I have no problem being photographed or filmed while I'm on stage - a rare enough event that it deserves to be recorded, like a sighting of the swamp hog - but when I'm busking, it's a different matter. I find it quite rude for someone to walk up and take my picture or start filming, especially as I can be quite certain that they will feel no impulse to support my presence monetarily. On the other hand, if they ask first, or merely make an inquisitive gesture with a combination of camera and eyebrows, or toss something into the case, then I don't mind - although I still don't particularly relish the moment.

I think I would feel differently about it if my act consisted of something more like walking down the high street on stilts in a lurex bikini juggling live gerbils. But when I'm just standing there singing a song or playing a tune and mostly being ignored by passers-by, until some dolt steps up with a camera, snaps, and walks away - well, as I say, it strikes me as rude.

Not much I can do about it, of course, and, don't worry, I don't expect a whole lot of sympathy.