Post by OrcaBob on Oct 4, 2009 13:55:06 GMT -5
On Model Mayhem there was once a thread about "What Makes a Professional Photographer a Pro?" One of the listed definitions that really made me stand up and sing "HUZZAH!" was: The pro photographer is aware of other photographers and their "line of fire."
I've seen violations of this at numerous sporting events. At one big wrestling tournament, some doofus settled in at matside directly between the bank of pro photographers and the action... after the refs had asked the pros to keep some distance. A bunch of photographers were yelling at the guy and he was oblivious. I finally got up and told him to "Get the ___ out of the way, you ____." My tap on the shoulder was a pretty firm tap. I wanted to give him a swift kick in the caboose.
At one all-star football game, an idiot with a point-and-shoot kept stepping in front of photographers working the game. It got to the point that all the pros colluded to block HIS line-of-fire whenever he tried to shoot. A couple would block him in from the sides and then someone would step right in front of him. He finally gave up and left.
Last night at the wedding reception, I was busy taking shots of the bride, groom and parents of the two, on the dance floor. I've got the monopod and I'm bouncing flash. Hard not to notice me. But this one schmoe with a slow telephoto who'd been parasite-lurking on our setups all day parked about eight feet right in front of me. I called to him. I yelled at him. Nothin'. I finally got up and tapped him hard on the shoulder with two fingers. Even then, I had to explain to the idiot that I was being paid to cover the event and he was blocking my line-of-fire. But he learned. He stayed well out of my way the rest of the evening. Even when he was camped on a spot, if I moved anywhere near him he left.
The lesson: If you're trying to establish yourself among pros, be aware of other photographers' lines-of-fire. And if someone violates your line-of-fire, defend it. Defend it emphatically. If you let people walk on you, someone will.
Please note: You don't have to be paid or actually be a professional to behave like a professional. And even if you're a total civilian with the most basic of point-and-shoot cameras, you'll still be treated with respect if you respect the people being paid to cover the event.
I've seen violations of this at numerous sporting events. At one big wrestling tournament, some doofus settled in at matside directly between the bank of pro photographers and the action... after the refs had asked the pros to keep some distance. A bunch of photographers were yelling at the guy and he was oblivious. I finally got up and told him to "Get the ___ out of the way, you ____." My tap on the shoulder was a pretty firm tap. I wanted to give him a swift kick in the caboose.
At one all-star football game, an idiot with a point-and-shoot kept stepping in front of photographers working the game. It got to the point that all the pros colluded to block HIS line-of-fire whenever he tried to shoot. A couple would block him in from the sides and then someone would step right in front of him. He finally gave up and left.
Last night at the wedding reception, I was busy taking shots of the bride, groom and parents of the two, on the dance floor. I've got the monopod and I'm bouncing flash. Hard not to notice me. But this one schmoe with a slow telephoto who'd been parasite-lurking on our setups all day parked about eight feet right in front of me. I called to him. I yelled at him. Nothin'. I finally got up and tapped him hard on the shoulder with two fingers. Even then, I had to explain to the idiot that I was being paid to cover the event and he was blocking my line-of-fire. But he learned. He stayed well out of my way the rest of the evening. Even when he was camped on a spot, if I moved anywhere near him he left.
The lesson: If you're trying to establish yourself among pros, be aware of other photographers' lines-of-fire. And if someone violates your line-of-fire, defend it. Defend it emphatically. If you let people walk on you, someone will.
Please note: You don't have to be paid or actually be a professional to behave like a professional. And even if you're a total civilian with the most basic of point-and-shoot cameras, you'll still be treated with respect if you respect the people being paid to cover the event.
