BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

We have seen a lot of posts here from people who have had another "Photographer" interfere with a shoot in one way or another. Be it at a wedding or a sporting event a lot of us have had to deal with this person and it makes me want to hear about the interaction.

I'll start with a recent example from this past weekend. I was on an assignment for a newspaper in a very popular city that has lots and lots of "alpha's". It was a 5K Run/Walk-Athon and I wanted to get a great starting off shot like you see at the big Marathons. I have shot most of the big Marathons so I had an idea about what I wanted and I spent about fifteen minutes working it out prior to the starting gun. I basically had decided to stand directly in the middle of the path in front of the runners about a hundred feet ahead of them. I used a 400 mm f/2.8 lens and I wanted a shallow depth of field with only the front row in focus and a nice fade to the field behind so I went with an f/3.5 aperture. There was a bunch of runners standing in line to keep their spots so I did some test shots and had it all worked out (and it was gonna look pretty cool).

So just prior to the starter pulling the trigger this guy hops out right in front of the field with a P&S and starts trying to get all the runners to "act like your running". It was a joke because nobody was taking him seriously and they knew his photos would look posed and lame. Finally the guy in charge (whom I had interviewed over lunch a few days prior) looked at me with a "what do you think" look and I motioned for him to get rid of the guy. He tells the guy to get out of the way of the PHOTOGRAPHER. The guy looks and sees me with two big old Pro body's and some serious glass strapped all over me and puckers up and bails off to the side.

What was funny was I didn't have to do a thing. It was the pre-established relationship I had with the event and the way I presented myself that cleared the path for me. I thought the whole things was kinda funny and in the end my images came out just like I wanted them to look (got the front page of the newspaper too).

So now its your turn, lets hear about those "Alpha Dogs" that have tried to Hy-Jack your shoot.

Terry Scott Reed Loc: Reading, PA

BigD,
I share your pain. Most of us have stories about those doggone hobbyists getting in the way. I think of it as going with the territory. I know that as a pro, I am always cognizant and considerate of the other pros on the shoot, and I'm sure you are, too. But the hobbyists don't have exclusivity on obnoxiousness--there is often the self-important, self-centered a-hole around whom the planets orbit, and your shot couldn't possibly be as important as his/hers! Given the fleeting moment you sometimes have to get "your" shot, it pays to speak up, and quickly, as it won't always go your way as it did in this instance. In most cases, getting in the way is not deliberate, and when alerted, they will move. I think of it as well-intentioned ineptitude. Approach it as a "teaching moment" and maybe next time, the shooter will be by your side, not in the frame.
As you have learned, your equipment speaks for you (even though it shouldn't) and I have often found very considerate hobbyists with their p&s cameras only too eager to get out of the way of a working pro. And I always thank them for their courtesy.

trackphotog Loc: New Mexico

Been there, done that! I'm a horse racing track photographer and I encounter the same problem. However, I also have to contend with out-of-town photographers coming in for just the big races to cover for publications. I shoot photos for every race every day....rain, shine, sleet, hail and wind. Then, on big race days I'm fighting to do my job amongst not only the public point and shoots, but the supposedly "professional" photographers that want to impose themselves in my "space". Most now have figured out by know however, that I won't allow the abuse of the privilege of access for photos. It's a daily struggle and makes my job that much harder to do.

Attached is a sample of what I'm talking about, you'll see some photographers to the right, which I had to crop out of the final shot. This was during a winner's circle shot for a $2 million quarter horse race. It was utter chaos.

sample

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Until you have exclusive rights to what you want to shoot you'll just have to live with those damned amateurs. Were you ever amateurs----life is just so unfair...........

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Not talking about amateur versus pro, I'm talking about people taking over like they are in charge. The stories are sometimes entertaining. :wink:

trackphotog Loc: New Mexico

An example happened when I accidentally interfered with a TVG photographer. Again is was on the biggest race day of the year and without talking to me about what they could or could not do, a camera was placed at the finish line....right in my line of sight for my shot. I kept waiting for someone to show so I could ask them to move the camera, when no one showed, I moved the camera out of my way. I didn't find out till the next year that it was set on remote and they caught all kinds of flack for a bad shot for television. This year they met with me to make sure everything went smoothly.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

That's why I tend to keep out of trouble. When I go into someone else's house I tread lightly and ask ahead of time. So far I have never been totally shut out and I always get what I need. Its about being professional (translate polite) and it doesn't have anything to do with being "a" professional.

trackphotog Loc: New Mexico

Sounds like you are one of the ones that I don't mind having on my turf - no pun intended. lol The ones that inquire as to what is permisable and are courteous are a pleasure to work with.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

It always seems to work for me. I call ahead and make sure I am on any Media Lists, know where to park, where to enter, special rules, and I follow them. So far being like that has gained me such good treatment that it is not uncommon for me to literally run many events. They know I am a straight shooter and they "hook me up". Not to mention I don't get smacked around HaHa

:mrgreen:

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Then again, when you think about it, why does being a 'pro' give you a divine right to a clear shot? If you can impress some thoughtless arsehole who shoves in front of you with how 'professional' you are, then good luck to you, but look at it from his viewpoint: why should you have any more rights than he has?

For that matter, how about TV crews who shove in everywhere and completely ignore the still photographers, including the professionals who may actually be working for the organizers? This has happened to me when photographing HH Dalai Lama when working for the Tibetan Government in Exile.

Part of being a professional is getting the shot; shooting around the difficulties; and not whining about it.

Cheers,

R.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

I do get the shot, and I was not whining at all. Your missing the point completely. I NEVER said anything about having any divine right to a damn thing. What I was talking about is when someone acts like a TOTAL ASS and jumps in and takes control FOR HIS OWN PICTURE. A professional does get the shot period. I always do, why is it that someone has to read their own crap into a post. I asked for stories about people acting like jerks not a smartass reply telling others how to act. Why not tell us about that shoot and someone getting in your way, THAT would be an appropriate reply to my original post LOOKING FOR STORIES OF PEOPLE ACTING BADLY GET IT? God forbid anyone should attempt to create a post that is just for fun hearing about some of the clowns running around out there.

CHEERS

gizzy.whicker Loc: Cumberland Co., Illinois

A Smith & Wesson slung from my hip works well for me.

EdAnderson Loc: Hanover, PA

Long ago (when I only had to shave once a day) a client (who was a strong Republican backer) hired me to photograph him presenting something to President Ronald Reagan. He assured me that 'everything has been taken care of'. I took this to mean that the appropriate credentials would be available to me on the day of the shoot.

On said day, I loaded up, drove to the site, and proceeded to prepare to do the job. The 2 charming Secret Service agents who then searched every inch of 3 camera bodies, 5 lenses, umpteen film cassettes, all my pockets, and both ears finally allowed as how I could indeed take photos, so song as I shot between them from behind them. You can believe that I did not stray from the appointed spot, got the pictures, and ALWAYS made my own contact with security from that day on.

My last view of my client was of his back, as he raced on foot behind the presidential motorcade. He apparently hadn't made arrangements to ride along.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Been there done that dance with the Secret Service, I remember taking pictures at the World Cup Soccer game when it was here in the USA. I took a picture of Al Gore from above and behind and was asked to turn over the film. Apparently old Al was not to happy that I captured his huge bald spot. I was "compelled" to comply LoL.

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

Rule 1. Never work without an assistant.

Rule 2. See Rule 1