Fotohunter

Hi
I have frequently found myself at family reunions being the only one with a dslr. Family likes my pictures and i love to share the, but I have become very frustrated that when I want to take a picture, suddenly everyone with a cel phone is trying to get the same shot even if I lined people up or was the first to spot an opportunity.
I understand I don't have exclusive photo rights at a family gathering but I am frustrated with two particular problems:
If it is a group photo, subjects are looking all over the place at different cameras.
If i try and keep a little distance to have nice focal length, most phone cameras have very wide angle so they move in closer and end up in my picture or i don't take it.
I have politely asled people to wait , let me get the shot and it does not work since all want the same shot.
I have waited an then tried to get everyone to look at my camera an usually the moment is gone.
I have said let me get a good one and I will share it, it is better than 10 bad ones.
Problem persists.
Any ideas other than jockying for space and attention like a papparatzi?

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

stand on a chair

Fotohunter

Thanks, you too.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

"Serious cameras" don't work at parties. Use a pocket point & shoot. That way no-one steals your thunder because you won't be noticed. Even if you are, your expertise will still win the day. Go for the candid shots - much more fun and folks luv 'em.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I think George was suggesting you stand on a chair to shoot over the paparatzis.

Fotohunter

Thanks
I will try the pocket camera next time see how it goes. Or maybe both.
I agree with the candid shots, they are usually the best liked and with a zoom both the subject an would be papparatzis are unaware making them truly candid.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

I agree, very frustrating and hard to stop without upsetting at least 1 person (generally the better half)...

For family and friends and I am shooting because I want to...
If I have a group lined up and other cameras pop up around me, I hand out little cards with smiley faces on them - from a single smiley face up to 10 - like playing cards - when they ask what it is for, I tell them that I have set up this shot for specific effects and do not want it ruined by other flashes going off during my shoot, or to be photo bombed. When I am done shooting the pictures - then they can, by order of the cards (or whatever order they want). They generally get the "hint" and back off and wait without hurt feelings. (note generally - if there is alcohol involved - all bets are off)...

If I have been asked or have been hired - it is a different set of rules. I set the rules up front that I have priority on the shots and the rest can wait until I'm done and I expect the host to explain this to the guests.

If there is an issue, I contact the person that asked/hired me and tell them I am being interfered with and cannot do justice to the group/couple/whatever and would they please control their guests -

If I have been hired - Failure to control the guest will result in either negating the contract (base charge still applies) and leaving or continue the shoot with no guarantees.

If it is a friend - you get what you get...

Food for thought...

Fotohunter

Interesting idea with the cards. I might take a step further and print an adrees where they can download the fotos so they don't have to trust I remfmber to email them a copy.
I agree, if very formal or if hired ita a different set of rules

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I'm sensing a generation clash! I mean no offense.

Your family of pappartzis is enjoying the current style of sharing electronically. The are not as interested in quality photography as they are in the social part of instant sharing. In other words, the smartphones are part of the party.

It has also become important to have a gallery of photos in your pocket. It is required social activity to bring out your phone at lunch and show what you did and where you went last week.

A pocket camera will not make you part of the party. You may need to bring your smartphone or buy one. I got my first one this week. It has a great camera in it.

twindad Loc: SW Michigan, frolicking in the snow.

This is good advice. I was shooting the cast of a local stage production of Oz, and we had all the kids playing Munchkins staged. Problem was, the kids in the back were hidden. I jumped (at 63, jumping is a euphemism) up on a table top, and got a great shot.

Fotohunter

:) you are right on with the generation clash, no offemce taken. Though I do tend to upload through eyefy card to ipad and post to face book or share via whatsapp on the spot.
Sounds like i just need to go with the flow.

Fotohunter

I will search for very steady chairs! I am full a frame photoenthusiast and i am not refferrng only to the sensor :)

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I see what you say - I thought my advice was bang up to date - obviously it's not - but remember we are talking family reunions - oldies as well as the young ones.
This touches on another topic - where are we going with photography - will it all be phones and fixed lens super zooms - and bye bye Nikanon?

Fotohunter

You pose interestimg questions.
I hope I dont get to se the end of DSLRs but it could happen. I am sure people 100 years ago did not want to see bellows go either.
Whatever happens I hope quality does not suffer. Even in the film days when instamatics became mainsteeam there was always a place for 35mm SLRs. We are also seeing a "retro" trend in many categories including photography some using film again and some digita camera design such as the Nikon Df. Just hope nitch remains attractive enough for companies to continue to make and develop affordable DSLRs.
As long as photo quality does not erode, I am all for letting technology make it easier better or cheaper.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Well said - fingers crossed!