Today we answer a reader question:
Q. My question is what is the best way to handle those people who slide up to my booth and snap a sly photo of my crafts, but never pick up a business card, just slink away. Usually I just keep quiet. But sometimes they come right out and ask if they can take a photo of my work for their daughter, sister or niece, who they know would love to make crafts like mine. (!) Come on, people, I’m trying to make a bit of money making these things! – Helen
A. Helen, you are not alone—and your frustration is completely valid. As a metal artist, I can’t tell you how many times someone said, “I’m going to take a photo so my husband can make one.” On one memorable occasion, the husband actually came back, apologized for his wife’s behavior, and bought the piece. His exact words were: “I have no desire to spend the time it takes to create something like this.” That moment really stuck with me—people often underestimate the skill, time, and experience behind handmade work.
What I’ve done in my own booth is post small “No Photos Please” signs, and when people ask to take photos, I smile and confidently say, “No, thank you.” That alone has reduced a lot of the behavior.
Here are additional things vendors can do to discourage photos—without creating tension or losing sales:
1. Reframe the moment politely but firmly
If someone asks to take a photo, try:
“I don’t allow photos of my work, but I’d be happy to tell you about my process or help you find the perfect piece.”
2. Use signage that explains why
A sign like:
“Please don’t photograph original artwork. Thank you for supporting handmade artists.”
People are often more respectful when they understand it’s about protecting a livelihood.
3. Control the angles
Place your most distinctive or labor-intensive pieces deeper in the booth so they’re harder to photograph on the fly.
4. Offer an alternative
If they love something enough to photograph it, offer a business card, a branded postcard, or invite them to take a photo of your booth sign instead.
5. Remember: you are the authority
You’re allowed to say no. Protecting your intellectual property doesn’t make you unfriendly—it makes you a professional.
6. Make copying harder, not impossible
You can’t stop every photo, but you can reduce how useful they are:
- Avoid flat, straight-on displays for signature pieces
- Use layered, dimensional setups so details aren’t easy to capture
- Group pieces so a single item isn’t isolated and “blueprint clear”
7. Use subtle booth presence
Many sly photos happen when vendors look distracted. Simply:
- Standing near your most copied items
- Making eye contact
- Saying “Hi there!”
often stops the behavior immediately. People don’t like being noticed when they’re sneaking a photo.
8. Price tags as protection
Clear, visible pricing reminds people this is for sale, not a Pinterest board. It reframes the interaction from “idea” to “product.”
9. Educate without accusing
If you catch someone mid-photo, a calm line works wonders:
“I don’t allow photos of my work—it’s original and how I make my living.”
Most people will apologize. The ones who don’t were never going to buy anyway.
10. Use signage that’s firm but friendly
Instead of just “No Photos,” try:
“Original artwork—please enjoy with your eyes, not your camera.”
Tone matters, and this keeps it human.
11. Protect your process, not just the product
If someone says, “My niece would love to make this,” you can respond with:
“It took me years to develop this technique—that’s why I sell finished pieces rather than teach it.”
That often shuts the conversation down politely.
12. Accept that some photos = marketing
Here’s the hard truth: not every photo is theft. Some people take photos to:
- Show a partner before buying
- Remember your booth later
- Share your work with someone who will purchase
That’s why redirecting them to your business card, website, or social media is key. If a photo is going to happen, make sure your name goes with it.
13. Know this isn’t a “you” problem
The rise in phone photography has blurred social norms. Many people genuinely don’t understand that photographing handmade work is closer to copying art than snapping a picture of a tomato at the grocery store. Setting boundaries helps reset that expectation—for everyone after them, too.
Bottom line:
You can’t stop every camera, but you can protect your work, assert your value, and discourage the worst behavior—without becoming the “mean booth.”
And remember: people who respect artists will respect your rules. Those who don’t were never your customers anyway.
Handmade work represents years of learning, material costs, and time. Wanting to protect that is completely reasonable—and you’re well within your rights to do so.
-Booth Boss
