UPDATED: Matisyahu Snaps, Attacks Photographer! Rebecca Smeyne Tells Her Story
By Rebecca Smeyne
Photographs by Rebecca Smeyne
UPDATE: Matisyahu's PR team just sent over the rapper's official statement about what happened at the show:
"I regret what transpired when I tried to remove the camera from the photographer's hands last night. As an artist on stage, it is very distracting and disorienting to have a camera flashing in your face for an extended period of time. I reacted impulsively out of frustration and for that I apologize."
UPDATE: Matisyahu has tweeted the following in response: "@papermagazine @rebeccasmeyne Sorry about last night. I totally snapped. I wouldn't call it a kick, more like stepping into the crowd. and being that you've shot so many shows you should know how distracting a huge flash in your face is. Seemed like you were there everywhere I turned with that flash. Next time be more sensitive to the performer."
Papermag assigned photographer Rebecca Smeyne to shoot Matisyahu's "Festival of Light" Hanukkah show last night at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Fun, festive times, right? Apparently not. We were dismayed to see a tweet from Rebecca around 10 p.m. saying the laid-back Hasidic rap star had kicked her in the face and broken her camera's expensive flash during the show. What?! Chilled-out nice-guy dub-reggae star Matisyahu did what? We've seen Rebecca shoot concerts and parties and she isn't aggressive or obnoxious in her pursuits to get her great shots, nor were we told flash wouldn't be allowed at this show. So what happened? Rebecca breaks down her side of the story for us below.
The night was strange from the start. It was December 21st, yet it was so unseasonably warm outside, I left my coat at home. I was on my way to cover Hasidic dub reggae star Matisyahu's 6th annual Festival of Light Hanukkah Tour -- one of his three nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg (where he happens to hold the record for the most sold-out shows). When I arrived at the venue, there was a crowd of Hasidic men standing near the entrance. They weren't patrons of the show, but on mitzvah missions, looking in a likely place for people who would answer affirmatively to the question "Are you Jewish?" My editor and I had pre-arranged a photo pass for the show through Matisyahu's publicists, and there was no mention of restrictions in terms of photography or flash. For the first half of the show, I shot from the floor, behind someone, near the side of the stage. I didn't use flash most of the time because there was bright enough lighting. About halfway through the set, Matisyahu went to the opposite end of the stage to light a huge menorah. I moved closer to get a shot of this key moment, and ended up toward the center, still behind a few people. After he was done with the Menorah, Matisyahu resumed performing in center stage. I took the opportunity of my proximity to take some flash photos, to get some detail shots. And this is when things got weird.
After 12 flash shots over a few minute period (the camera gives me this data), Matisyahu stepped toward me, off the stage. The person in front of me moved and the next thing I knew Matisyahu's foot was on my face and I fell to the ground. At first I assumed he was trying to crowdsurf, that he wasn't deliberately trying to step on me. But when I got up, he was in the middle of the audience. When I turned to look at him, he charged at me and attempted to forcefully wrestle the camera away from me. I had the camera strap wrapped around my wrist several times, and I held the body tightly with both hands. Finally, he ripped the external flash off the top of the camera, leaving wires exposed. Suffice to say, this is not an inexpensive piece of equipment, and he had clearly damaged it deliberately. I went to find security, and requested to talk to the manager. They told me to go outside, so I did, and then I called the police. I wasn't hurt, but I wanted to be reimbursed for the equipment damage and felt I needed to file an official report. The cops showed up while Matisyahu was still on stage. Eventually, after the officers made it clear they weren't leaving, Matisyahu's manager sheepishly came out, said he saw the whole thing, apologized for Matisyahu's behavior, and said it was "out of character." He said they'd pay for the damage, and I accepted, but still wanted to file the report, to have some documentation. Then he offered to settle in cash, on the spot. He gave me a fat stack of bills, and I thanked the police for coming out and called it a night.
So why did he freak out? This is a performer who's been in the spotlight for ten years; he has nearly 1.5 million followers on twitter. He should be very used to photographers. And I shoot performances often enough (over 600 different bands in the past 5 years, professionally) to know I wasn't doing anything, shall we say, un-Kosher. As it turns out, Matisyahu had been in the news a lot this week, after he unexpectedly shed all of his facial hair and curls and announced via twitter that he is "reclaiming" himself from religious rules." This week at Music Hall was, in fact, the first time he'd been seen in public with his new look, which the press has described as "confusing to fans." And no, he's not giving interviews about it. Whether these recent changes caused him to snap, is unclear. I will say, though, that the show itself was pretty underwhelming, save for the talents of his backing band (holla Dub Trio), and a supremely awesome huge disco dreidel hanging from the ceiling. But I guess at this point, you could say I'm biased.
"I regret what transpired when I tried to remove the camera from the photographer's hands last night. As an artist on stage, it is very distracting and disorienting to have a camera flashing in your face for an extended period of time. I reacted impulsively out of frustration and for that I apologize."
UPDATE: Matisyahu has tweeted the following in response: "@papermagazine @rebeccasmeyne Sorry about last night. I totally snapped. I wouldn't call it a kick, more like stepping into the crowd. and being that you've shot so many shows you should know how distracting a huge flash in your face is. Seemed like you were there everywhere I turned with that flash. Next time be more sensitive to the performer."
Papermag assigned photographer Rebecca Smeyne to shoot Matisyahu's "Festival of Light" Hanukkah show last night at Music Hall of Williamsburg. Fun, festive times, right? Apparently not. We were dismayed to see a tweet from Rebecca around 10 p.m. saying the laid-back Hasidic rap star had kicked her in the face and broken her camera's expensive flash during the show. What?! Chilled-out nice-guy dub-reggae star Matisyahu did what? We've seen Rebecca shoot concerts and parties and she isn't aggressive or obnoxious in her pursuits to get her great shots, nor were we told flash wouldn't be allowed at this show. So what happened? Rebecca breaks down her side of the story for us below.
The night was strange from the start. It was December 21st, yet it was so unseasonably warm outside, I left my coat at home. I was on my way to cover Hasidic dub reggae star Matisyahu's 6th annual Festival of Light Hanukkah Tour -- one of his three nights at Music Hall of Williamsburg (where he happens to hold the record for the most sold-out shows). When I arrived at the venue, there was a crowd of Hasidic men standing near the entrance. They weren't patrons of the show, but on mitzvah missions, looking in a likely place for people who would answer affirmatively to the question "Are you Jewish?" My editor and I had pre-arranged a photo pass for the show through Matisyahu's publicists, and there was no mention of restrictions in terms of photography or flash. For the first half of the show, I shot from the floor, behind someone, near the side of the stage. I didn't use flash most of the time because there was bright enough lighting. About halfway through the set, Matisyahu went to the opposite end of the stage to light a huge menorah. I moved closer to get a shot of this key moment, and ended up toward the center, still behind a few people. After he was done with the Menorah, Matisyahu resumed performing in center stage. I took the opportunity of my proximity to take some flash photos, to get some detail shots. And this is when things got weird.
After 12 flash shots over a few minute period (the camera gives me this data), Matisyahu stepped toward me, off the stage. The person in front of me moved and the next thing I knew Matisyahu's foot was on my face and I fell to the ground. At first I assumed he was trying to crowdsurf, that he wasn't deliberately trying to step on me. But when I got up, he was in the middle of the audience. When I turned to look at him, he charged at me and attempted to forcefully wrestle the camera away from me. I had the camera strap wrapped around my wrist several times, and I held the body tightly with both hands. Finally, he ripped the external flash off the top of the camera, leaving wires exposed. Suffice to say, this is not an inexpensive piece of equipment, and he had clearly damaged it deliberately. I went to find security, and requested to talk to the manager. They told me to go outside, so I did, and then I called the police. I wasn't hurt, but I wanted to be reimbursed for the equipment damage and felt I needed to file an official report. The cops showed up while Matisyahu was still on stage. Eventually, after the officers made it clear they weren't leaving, Matisyahu's manager sheepishly came out, said he saw the whole thing, apologized for Matisyahu's behavior, and said it was "out of character." He said they'd pay for the damage, and I accepted, but still wanted to file the report, to have some documentation. Then he offered to settle in cash, on the spot. He gave me a fat stack of bills, and I thanked the police for coming out and called it a night.
So why did he freak out? This is a performer who's been in the spotlight for ten years; he has nearly 1.5 million followers on twitter. He should be very used to photographers. And I shoot performances often enough (over 600 different bands in the past 5 years, professionally) to know I wasn't doing anything, shall we say, un-Kosher. As it turns out, Matisyahu had been in the news a lot this week, after he unexpectedly shed all of his facial hair and curls and announced via twitter that he is "reclaiming" himself from religious rules." This week at Music Hall was, in fact, the first time he'd been seen in public with his new look, which the press has described as "confusing to fans." And no, he's not giving interviews about it. Whether these recent changes caused him to snap, is unclear. I will say, though, that the show itself was pretty underwhelming, save for the talents of his backing band (holla Dub Trio), and a supremely awesome huge disco dreidel hanging from the ceiling. But I guess at this point, you could say I'm biased.
Your Comment
Posted at 12:31 on Dec 22, 2011
unfortunately some celebrities view all photographers trying to photograph them as sub-human. he should be ashamed of himself.
Posted at 1:11 on Dec 22, 2011
Oh come on. Any concert photographer should know better than to be using those huge annoying flashes at shows. And 12 of them in like 2 minutes? You probably blinded him. I probably would have kicked you in the face too.
Posted at 1:25 on Dec 22, 2011
I'm with 1:11, get a new job.
Posted at 1:26 on Dec 22, 2011
@Hal The fact that she was using flash is not the point -- he kicked her in the fucking face and tried to destroy her personal property. But, yeah, I believe you would have kicked her in the face, too. You sound like an asshole.
Posted at 1:39 on Dec 22, 2011
i would love to stand in front of this girl all day and constantly snap a flash in front of her face to see how it makes her feel. hopefully she'll learn to not use a flash when shooting concerts. total amateur who thinks she's more important than all the paying customers.
Posted at 1:46 on Dec 22, 2011
12 flashes for the entire night when he is in a dark spot on stage is not nearly as bad as the amount of people in the crowd who were taking photos the entire time with their phones/point and shoot cameras with no regard for the other people around them/behind them.
Posted at 1:59 on Dec 22, 2011
Hey Yahoo. Gimme that phatstackabillz.
Posted at 2:16 on Dec 22, 2011
Amateur? Did you catch the part about over 600 performers in 5 years? Those shoots would be for spin, the village voice, vice, noisey and MTV. Not an amateur.
Posted at 2:19 on Dec 22, 2011
is this papermag or brooklynvegan?
Posted at 2:27 on Dec 22, 2011
Violence is violence. Someone taking your photo with or without a flash never ever gives you the right to physically assault someone else and destroy their property. Matisyahu is a professional performer, having your photo taken at a live show by PRESS photographers (big difference between paparazzi) comes with the career. That said, a performer can request no flash photography during their performances, but in this instance the venue, management nor publicist made mention of that, so it was perfectly acceptable for this press photographer to use a flash. Ever try taking a photo at a darkened venue without a flash? Yeah, that's why magazines and websites aren't running your iPhone photos.
Posted at 3:05 on Dec 22, 2011
Both sides can always learn from a conflict. For Matis, the lesson is obvious; violence is not the proper response; there is a proper way to respond to a situation that is progressively distracting and annoying (also your PR people need to be sure there is a no flash rule or make everyone shoot from the mix position and not in the "pit"). For the photographer; you say you took 12 flash photos from close to the stage in a few minutes...think about that, whether or not a Publicist said no flash or not, that is obviously going to suck big time for the performer. I'm sure from all the shows you've done it's not surprising to you that taking that many flash photos that close in such a small time frame would eventually really piss someone off. Learn from it, don't assume there is only one side to the story. The bigger lesson might be, people make mistakes, all people; so try being forgiving (especially since they settled with you pretty much immediately). Instead of turning everything that happens to you into a promo opportunity, be the bigger person in this instance and be appreciative that his team admitted the fault and paid you that night. And a last bit of insight into well documented psychological date, when someone speaks badly of someone else, the third party hearing the story/info often accepts the info and creates a negative idea about the person being spoken of, but the the amazing thing is, the third party also develops a negative impression of the person telling over the negative information. Turns out if you speak badly about others, people often think badly of you.
Posted at 3:17 on Dec 22, 2011
Maybe the rest of the fans were able to better enjoy the show with the camera out of the way. So sick of cameras and cellphone cameras lining the front rows at shows - smash them all!
Posted at 3:39 on Dec 22, 2011
Couple of things about this article that I have to comment on.
1) As a concert photographer who has shot "over 600 different bands in the past 5 years, professionally" you should be VERY aware that flash is very distracting to performers and should never be used unless expressly PERMITTED, not PROHIBITED. These guys are doing their job up there and for you to wave a flash in their face is at best unprofessional and at worst downright rude. Come on, how would you like it if someone was blasting a flash in your face as you tried to compose photos or develop in your darkroom. As a concert photographer and a fan myself I can tell you that it is incredibly distracting to fans in the audience as well as the performer.
2) This was NOT the first time that he'd been seen in public with the beardless look. He was in Colorado last week and performed in Boulder and in Denver and there are plenty of shots (taken without flash) of him. See Here: http://www.listenupdenver.com/?p=8068
While I do not blame Matisyahu for being frustrated with you, we all know he could have handled it differently, and it sounds like he does too from the look of his tweet in response to this article.
Posted at 3:43 on Dec 22, 2011
Matisyahu overreacted, definitely, becoming violent wasn't the solution to this problem, what he should have done is looked at his stage manager, pointed to Rebecca and made the sign for "get her outta here!". Maybe he was having problems with the stage manager and didn't feel confident that the problem would be quickly solved.
Rebecca, I've also shot hundreds of shows and I can tell you that I not only haven't I used flash in any of those shows, but I haven't even consider using flash. Nobody likes a flash in his face, especially when he's doing something important and challenging to him. The shots you got were adequate. Between photographers I'd say that we're often obsessed with getting the best picture possible, but it's best to look at the big picture instead.
It sounds like his manager forget tell the venue people "no flash" or someone at the venue forgot to pass on those instructions. I just read that other stuff was going on at the time, maybe with Matisyahu's recent decisions the manager started worrying about his future or his kids or whatever and it probably slipped his mind.
The end result is that you now have a well-known performer and his management mad at you and the pubication that you work for, just not a good idea for you or the business you work for. I would have erred on the side of caution, and, even though it looked like you had permission to shoot flash, not have used it.
That doesn't excuse his aggression, but even though you're a professional, it sounds like an amateur decision. Live and learn. And enjoy the next concerts that you shoot because live music is an incredible experience for both performer and audience.
Posted at 3:52 on Dec 22, 2011
Hey, fellow music photographer here -- a few questions that really would shed some light (ha ha) on who's in the wrong here.
1) Were you using built-in or external flash? You mentioned "wires" so I'm not quite sure.
2) Do you normally use flash in large venues like this that have proper lighting?
3) If you did use external flash, were you bouncing it off of walls/ceilings or firing it directly into the performer's eyes?
Posted at 3:55 on Dec 22, 2011
Fuck him. Who does he thik he is not calling it a "kick" What did her face get in the way of his foot. This is a guy that has become more and more full of humself and to be honest his gimmick is up. His music is certainly underwhelming at best and the fact he has been around longer than a decade and didnt even have the matza balls to apologise himself but rather send his manager out to pay her off. He knew he did something wrong and didnt want to got to jail for assault like he should have for kicking not only a fan but a female fan in the face. I will never see him live ever
Posted at 4:02 on Dec 22, 2011
Concert photographers use flash all the time at smaller venues like this.
Usually its larger venues with flash restrictions, because there's a whole pit of photographers and all the flashes at once would be overwhelming.
It doesnt seem like flash was used in these pics, I'm confused.
Posted at 4:11 on Dec 22, 2011
It is very annoying and unprofessional to use flash at a concert. Also, don't be annoying.
Posted at 4:18 on Dec 22, 2011
While his actions were ridiculous, a pro photog should know better than to use a flash. The only time I use one is for a dj show where I'm on stage with the dj. They expect it.
Posted at 4:19 on Dec 22, 2011
Maybe she's not an amateur, but using flash is an amateur move. Even if it doesn't implicitly say no flash, any photog worth their salt knows the rules.
#Doesn'tJustifyAkicktothefacetho
Posted at 4:20 on Dec 22, 2011
As a music photographer, I am of the opinion that regardless if it is specified or not, the photographer NEVER use a flash when shooting an act. It is simple etiquette. The show is for the fans and the performers and it is your job to be as unnoticeable as possible so you are not a distraction to the crowd or the act.
With that said, the actions of Matisyahu here are reprehensible and completely out of line. While I believe you instigated his anger, violence and destruction of property is never okay. Kudos to for standing your ground and calling the police to make them reimburse you Rebecca. Just stay away from the flash at concerts.
Posted at 4:21 on Dec 22, 2011
the flash photos look really bad too. Prime lenses and a good camera body should suffice in any concert setting. I know that and I've only been shooting for 3 years.
Posted at 4:29 on Dec 22, 2011
I don't really get why everyone is so concerned with types of flash, etc. Is it such an outlandish request not to be kicked in the face and have your property destroyed when you show up to work? Rebecca Smeyne's a talented photographer and wouldn't have such an extensive resume if she had a reputation for harassing performers.
Posted at 4:31 on Dec 22, 2011
I've had people do things that annoyed me. My response has never been--and never will be--to respond with violence. There's no excuse for Matisyahu's behavior. He could have simply said into the microphone, "Hey, no flash" to put an end to it. But he didn't. He chose to physically hurt a woman and damage her equipment instead. Wrong choice, guy.
Posted at 4:32 on Dec 22, 2011
I've professionally photographed shows for years – and while I do not condone violence, I've NEVER... NOT ONCE... shot a show where a flash was allowed. I've covered small club shows to massive festivals, and this is just really hard for me to be OK with on either side. Frankly, you should consider a new profession.
Posted at 4:33 on Dec 22, 2011
Now Jews are attacking Jews. Shouldn't they be saving it for the Palestinians?
Posted at 4:55 on Dec 22, 2011
you sound like a bad photographer, the performer is more important than you are, take flash photos during the first two songs
Posted at 5:00 on Dec 22, 2011
He kicked a girl in the face & SOME of you are baking him? Trying to say using a flash is a decent excuse to kick a girl in the face, wow!
Posted at 5:05 on Dec 22, 2011
matusyahu is a drunk. He reeks of wine on the regular. When people act "out of character", it is a euphemism for being drunk. Damn, Matis- when you may have shaved your beard but you're the same fraudulent punk from Phish lot posing as a pious man. I thought you weren't allowed to touch a woman you weren't married to...unless you're attacking her, I suppose. For shame...
Posted at 5:52 on Dec 22, 2011
What kind of photographer uses a flash at a concert???
Ridiculous.
Posted at 5:54 on Dec 22, 2011
nah the photographer pretty much sucks - shes always waving her camera around and using flash. and its kinda stupid for papermag to post.
Posted at 5:56 on Dec 22, 2011
Flash? really? why?
Posted at 6:19 on Dec 22, 2011
I was right there in the front row (you can see me in the picture with the hand raised), and I can tell you all, from what I saw, he never kicked her in the face. He stepped out on top of the crowd (like he does at many of his shows), and he ended up stepping on her shoulder. She didn't even completely fall over. Just leaned back, and quickly stood up straight again.
Matis never got violent. He never touched her, just the camera. He never punched or shoved her.
I'm 100% behind Matisyahu.
Posted at 10:25 on Dec 22, 2011
Rebecca it's amateurs like you that make artist's restrict PROFESSIONAL photographers. Amateurs like you mike it harder to make a living because you have no respect for the artist or the profession.
You deserved what you got and I call bullshit on them not giving you the no flash restriction. I've shot him half a dozen times and was told EVERY time, THREE SONGS, NO FLASH. You should have known that.
Besides that, your photos are crap. Look how horrible those flash photos look. You shouldn't even call yourself a photographer you hack.
Posted at 11:43 on Dec 22, 2011
I flat out don't believe Rebecca and Papermag's story as presented here. I've shot Matis, and unlike many artists, there was no rights grabbing release. However, the confirming email ABSOLUTELY said "Do not use a flash". Of course, I can't believe any photographer that claims to be a professional would use a flash to shoot concerts. That defeats the purpose of capturing the effects of concert lighting. I don't care how many bands you say you've shot; that doesn't mean they were shot well or of professional quality. I know these shots are mediocre and not of professional quality. Instead of shaking down artists, maybe you should improve yours skills so you don't have to use a flash in concert photography. There are ways to adjust your settings so you don't have to. Papermag, you'd be taken more seriously if you assigned a photographer that knew how to set their camera properly. A flash? at a gig? it's laughable. And repeatedly flashing the artist? Papermag should be apologizing to Matisyahu for sending a photographer who behaved so unprofessionally. 12 FLASH SHOTS? It doesn't get much more unprofessional than that. I'm curious to see if Papermag will comment on the lack of professional skills and courtesy demonstrated by their "photographer." and the remarks about the Hasidic men were unnecessary and the non-kosher comment was inappropriate. Between the remarks and the photog's behavior, thanks for putting a damper on the Holiday.
Posted at 11:44 on Dec 22, 2011
thats what happens when you shave your beard.
Posted at 1:22 on Dec 23, 2011
Honestly, shit happens. Personally, you should get over it, in a few hours the world will move on. Deal with it.
Posted at 1:38 on Dec 23, 2011
a good concert photographer does not need to use a flash...period!
Posted at 2:40 on Dec 23, 2011
Shut the "F" up, people. Thank you Rebecca, for standing up for yourself. Your photos are fantastic. I cannot believe all of these folks ragging on you. I'm sorry about what happened to you and I hope you're okay. Matisyahu: you can apologize all you want for being a jackass, unprofessional jerk. You behavior was sick and uncalled for. Readers, please stop defending him. And, hey all you "professional photographers" out there, Niice of you to defend one of your own. Is it that competitive out there? BTW.... how many of the pics featured here used flash anyway? They are awesome. So what, 12 flashes close together, even if those are not represented here. If Matisyahu was a real professional he would have been able to perform without going berserk. Matisyahu is indeed a real "yahoo". And please, knock off the "Jew" comments. Totally uncalled for. Thanks, Paper Mag, for continually showing us Rebecca's talent.
Posted at 3:09 on Dec 23, 2011
Even if it's not specified that flash is unacceptable, I don't use it anyway out of respect for the performer's basic need to see. I can't even bring myself to use it at a friend's concert where there's 20 people in a dark bar because, out of common courtesy, I don't want to blind everyone there. There are plenty of lenses and cameras out there that will allow you to get a shot in low light situations without a flash. Go to B&H- they're happy to help you pick suitable equipment out!
That said, no it's not ok Matisyahu damaged her equipment and went after her. Until a YouTube video surfaces, none of us reading will know what really happened (unless you trust the one account posted here in the comments). He obviously feels apologetic about it at least and they did reimburse her.
Both parties were wrong and a little common sense on both sides would have helped avoid this unfortunate scenario.
Posted at 3:25 on Dec 23, 2011
Seems like you're trying to get as much attention for this as possible. It's not making you look very professional.
Posted at 4:18 on Dec 23, 2011
REAL MEN DON'T HIT OR KICK WOMEN!!!!!
Posted at 7:23 on Dec 23, 2011
It's disturbing how many commenters here are criticizing this photographer and questioning her experience, as if it justifies Matisyahu's reaction. Bottom line, there were other ways he could have dealt with this situation, including asking security to tell her to stop using flash or even stopping the show and telling her himself. What happened is not OK, and he wouldn't have issued an apology or said he regrets what he did if he wasn't in the wrong. There is no excuse for an artist to react with force in a situation like this, no matter how annoyed he or she is.
Posted at 10:13 on Dec 23, 2011
New Meaning to "The Festival Of Lights"
P.S. If you get tired of all of these BS Prima Donna Performers, Vampire Rick is available for corporate events, weddings, Baby namings, etc...
I know where many of your guests live and will follow them home.
Posted at 10:22 on Dec 23, 2011
I spoke to a friend of mine who is a professional photographer. His first gig was on David Bowie's Serious Moonlight tour back in 1981 (!!!). He can't count the number of shows he's covered. He was appalled at Rebecca's behavior. "Twelve flashed in 2 minutes? At some shows I would have been lucky not to get my camera smashed and forcibly kicked out if I tried to pull off a stunt like that..." This doesn't justify Matisyahu dealing with it himself - that's what the bouncers are for, and had they responded instead, I daresay Rebecca's experience would have been a lot more unpleasant. What makes this even more noteworthy is that after getting paid off with "a fat stack of bills" (what was the exact dollar amount?), Rebecca turned this "slow kick" as per her email to Rolling Stone Magazine, into a story, and then followed up by dissing the show!!! Her tweets describe Matisyahu as a "misogynist" to boot! Now, what band in their right mind is ever going to issue a press pass to Rebecca again? This post-payoff indignation is career suicide. Good luck with your future in the Rock and Roll photography biz, dear.
Posted at 10:33 on Dec 23, 2011
While his actions are not warranted and should have been handled different the fact remains the photographer was using flash.
I shoot concerts and many other things for news services and a larger market newspaper for many years and NEVER use flash. If you know how to handle your rig (and have a good rig/lens selection)..you don't need it. A pro concert photographer, regardless of the venue should not even bring flash to the pit or shooting area. My flashes stay in a bag in my car outside the venue.
Did not excuse his violent behavior and he should be held accountable for his actions but really....a pro never uses a flash at a concert.
Posted at 10:39 on Dec 23, 2011
Why were you using flash? A concert photographer who has shot 600+ shows should know better.
Posted at 10:45 on Dec 23, 2011
Rule #1:
NEVER use flash.
Posted at 10:55 on Dec 23, 2011
Can I flash Becky in the face 12 times while she is doing something really important?
Don't photographers know that very bright lights are very uncomfortable ? I think the right word here is EMPATHY Miss Smeyne.
Posted at 11:02 on Dec 23, 2011
I will not stand and align myself with anyone who behaves like a raving lunatic in the manner that Rebecca has. Not only is she less than professional, but she is using this as a method of self-promotion, and shameless at that. You DO NOT shoot with a flash, no matter how intimate the setting. 99% of us never have nor ever will. Even if it is not expressly implied (which, there are stories now coming out that state that it was, in the e-mail granting permission) it is professionally known as a given that no flash is allowed. Especially given the fact by Rebecca that she chose to shoot it in rapid-fire succession of 12 shots in 2 minutes time? Are you serious? Reassess your methods, ideology, and profession; you are giving the rest of us that work our tails off, a bad name.
Posted at 11:04 on Dec 23, 2011
Using a flash at a concert is a sure-fire way to piss someone off.
While the artist's reaction was unacceptable (he could've gotten security involved instead), no "pro" is going to use a flash when shooting a concert. I don't care who you're shooting for, if you're using a flash at a concert, your "pro" credentials are suspect.
Chalk this up to experience, move on, and leave the flash at home...
Posted at 11:16 on Dec 23, 2011
I'm guessing that the majority of "photographers" commenting are incredibly amateur in comparison to the amount of work this girl does.
Irregardless of the goddamn flash issue and the amount (or lack thereof) of the commenters authority on the subect; kicking someone in the head then destroying their expensive equipment is unacceptable and highly unprofessional.
Posted at 11:24 on Dec 23, 2011
Speaking as a music photographer, I don't even take my flash out of my bag when I shoot shows, I use it for greenrooms, and portraiture backstage. This is music photography 101 a flash is just dangerous to performers. Think of all the above lighting that is always on them during a show, Now the performers basic instinct is to look down so they aren't constantly being blinded by the stage lights. So to put a flash in that safe zone totally disorients the performer and is flat out dangerous to them, never mind distracting as hell. I have shot Matis, and he is one of the nicest most laid back performers, maybe his reaction was a little over the top, but ITS THE PHOTOGRAPHERS FAULT. If she had any know how about how to shoot a live music event she would know that a large additional flash is NEVER a good idea. IMO She shouldnt be your staffed music photographer if she doesn't know this. Happy Hanukkah Matis!
Posted at 11:25 on Dec 23, 2011
Don't try to spin it in your favor PaperMag, your photographer deserved it. You would think after 600 shows she would have a clue.
Posted at 11:30 on Dec 23, 2011
I'm astonished that anyone is defending Matisyahu's behavior, and if he didn't want flash used at his show he should have made Ms. Smeyne aware of that fact beforehand. Her photos are fine, and that's really great that none of you have ever used a flash in your life - sometimes it's necessary. Leave her alone and let her do her job.
Posted at 11:34 on Dec 23, 2011
If I were the photographer, I would be extremely embarrassed over this. I would have taken the money for new gear, and then let the issue die. Instead she's advertised to the music and photo world that she doesn't know what she is doing...
Posted at 11:37 on Dec 23, 2011
The fact she has shot over 600 shows she should know better. Plain and simple, wouldn't of happened if it wasn't out.
Signed A Music Photograpger.
Posted at 11:52 on Dec 23, 2011
Using flash in a concert should be much an exception. 12 flashes in a few minutes are way too much, thats blinding the artists and isn't necessary at all. Anyway, what did you do there the whole show? For a simple web-gallery like the one above you should be fine within the first three songs, using no flash at all. If you can't make it in 15 minutes, you won't make it in two hours.
Posted at 12:19 on Dec 23, 2011
I too am amazed that anyone would condone and excuse violence against anyone for shooting a few photos with a flash. Who is he? King Kong? Obviously, Matisyahu is going through some struggles right now, and he chose to take it out on an innocent photographer. Sadly, people with a grudge against the "horrible" media are all too common in this supposedly free country.
Posted at 12:31 on Dec 23, 2011
I'm disappointed with the majority of photographers (and other misinformed know-it-alls) here that piously yap about 'as a pro she shouldn't have used flash.' Claiming yourself to be a professional by adhering dutifully by the arbitrary and restrictive rules of what concert photography has devolved into does not make you a better photographer. To take creative and technical options off the table, especially in such a limited environment as an artificially lit concert stage, is more about creative laziness and adhering to the status quo than 'respect for the artist.' There are respectful and creative ways to use flash and non-respectful and obnoxious ways to use flash. Rebecca Smeyne is an experienced photographer and her work is more creative than most. From her account she shot without flash for most of the show and made a creative decision to use flash later in the concert. 12 exposures in 2 minutes is very conservative, about one shot every 10 seconds. There were no stated restrictions about flash from the venue, publicist, or artist (until he assaulted the photographer and destroyed her equipment.) The artist admits fault by both paying for the damage and (half-assedly) apologizing in his twitter comments. If I were his lawyer I'd tell him to shut up, as he is still very much on the hook for assault charges by his own admission if the photographer chooses to pursue a case.
Posted at 12:36 on Dec 23, 2011
No performer wants a flash in their face during a show. The performer was wrong in attacking you, but you were completely unprofessional in shooting flash from both the artists and audience perspective. If you have really shot over 600 shows, you would not be as unprofessional as you say in your story.
By airing this story you have just written yourself off for many future gigs. Best of luck with your career as anyone who googles your name will see this story on numerous links. So much for your ten minutes of fame.
Posted at 1:10 on Dec 23, 2011
Word of mouth is that you were being intentionally obnoxious with an extra-bright flash and just blasting him with the camera.
I assume that word of mouth could be biased, but still... Matisyahu doesn't exactly have a reputation as being unreasonable.
Posted at 1:12 on Dec 23, 2011
Not being funny but NONE of these photos look professional and the look alone on his face on one of these pics quite clearly says he's not happy. Professionals VERY RARELY use flash due to restrictions, but as has been pointed out what the hell was the flash being bounced off?
He shouldn't have been violent but if you Rebecca are a professional you should have acted as such and not given artists more reason to hate togs
Posted at 1:58 on Dec 23, 2011
What photographer uses a flash at a show like this?
Posted at 2:36 on Dec 23, 2011
PROFESSIONAL photographers should know better than to use a flash during a concert. I mean, c'mon! It's standard practice to turn off your flash.
The ONLY time I've ever seen it done -- and I've been going to concerts for 30 years -- was when Tricky was a total jerk to the press one year at SxSW. The group of photogs in the pit just went wild with their flashes, all at once, blinding him onstage. On purpose. It was an act of abject anger by the press.
Lose the flash.
Posted at 2:42 on Dec 23, 2011
To heylady: You say "Concert photographers use flash all the time at smaller venues like this."
WRONG. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
No they don't. Pros don't.
Posted at 3:35 on Dec 23, 2011
As a concert photographer myself, I know to NEVER use flash. You should know better. I am not letting Matisyahu off the hook for his actions, but you need to know how to shoot shows.
Posted at 3:52 on Dec 23, 2011
Maybe NOT using a flash (which after seeing your "documentation photos" you should lay off) would be the reason. every concert photographer on the planet knows better. Why did you think that it was ok to use a flash?
Still, no reason to kick/step on you and break your gear. Good news: New flash & Keep it at home.
Posted at 4:02 on Dec 23, 2011
Rebecca is the reason why photogs are only allowed to shoot the first three songs of major musical acts. I do understand she has a job to do and that is to deliver images. But she is obtrusive and too in the moment to realize that she is becoming the spectacle and not the person performing on stage. I have been to smaller shows with her taking pictures and to be honest... it's annoying. 600 acts in 5 years, great. But I dread when I am at a smaller show and you are there. I can only imagine his frustration with her. The way he handled it was wrong. I am not surprised, but I do think the situation was unfortunate.
Posted at 4:23 on Dec 23, 2011
Matisyahu can't seem to decide what mask he wants to wear. Lapsed Jew turned Hassidic rapper? Strict follower of the Torah, or mysoginyst asshole? What will his next mask be?
The manager handing over cash immediately is pretty guilty sounding. Then walking it back on Twitter...whoops! Gotta change masks. He'll be forgotten in five years.
Posted at 5:05 on Dec 23, 2011
So, I guess he's gotten over his refusal to touch an unmarried woman?
Posted at 5:10 on Dec 23, 2011
I have been a music photographer for 50 years (true) and multiple uses of flash/strobe directly in front of a performer is rude and disruptive. She gets no free pass on this one . . .
Dick Waterman
www.dickwaterman.com
Posted at 5:36 on Dec 23, 2011
Look at the second to last photo. Seems pretty fair to say that he would be annoyed. This whole article seems very unprofessional and looks to get attention just by overstated controversy. Doesn't excuse a "kick" though, if that's what happened. I wasn't there so I won't judge either party. Seems like they both were unprofessional.
Posted at 5:40 on Dec 23, 2011
You can't really blame this chick, yes she should've thought it out before she went flash happy on this guy but to me it seems she was under orders from the no talents at this mag she was shooting for. The shots posted are pretty good all around and no flash, the ones with flash look a little overexposed and out of place from the rest of the series. Sucks what happened but it's rock n roll and i've seen photographers, groupies, fans treated worse at shows. i don't need to tell you you shouldn't use a flash at performances because by the looks of it you know what you're doing. Don't listen to your editors they're just trying to sell a mag, trust your instincts feel the light and you'll be fine.
Posted at 8:14 on Dec 23, 2011
The show Monday night was fantastic. There was nothing "confusing" about Matisyahu, and his performance was energetic, focused, and skilled. I can only imagine how much more engaging and personal it would have been without all the fucking photographers milling around, flashing everyone and everything, jockeying for position, and generally showing a lack of respect for the artist, the performance, and the rest of the audience.
Posted at 8:44 on Dec 23, 2011
Kicking the photographer is wrong, for sure. That said, she should not have been using flash. That is unprofessional. This rule is widely known among professional music photographers and journalists.
Posted at 8:54 on Dec 23, 2011
Definitely opposed to violence against the photographer, but what "professional" who has shot over 600 shows doesn't know the "1st three songs, no flash" rule? He shouldn't have kicked here, but she shouldn't have used flash.
Posted at 1:38 on Dec 24, 2011
Papermag hired a picture-taker. Her disrespect of the performer is a function of her hubris. NOT ONE word or phrase suggesting any wrong-doing on her part. How disrespectful and rude. I hope Papermag, and all other potential employers take note of Ms. Smeyne's attitude, and overall lack of professionalism; I also hope other bands take note of her utter disrespect for performers! Perhaps she could sell her "Professional camera equipment" on ebay.
Posted at 2:26 on Dec 24, 2011
A prima donna may tend to ignore, give the evil eye, or even curse at people. A psychopathic lunatic will try to step on peoples heads and inflict bodily harm.
Matisyahu has issues and he needs to seek hep before he gets hurt.
Posted at 3:35 on Dec 24, 2011
I doubt Matisyahu needs counseling, but Smeyne could use a few pointers in common courtesy... and by the dismal looks of her photos a few photography lessons as well!
Posted at 3:44 on Dec 25, 2011
One correction: he did give an interview about shaving his beard to WNYC, and there are videos of it circulating on the internet.
Posted at 4:09 on Dec 26, 2011
"Maybe the rest of the fans were able to better enjoy the show with the camera out of the way. So sick of cameras and cellphone cameras lining the front rows at shows - smash them all!"
that's what I'm talking bout;) Been to 100's of live show's late 80's early 90's Grateful Dead show's etc. This new school bullshit vibe @ show's is annoying! Go for the music, not for the cool guy facebook/twitter pic pissing contest- weirdo's learn from the music vibe or quit wasting your $ and time! Sux Matis lost his cool but damn that shit bugs me and i'm just in the crowds
Posted at 6:04 on Dec 26, 2011
C'mon folks-it doesn't matter whether Rebecca used an on-camera flash or an 1000 watt photo lamp!! - THAT DOESN'T MAKE WHAT MATISYAHU DID ACCEPTABLE!!
He's lucky she didn't press assault charges and sued his dumba**!
Posted at 2:10 on Dec 27, 2011
Are you not posting any more new comments on here?
Posted at 4:09 on Dec 27, 2011
I KICKED A WOMAN AND I LIKED IT...I HOPE MY WIFE WON'T MIND IT.
Matis is a tool. He was backed by Dub Trio--some seriously talented musicians. It's only because of his band that he sounds less than dog shit. I've seen him perform with them at the Borgata a few years ago (Soja opened for him). His act was disjointed and loud as if volume could compensate for his lack of talent. First and last time I've seen Matis. His slick marketing trading on his novelty as a Hassidic Jew can only carry you so far...especially now that he's shorn his peyot.
As for his complete and total disrespect for women, that's completely inexcusable. Sorry you other "photo professionals" out there but there's no transgression that justifies a man putting hands---much less feet (yes there's a difference, your feet are the lowest part of your body which in some cultures conveys even more disrespect). To follow-up the "kick" with physically ripping off a flash---yeah, that's a real man! His wife, his children, and his religious community are hanging their heads in shame right now.
Apparently Matis has a thing for wanting to kick annoying audience members in the face (catch the youtube clip of his interview on Letterman).
As for Rebecca, she's telling the world she got physically assaulted in the course of doing her job. I'd hire her in a heartbeat because she has integrity. She's not NYPD or FDNY, I don't think her first thought was I'm going to go shoot a gig and get assaulted by a professional performer. Rebecca should have filed assault charges.
Matis---Professional performer? More like someone in the same category as Chris Brown.
Posted at 1:10 on Dec 28, 2011
This guy sounds like he needs JESUS
Posted at 2:46 on Dec 28, 2011
Here's what I think about the incident:
http://danonion.tumblr.com/post/14924709521/matisyahu-should-never-perform-again
Posted at 4:28 on Dec 29, 2011
To all the commenters suggesting that flash photography is not appropriate at rock shows: HAVE YOU BEEN TO A ROCK SHOW?
Flash photography is an intrinsic part of live event photography. The very suggestion to the otherwise invalidates the comment.
Comments alluding to Smeyne being a hack are laughable at the very least. No action on the part of the photographer in the pit ever warrants a kick to the face, and if she's working for Paper Magazine she's probably a seasoned pro, wouldn't you agree?
Of course, if you're just a fervent Matisyahu fan and know not a thing about show business then you'll say all kinds of unsubstantiated nonsense, like calling her an amateur. That's preposterous. An amateur wouldn't be working for Paper. Her resume reads better than most photographers I've known.
The artist's actions in this case are inexcusable, as would seem from his management's immediate actions and his subsequent apologies. No amount of flaming on his part will excuse his behavior or make it less appalling.
He's wrong; she's right.
Posted at 1:45 on Dec 30, 2011
"This week at Music Hall was, in fact, the first time he'd been seen in public with his new look" No it wasn't. I was at his Boulder, CO show December 15th which was his first beardless debut.
Posted at 12:59 on Dec 30, 2011
"And no, he's not giving interviews about it."
If you click on the link the author provides, it's for an article published at 10:02am on December 14th. Matisyahu first announced he shaved his beard off on December 13th. It's December 22nd now, and on December 15th he gave an interview about it: http://bit.ly/uxWEN3. Do your research, please. The last paragraph of your update was unnecessary.
Posted at 12:40 on Dec 31, 2011
Take a leap of logic and you'll come to conclude the two stories are directly related. For years, all that facial hair literally blocked the light from his face. Shaving it exposed him abnormally to the stimulus of this flash camera and made him ultra-sensitive. He was not conscious that this might be a problem and over-reacted in this bizarre episode of rage. The photographer was acting within the ordinary responsibilities of her job, but Matis perceived it as extreme due solely to his change in facial status and unfortunate shortage of self-awareness. What is most worrisome is not only his lack of discipline in this situation but also the lack of depth and sincerity in his "apology." He still blames the photographer for the incident and refuses to show that he learned any lesson. Not very enlightened for a Jewish artist who talks so much about the light ... And a serious blemish on his reputation.
Posted at 1:34 on Jan 03, 2012
He knew she was taking photos, he admitted as much. As a performer you have a say of cameras or no cameras! This situation sickens me. I don't know what he is going through, but check that shit at the door! I honestly feel I don't want to ever see him play again. His behavior was un- called for. The thing is in his statement he admits to what he did!