The festival and "filming" season is now approaching.

I do appreciate that sensitive and professional photography is beneficial and even essential for promoting and recording events and even some of the "special informal moments" too.

However, in many situations it is very irritating for audience members, people playing music in sessions, or even just some of us having a social drink.

I don't really mind the odd "tourist snap" or friends taking a photograph but it's these over zealous photographers and camera people who wander around audiences, in pubs when sessions are in progress.... One guy even asked me to move once to "get a better shot" of another player! Apart from the upheaval and disruption, one has to put up with constant flashes and/or constant camera lights.

Quite often, the so called "professional" photographers hired by the festivals are often the worst offenders. While I realise that they may be required for more official and formal duties, they should not be interfering in the more informal aspects... e.g. pub sessions and so on.

So, any suggestions on how to deal with them? Tactfully or otherwise.

I thought I could just take my phone out and start filming them back but that wouldn't be very nice. No point in stooping to their level! Or I could suggest that I came filmed them when they were enjoying their own hobbies(other than photography) e.g. when they were enjoying a quiet spot of fishing, playing sport etc. Or playing darts, pool etc in the pub.

Any suggestions, humorous or otherwise?