Cannes Film Festival—it’s all everyone’s been talking about lately. From the fashion to the films, it’s one of the most publicized events in all of Europe. However, this year, people were buzzing about something else: the security guard.
If you’ve spent any time online lately, you would’ve seen how a security guard from the festival kept getting hate for seemingly blocking certain celebrities from being photographed. She wasn’t trying to steal the spotlight nor was she trying to rain on their parade. No, the woman was simply doing her job.
From personal experience, not everyone is allowed to take photos while on the red carpet. In fact, only a select few are permitted to do so because they were invited by someone of authority. The rest are simply ordered to move along.
Don’t get me wrong, it can be quite frustrating. In this day and age, if it wasn’t photographed, it didn’t happen. However, people forget that rules are rules.
Last year, I had the privilege of attending the Cannes Film Festival and stood on those steps in a gown too (who doesn’t like a good photo, right?). However, I wasn’t part of the list of individuals who could have their photos taken. And so, like a herd of sheep, we were ordered to follow the rules and keep moving—and understandably so given the number of people.
Surely if they accommodated everyone, the movies premiering would not start on time.
With this in mind, I speak to “my people.” The ones who have their Instagram profiles on public and do content creation for a living (or hobby). At the end of the day, my point is this: be mindful. We are the annoying few. The vast majority don’t really care about the work we do. To some, we even disturb their peace.
Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you’re attending a big event:
1. Be mindful. Whenever in public places like museums or on city tours, shoot as fast as you can. You’re not more important than the girl beside you who wants to take a photo for their memories. In truth, I have more tolerance for people having family photos taken. Don’t hold the line. It’s annoying and inconsiderate.
2. Don’t expect people to move for you. It’s your obligation to look for the most quiet place to not inconvenience people. The ones who are interested in you, follow you. The rest don’t care.
3. Read the crowd. At gyms and sports centers, you are most of the time not welcome. In fact, I don’t even like when people are filming. It’s my me-time and when I’m at my most unglamorous. I don’t want to have to worry about being in someone’s background. My squats are hard enough.
4. Your friends want to eat in peace. Truthfully, I understand lifestyle shots. But if it’s already disturbing the flow of the gathering. You’re being rude.
5. Ask permission. Personally, I don’t even post my friends who are on private unless they post on their Instagram accounts first. Always ask permission. Especially when you’re in someone’s home, ask if it’s okay to post in their space. Respect others’ privacy.
Admittedly, even I constantly need to remind myself of these things. But at the end of the day, it’s our responsibility to be courteous and respectful of those around us. Don’t be a hassle.
