kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I shoot news, features and documentaries (for TV). The droves of amateurs at events are just part of the challenge. Most news events require accreditation, which means I'm only gangbanging with other pros. I do remember following German Chancellerin Merkel touring the Forbidden City in Beijing with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and fighting hordes of tourists with cellphones. The solution was to be in the right place at the right time and let them come to me. I don't always get the perfect shot, but I've not not gotten the shot in more than a quarter century of doing this on a daily basis.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Interesting thread.

There is another thread currently running that is relevant to this one, "An Open Letter to Landscape Photographers: Check Your Etiquette".

What is it that makes some people feel they are so entitled? That crowds should part to allow them passage? Other people at an event having fun and taking pictures for enjoyment are somehow less deserving of that opportunity and must bow out of the way to the entitled one? That is arrogance.

Like it or not, everybody does have a camera these days and yes they are all photographers in their own right. And they will share their images with the media and on social sites immediately. That is not going to change. Get used to it.

A crowd ignoring or pushing it's way in front of one another or, individuals at a wedding, jumping in front of the hired photographer is simply rude (not only to the photographer but to the couple).

I think this issue is really about how selfish, self centered and rude our culture has become. It's all about the ME with no consideration or thought for others. When people treat one another with kindness and consideration it generally results in everybody feeling good. Rudeness simply begets more rudeness, hard feelings and hatred.

Rudeness is not something to be proud of, it is a character flaw to eliminated.

So the issue is about consideration and respect for our fellow man, if there were more of that, then there would be no need for threads like this.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Toby, that's your advantage. Your years of experience allows you to, most of the time, make your own good fortune. The old adage f/8 and be there has the being there part. You knowing where to be is 90%, or more, the advantage over the rest of the crowd. While the masses are screaming or thinking "Oh my, they're coming right by me" and the nerves that causes. You're prepared, cool, and ready to go to work. Keep doing that and enjoy it.
--Bob

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Well said, JD750.
--Bob

Shutter Bugger

One day you may just walk in front of the wrong man.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Thank you.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Photography is a lot like eating off a plate with a fork and knife , spoon
It's not as hard as some make out . Every one with control of there limbs
can do it . some are sloppy , some are not , so what !

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

Well--you can always schedule (an dell them on it as a good idea) most pix before--then you can get about a 36" umbrella and (it will make your pictures better) put it right in their way--that should throw enough sand it their gears to help you a bit.
Stan

BebuLamar

If you lose business because GWC then you are not worthy of a pro. If you can't demonstrate to your prospective clients that your work is worthy of its price then you are not a pro. More than half of the pro work should be in marketing your work.

GAH1944 Loc: SW Mich.

:thumbup:

GAH1944 Loc: SW Mich.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

JosephSF Loc: Sonoma County CA

I find the find the various perspectives and opinions on “Professional photographers vs. GWC” interesting. I am not sure why there is such a fissure about it though. It does become an emotional issue for some maybe because it is indicative of the narrowing or bridging in the ability to create quality images, both artistic and editorial, that can be attained by “amateurs”. There are remarkable tools and technologies that are now readily available that help automate and guide novice enthusiasts in the complexities of the exposure triangle, editing in post, and finding an audience to share their work. As recent as 20 years ago there was a much higher barrier to entry in creating images that could be monetized through a commercial transaction. That barrier existed not only because of the cost associated of professional grade film cameras and high quality processing, but with the knowledge, patience, experience and passion required to really excel in the craft. The process of creating images was not validated through instant gratification but by perfecting many individual tasks in the value chain. Artistry and creativity as well as technical knowledge were required to consistently produce high quality images in the volume and velocity required to make it a vocation - to make your living from it.

I am not a professional photographer and never will be. But I love photography. I work at it, I study it, I practice it and more often than not I fail at it. I will never make a dime by selling any of my images, but like everything else I pursue in my life, I really want to get good at it. I will never be on the stage at the Warfield playing guitar, but I have invested in very high quality instruments and take lessons because I love music. I will never be in the Tour de France but I am an avid cyclist and continually want to improve. I doubt very highly that Eric Clapton or Chris Froome hold any animus towards me (or any amateur) for trying to gain proficiency in their vocations that have made them millionaires. It’s just about trying to do your best in everything you attempt, whether it is your career or your hobby. Luckily, I am good enough at my job to provide the resources needed to allow me to pursue some hobbies.

It probably will be harder to make a living in the future by creating and selling images. Modern technology has relegated centuries old staples like newspapers and magazines to be essentially obsolete. Content is provided to a larger audience through omni-channel digital distribution. Modern manufacturing processes have all but eliminated specialized building crafts. There are many software tools available that can make a novice look like a professional web developer. The examples of technology displacing craftsmen are vast. There are many lost arts due to technology innovation and automation. The UHH is a good example of social media that can be used to widely disseminate ideas and principles that were once shared by a much more narrow audience. This share economy has done as much to level the output of professionals and non-professionals as has photographic technology. I do believe, however, that truly creative, dedicated and hard working individuals can separate themselves from the masses with cameras and provide products that can be of very high value. We are now in a share economy but artistry and creativity will always be coveted.

Now for the question of rudeness and narcissism in our culture, I am always hopeful that civility and manners will prevail. The outlook doesn’t look good though.

mr. u. n. owen

Forget about wedding photography and think of photographers, who shoot products. Cars,fashion, news,furniture etc. try these with a phone camera or even with a full frame digi. It's not being done. There will always be a pro photographer for special needs and have the talent to complete the job on time on budget. this takes more than turning your dial to auto.

karlw Loc: Enfield Connecticut

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: From another GWC