Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

Looks to me, from the picture you posted that if you had used a good telephoto or zoom lens, you could have gotten some good shots without the official photographer in them. I would have set my camera to high speed drive and continuous focus mode and held the shutter button down as my relative came over the top. Maybe would have gotten some good close up shots.

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

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Jcmarino

He was probably doing just what he was paid to do.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Yes, you have the right but when you purchase a ticket to an event, even in the UK, you give up that right. Read the disclaimers on the tickets.. You are not allowed to go into a concert and take photos of the bands or entertainers.. Sure it happens but if you get caught, you can be forced to give up your memory card, film or camera. This is two fold, the event has the financial right to sell photographs, in addition, if you are shooting flash in a concert, the flash can, in the least, be distracting and could reduce the view of special lighting effects for other PAYING customers that also have the right to enjoy the event. Yes, the examples you gave are the same rights that people in the United States have. If someone dumps trash in my yard (and I know who it was) I have the right to ask, even file charges against, the culpret. If a person is playing music too loud or blocks my drive, I have the right to ask them to turn it down or move the item blocking my drive. However, I give up that right in an area that I paid to get into.. those rights are the same here as they are in the UK. If you want to test my theory, try walking in to Buckingham Palace and claiming that you have the right. Try entering a museum without paying. Just because you have the RIGHT to own a camera doesn't mean that other have to give up their rights to you. A paid photographer is a part of the event staff and has different rights than people attending the event, whether the people paid to enter the event or not. Bring your camera to the United States. Yes there are buildings that you are not allowed to photograph in and there are more that photography is allowed but flash is restricted or not alllowed. I have even shot both flash and non-flash in the US Capitol, the Smithsonian, the (old) World Trade Center, and many many other landmarks. I have also been refused the ability to take photos in the Alamo ( privately owned by the Daughters of the Alamo) and other private buildings. In addition, because of certain terrorist events, we all have to be aware that security is different now that it was pre-911. Often times, while taking photos, others are looking at you and wondering if the photo you are taking is because you are a tourist or because you have evil intent. But, since we are a free country, we try to limit the restrictions.
Now, I don't know what part of the United States you are visiting, but I would guess that no matter where it is, you will want to have the camera. There is far more to photograph here that things that are restricted. It is just that the restricted things are the ones that get the press. Welcome to America and if you are in the Tampa Bay Florida area let me ( and probably a few other hedgehoggers) know and we will point you to many areas of photgraphic interest.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I always get permission from some official at these events. It appears from your photo that you could have gone up right beside him as he was the only person standing that close. If there was a barrier between him and you then that's why you ask permission from an official before hand so that you can go around crowd barrier and take your shots. I do this all the time and rarely get refused permission. However, in this case I would have knelt down so others could see behind me. My bad.

ValliPride Loc: Lost in Florida

During the 4 of July a good friend of mine got married. He ask would I bring my camera to snap a few shots! He did have a pro photographer their.
I got to the church early picked my spot on the aisle, 30 min after his photographer arrived and sat right behind me. I gave plenty of room and respect since he was being paid. As the Bride was walking she was blocking any one from getting any clean shots. I got a few.
Now as the Limo gets to the reception hall a get a few photos the photographer did not even arrive yet! Now he arrives for the photos outside the Limo. I have my to friend posses and getting the shot.
He comes up to me and said and I quote" you are a Real opportunist"
My comment " Do you have a problem with it. Come and get Some"
I am 6 foot 255 lbs, my Buddy just returned today from Hawaii and loves my photos. My camera was put away, and I had a great time Dancing and did not have to watch over the D810

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

He wasn't rude, he is hired to get the shots. And that's where he has to be to get clutter free shots. I have shot mud runs and motocross. We are given access to the area where spectators can't be so we can get the photos requested by the organizer

What lens did you have, most likely to get anything but a snapshot at an event like this you would need a 400mms. And with that lenses you. Would be shooting around the event photographer.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Oh really? Potentially, everyone coming down the slide could be someone's kid. You would expect the professional "paid" photographer to just step aside for all of them with his thumb up his rear doing nothing? That is not what he is being paid for.

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

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Ralloh Loc: Ohio

Bad examples. No one is "paid" to park their car in front of your driveway, throw a can in your garden, or crank up their music too loud. As to the cops here, I have never been harassed by them for any reason. That is just sensational bs you're reading there in the UK.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Well Graham - we don't know why the pro photog needed a head covering - but accept that he did? We do know that a baseball cap needs to be reversed when taking pics, for the same reason that Hollywood submarine skippers reversed their peaked caps when viewing through a periscope. :-)

Past Pro Loc: Spring Hill, Florida

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DVJ

The event photographer has first dibs. Judging by the photo enclosed, there was plenty of room for Dad to get just as good a shot as the event photographer.

gonzo.3800

Semi Pro and volunteer for several 503's I always ask before I step in front of someone. 99% of the time problem solved. I also back out as soon as possible and say thank you. Gonzo

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

Y

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