I started playing farmer's markets in 2006. At these gigs I am clearly playing for tips. I have a jar with money in front of me with a sign that says "TIPS." During those 20 years I have had my photograph taken countless times by people who have not tipped me. First of all, it irks me to not have my permission asked before someone whips out their cell phone. Secondly, how does taking a photo help me? I am not talking about people with actual cameras, or even some people with cell phone cameras who are into "making photos " -- I have met some people who have asked and who have shared their images of me with me. I have employed various strategies in my campaign against this, including signs, announcements, humorous songs, and outright confrontation (one man deleted photos off his phone rather than give me money).

So, it's come to this. I have ordered signs that will be placed around my performance space to indicate that I an no longer allowing amateur photography.

People who are "real" photographers are always welcome to hone their craft by attempting to capture the essence of my performance through their medium.

But the day to day cell-phone whipper-outers can shove their device where the sun don't shine.