Jacquie

You did a very good job handling that situation.

BVickery Loc: Joshua Tree CA

Yea things that happen when ya don't have a gun Huh!

BVickery Loc: Joshua Tree CA

Why even white trash feels sorry for me!

NaomiHayes Loc: Ewa Beach, Hawaii

How rude!! I think you handled that better than would have.
I've never had that happen to me and hope to be as calm as you were if that does happen.
There is a beach close to my house called secret beach (that is not so secret anymore) a lot of us photographers go for weddings and shoots. If we get there and there is someone in my spot? I wait or go to an alternate about 10 yards down the beach. Everyone is very courteous towards each other and greet each other with "Aloha" when we even get close.
There is the "Aloha Spirit" Law:

Full Text of THE ALOHA SPIRIT LAW

[§5-7.5] The Aloha Spirit.

(a) The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following unuhi laulâ loa (free translation) may be used:

* Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
* Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
* Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
* Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
* Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

Cool ha?

JohnnyRottenNJ Loc: Northern New Jersey

I really hate people who think that the sun the moon and the stars all revolve around them. I probably would have put my camera away, but then found a way of getting into their pictures or just started skimming rocks across the river. Something just to annoy the crap out of them. Rude people suck.

KathyinNH Loc: Kingston, NH

I like the idea of asking for their card and sending them a note. Great idea.

Myself, I don't think I would have kept my mouth shut. I would have said "Excuse me, this area is already taken." I can't believe how unprofessional some people can be, but to have it happen 3 times is unreal. Unfortunately there are many rude people in this world that ruin it for the rest of us.

rufus1 Loc: Winter Haven, Florida

YA! This seems to happen quite frequently. Have been set up for a nature shot and have had my shot blocked or scared off the subject. Figured they were morons and not true pro's (although they acted like it) or photonuts like me!

Cornishpete Loc: Illinois

You have my unbridled admiration Big Daddy and that of the majority of posters on this thread. I too like the business card ploy. I am not sure if there is such a thing as karma but for you I hope there is; it will be all good.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

Isn't it amazing that some jerks can get a "client" and consider themselves "pros" & think they can do anything they wish? Unfortunately, they never learned the definition of professional. Don't know how I would've handled it here in rural Georgia.....possinility of going "redneck!" lol

Well done Big Daddy....lesson for us all.

jimcal

Rudeness works both ways. As a retired studio owner I can't tell you how many times I was interrupted by rude relatives and guests at a wedding who figured I was there to arrange photo groups for them to snap. I always handled it professionally and politely and most folks got the message. You should have made your situation known to the pros, politly but firmly. There are plenty of jerks to go around, both pro and amatuer.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

I stand corrected....you are absolutey correct. Did mean to imply that true Professionals are rude....quite the contrary, they have been very helpful to me. The content of my comment was so many people can get a good camera & go "pro" without having any idea of what that entails. Kinda like buying a set of Ping golf clubs...doesn't make you a better golfer.

Stevebales Loc: Central Florida USA

Remember who you are the "TRUE" Professional with that said you ask for their business card and post an add in the local paper about professionalism in this business and the people who are not as professional as they profess to be. Hit them in their pocket so to speak. It will boost your marketing and perhaps acknowledge the bully photographers.

NikonJohn Loc: Indiana U.S.A.

Big Daddy,
I think you did a marvelous job at keeping your cool, kudos for that, it proves you were the better person in that situation. I make it a point to never intentionally walk into another person’s shot, even if it’s a mom shooting their kids with a cell phone. But I have had plenty of people walk into my shots and not even care, so I feel your pain. So continue to turn the other cheek it will make “THE Big Daddy” happy with you Big Daddy. :)

naturalite Loc: Up state NY

Yes, I agree. But you always take a chance when you interact with rude people. I learned the hard way. I was in a small town one Sunday morning last fall setting up a shot of my wife in front of an old building.
This guy in a junky old car pulled right up in front of me setting up my shot. When he got out of his car, my wife said " Thanks for blocking our photo shoot. Well this guy let out a sharp and nasty retort about women. To which my wife replied "You too buddy".
Now it was on! This guy said " I'm going to shut you up b**ch and started towards my wife.
I quickly stepped in front of my wife and told this fellow to just get back in your car an go away " He didn't even slow down. He walked up to me while holding a 32 oz soda in his hand. And acted like he was going to kick me. At the same time he slung that soda in my face, quickly followed by a fist to my head.
This was obviously a sucker maneuver he had practiced before. And he was on his way to giving me a beat down....he thought.
To cut the story short, I gave it all I had and he ended up unconscious and bleeding on the sidewalk. I ended up with knots on my head and skinned knees.
By this time I heard sirens and decided to make a quick exit. Because in Oregon, the laws state " if two people through punches, both go to jail." No matter who through the first one.
I was lucky to get away and not be arrested.
So take this story for what it's worth. As for me, I learned to walk away before it starts. There is always another day to take a pic.

jnoll

They were UNPROFESSIONAL. You were the true Professional.You did good,by staying calm. Keep shooting.