll find nothing at all even remotely untoward. My parents come over quite often, and my father uses my computer here and there. We also have a neighbor come over to feed our dog when we go away for a weekend. I don't want to take the chance that someone will 'stumble upon' something, so I take steps to keep that from happening - because you're right - a photo or video removes all deniability. Like I said, I'm a real SOB about keeping some things to myself.

[CXXC 435]

Having the videos and photos locked and safe is probably the ONLY way to keep them out of reach. Good security measure there. I fear the photo I do not know of more than the one secured in a vault. That is the one that generally gets posted on a web site.

 

I have a few photos of us in the nude and these are kept on a DVD in a safe place as well. These are NEVER left on the systm. That is asking for trouble.

[knb2004 364]

We're a bit more liberal about cameras. We don't mind them at all, in fact there have been occasions we've had what would almost amount to a bonafide photo sheet. However, we would never take photos of anyone who wished otherwise.

 

We went to a party one time that I thought had a great system. They had a photographer (others weren't allowed to take photos, only the official photographer), and on the nametags they put stickers.

 

Red=Don't take my pic

Yellow=You can as long as my head isn't in the frame

Green=Shoot away

 

We were of course greens LOL! In retrospect, perhaps colored bracelets would have been better as nametags tend to come off with clothes. This was also the incident that caused me to make a rule that when the clothes come off, so do the socks.

[LFM2 1,482]

Now, having said all of that, with privacy and picture sharing concerns being discussed, what is your attitude toward cameras and playtime? Do you sometimes wish you’d have had a cameraman in the room after a particularly memorable party or ‘meeting’ with a playmate? Do you allow cameras anywhere near your swinging adventures? Do you even care if someone takes your picture?

 

I’m just trying to get a feel for the climate out there in this regard.

 

We feel the same as you. We love having a camera and if everyone give permission and nobody objects, let the good times roll. If they would like to share pictures later on, go for it. Nothing is EVER posted online unless all parties agree to that. We are very discreet with our photos. Mostly, we download our photos that we take, look at 'em once or twice and then they're deleted. Currently, we have no play pics on any computer. Our chip or whatever they are that's stores the pics in the camera is reformatted as well. Our personal profile pics are stored elsewhere. Since there are no face shots in those, not too incriminating if they were found.

[MrkLin 393]

We're a bit more liberal about cameras. We don't mind them at all, in fact there have been occasions we've had what would almost amount to a bonafide photo sheet.

 

You would be amazed at the number of couples who have asked me to take pictures of them to be used on their Swing Lifestyle profile. One couple insisted on about 40 pictures, and we went through them one by one to cull the best of the bunch. They got the only copies, I might add. During our last Parrothead Party, Lin picked up this big Mylar palm tree that hangs from the ceiling to use as a decoration - complete with inflatable monkey hanging from one of the fronds. On the night of the party, everyone wanted their picture taken under that palm tree wearing either Lin's fake grass skirt and a bunch of fake leis, or just totally starkers. It has become a running gag at our parties... "Hey Mark - where's the monkey...?"

 

If you've ever done a search for swingers in our area, you've seen my handiwork. Lots of people want their picture taken. 'Nuff said.

[fun4Ds 1,098]

Personally I'm into the photography. I like to look back and revist past experiances. I look foward as well, to the next kodak moment.

 

However thats just me

 

Mrsfun on the other hand enjoys being photographed but is very strict about every photo or video taken.

 

I think its part of respecting peoples boundaries and comfort levels, just as anything in swinging goes.

 

If I'm around people who dont want any photos, I'm a watch dog.

 

If I'm around people who do want photos or video, I enjoy being the camera guy

 

We kind of have a mutual agreement. If you want pictures or video of us, let us be the ones who give them to you.

[tnt69couple 64]

Ok, here I go again – lighting a brushfire with a topic that is sure to generate some very differing opinions. I think it’s a pertinent topic, however, because we’ve all either been in or will be in the situation at one time or another. That situation is the use of cameras during playtime.

 

Let me preface this by saying that in the narrative below, it is assumed that ALL participants have given permission to be photographed. Without specific permission to do so, no photographs are taken. Period!

 

Lin and I like to take pictures and record video of some of our swinging adventures and watch them later. Most – by no means all – of our lifestyle friends are the same way. There are one or two couples who don’t want any pictures or video taken of them – and that’s fine. I’m big on privacy, and have absolutely no problem with someone not wanting their picture taken. I have one digital still camera, and two camcorders that I leave on the coffee table, which can be used by anyone in the house. I encourage people to snap a few pics if they find themselves in a particularly sexy situation, and want a shot or two of the activities.

 

I’ve had a lot of couples ask me to follow them into a bedroom to take profile pictures for them, and a few have asked me to videotape them having sex for their own enjoyment later. Just about everyone at our parties has a lot of fun with the cameras, and there’s usually a ‘slideshow’ featuring pictures taken at the last party. Everyone gets a kick out of that. We often play back party videos as well. Believe me when I say the videos are a major turn on for some people, and are definitely an ice-breaker.

 

Along with that rather cavalier attitude about cameras, however, come some basic rules.

 

1.) The people you wish to photograph MUST give you SPECIFIC permission to take their picture.

 

2.) Without that permission, NO PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO WILL BE TAKEN. PERIOD.

 

3.) Everyone in the picture or video that is recognizable will get an unedited copy of the picture or video – and nobody else, without express permission.

 

4.) I WILL NOT share any pictures or video with anyone not in said picture or video. There is one exception to this rule. That is if person A wants a picture of person B, person B must e-mail or phone me and ask me to forward person A a copy of the picture in question.

 

5.) Pictures WILL NOT be posted online unless ALL of the people in the picture SPECIFICALLY REQUEST that I do so. No, it doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

 

It’s all about privacy, and I know that. Privacy is my number one rule, and believe it or not, I put it above “no means NO.”

 

Now, having said all of that, with privacy and picture sharing concerns being discussed, what is your attitude toward cameras and playtime? Do you sometimes wish you’d have had a cameraman in the room after a particularly memorable party or ‘meeting’ with a playmate? Do you allow cameras anywhere near your swinging adventures? Do you even care if someone takes your picture?

 

I’m just trying to get a feel for the climate out there in this regard.

 

 

If the other couples does not mind we take video and pictures. When Tiffany plays with single males or has MFMMM... They agree to be photographed and are told that we do not show faces in the pictures. We make a CD for each participant after screening the pictures and give them one.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

5.) Pictures WILL NOT be posted online unless ALL of the people in the picture SPECIFICALLY REQUEST that I do so. No, it doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

 

 

FYI - to do this you should have express WRITTEN permission from all in the video/pictures - and have a signed release and copy of their proof of age. Just to cover your own ass.

[MrkLin 393]

FYI - to do this you should have express WRITTEN permission from all in the video/pictures - and have a signed release and copy of their proof of age. Just to cover your own ass.

 

Great idea. Thank you.

[swinger5 31]

We are no camera's or pictures. Maybe G rated.

 

Maybe I'm weird, but I have this paranoid thought that when I'm dead, the parents/kids have to go through all our stuff. I would rather not have that happen. Ewwww.........Our room is bare minimum on anything.

[Chicup 41]

We are no camera's or pictures. Maybe G rated.

 

Maybe I'm weird, but I have this paranoid thought that when I'm dead, the parents/kids have to go through all our stuff. I would rather not have that happen. Ewwww.........Our room is bare minimum on anything.

 

After I'm dead they might as well know their old man a little better, I'd be more worried about them finding it while I was alive

[Speed & Trixie 163]

Well... as we have not really had a swinging experience yet, we cant speak for camera use durring play time. However, Trixie and I are starting to delve into a bit of camera use for our own benefit.

 

Speed

[The Fuse 1,012]

Last night Mr. Fuse and I found ourselves in a group situation, and a very fun one. One of the ladies enjoys taking pictures, and would have just started clicking away, but her battery was dead. As I wrote in my earlier post, I am much more relaxed about pictures than I was a few years ago, and also about the possibility of them getting out. However, I found myself just a little relieved that I didn't have to think about whether to ask not to be photographed. She did not ask whether it would be okay, which although I liked her a lot (and her boyfriend even more), I found to be just slightly lacking in consideration. I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say here... just relating an experience and wishing that camera etiquette were more widely established along the lines of MrkLin's posts.

 

If she had started taking pictures, I also feel like there would have been some implied pressure to just go along. I admit, in a group situation I don't want to be the killjoy, and so I will do a few things here and there that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen to do. Although I would have felt fine just asking her to please not take pictures of us if I didn't want them taken, I would have been conscious of limiting her options. It's just a curious situation.

[magnum 78]

Last night Mr. Fuse and I found ourselves in a group situation, and a very fun one. One of the ladies enjoys taking pictures, and would have just started clicking away, but her battery was dead. As I wrote in my earlier post, I am much more relaxed about pictures than I was a few years ago, and also about the possibility of them getting out. However, I found myself just a little relieved that I didn't have to think about whether to ask not to be photographed. She did not ask whether it would be okay, which although I liked her a lot (and her boyfriend even more), I found to be just slightly lacking in consideration. I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say here... just relating an experience and wishing that camera etiquette were more widely established along the lines of MrkLin's posts.

 

If she had started taking pictures, I also feel like there would have been some implied pressure to just go along. I admit, in a group situation I don't want to be the killjoy, and so I will do a few things here and there that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen to do. Although I would have felt fine just asking her to please not take pictures of us if I didn't want them taken, I would have been conscious of limiting her options. It's just a curious situation.

 

 

I agree with you, photos are fun to take and to look at later but I always ask that they block/blure faces of those that do not want to seen.

 

I love to take photos and I have even been in a video or two, but I either wore a mask or my face was not visable.

[LOL_OMG 130]

I would agree to still pictures as long as it was my camera and I could delete them if I didn't like them. As far as someone (even Mr LOL) taking videos, NO NO NO. We did that years ago, had an hour session...very hot steamy and sexy on video...which we like to call The Lost Tapes.

 

Mrs

[Mr.Essex 264]

I'm a "neck and lower" picture taker due to job issues. But, when my contract is up, I won't have any problem showing it all. One of the benefits of my career field is perpetual disinterest. I'll always be able to find a new job, and I'll rarely find myself at a business that could afford to get rid of me.

[I'm his 15]

I would have to say no face in the pics. Or, maybe a mask of sorts to block out my identity. I often take pics for him and leave them on the camera; so he can see what I was up too!!

[I'm her's 15]

I'm not hot on pictures, but I give in easily, and or I just flip the middle finger every time a camera is point at me. I can get pretty good at flipping the bird before a pic is taken.

[JustMrJ 178]

MrkLin,

 

I would suggest if you have digital copies of your pictures and videos... even on an external drive, that you use something like this to encrypt them.

 

AndrosaSoft File Protector

 

At the very least, this way if someone, somehow, by some extreme chance gets into your external drive, at least you have your files encrypted and without the password, they get bupkiss...

 

Your journal, while not quite as incriminating, should also be encrypted if you have a soft copy and not a physical book or diary.

 

I don't care if we are in pictures or not... we had a play date that the other man enjoyed taking pictures. I was not worried that he would share since he has more to loose than us (he's in law enforcement) and we got copies for our fun files too... which are all encrypted.

 

Cheers!

[MrkLin 393]

MrkLin,

 

I would suggest if you have digital copies of your pictures and videos... even on an external drive, that you use something like this to encrypt them.

 

AndrosaSoft File Protector

 

At the very least, this way if someone, somehow, by some extreme chance gets into your external drive, at least you have your files encrypted and without the password, they get bupkiss...

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out!

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Last night Mr. Fuse and I found ourselves in a group situation, and a very fun one. One of the ladies enjoys taking pictures, and would have just started clicking away, but her battery was dead. As I wrote in my earlier post, I am much more relaxed about pictures than I was a few years ago, and also about the possibility of them getting out. However, I found myself just a little relieved that I didn't have to think about whether to ask not to be photographed. She did not ask whether it would be okay, which although I liked her a lot (and her boyfriend even more), I found to be just slightly lacking in consideration. I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say here... just relating an experience and wishing that camera etiquette were more widely established along the lines of MrkLin's posts.

 

If she had started taking pictures, I also feel like there would have been some implied pressure to just go along. I admit, in a group situation I don't want to be the killjoy, and so I will do a few things here and there that I wouldn't have otherwise chosen to do. Although I would have felt fine just asking her to please not take pictures of us if I didn't want them taken, I would have been conscious of limiting her options. It's just a curious situation.

 

There are two things I think people should consider here...

 

If you are taking pictures 1. You should ask permission. But 2. You are right tthere is a lot of implied peer pressure to just go along with things. There is really a lot of peer pressure in swinging to begin with... often it's not even that our peers are pressuring us but more that we put the pressure on ourselves to just go along and not make a scene, or not make things difficult for other people. But, why should we make things difficult on ourselves or do things we might regret later just to make other people more comfortable? In the end it's better for ourselves if we just speak up and say "no" to whatever it is that we aren't comfortable with. Whether it's someone taking pictures of our wild monkey sex with their partner (or someone else's partner) or some guy grabbing us in a way that we don't want to be grabbed.