Why This Exists #
People come to Bottoms Up! to be real — soft, ecstatic, messy, reverent. That kind of openness only happens when we know the room is safe. Cameras are welcome only when they honor that trust.
Core Rule: Explicit Consent, Every Time #
- Ask before you take a photo or video
- Ask everyone in the frame — foreground, background, even blurry shapes
- State how you intend to use it (personal memento? private album? might share later?)
- Accept “no” immediately and without persuasion
- Be ready to delete in the moment if someone changes their mind
Blur is not consent. Assumption is not consent.
How to Ask Without Disrupting #
- Approach people when they’re not in the middle of a scene
- Keep it simple: “Can I capture this for my personal memory?”
- If it’s a group shot, get a verbal yes from every person
- If anyone hesitates, treat it as a no
- Put the camera away during sensitive rituals and consent moments
What’s Not Allowed #
- Bystander shots, candids of people you didn’t ask
- Flash, loud shutters, or anything that breaks the scene
- Recording audio without explicit consent
- Using cameras in bathrooms, changing areas, or private rooms
If you’re unsure whether something is okay, skip it or check with an organizer.
Respect the Space #
The venue is part of our privacy. When framing photos:
- Avoid wide shots that reveal location details, signage, or maps
- Crop or blur identifying features if in doubt
- Never capture staff or community members who haven’t opted in
After the Gathering #
- Re-confirm with every person in the image before you share it anywhere
- Keep the venue anonymous: no names, addresses, or identifiable architecture
- Remove posts immediately if anyone asks you to delete them
- Skip tagging people unless they explicitly request it
- Treat community albums as confidential — no screenshots or forwarding without consent
If Something Feels Off #
Tell the Consent Crew or organizers right away. We’d rather have an awkward conversation than a broken container. Your instinct to protect the space is part of the culture here.