I am disappointed but no surprised.

For folks that are supposed to be photographic enthusiasts, I can understand why so many of you think so badly of the photographic press corps. Are we all not VISUAL people- do we not want to see IMAGES of our news and history

Do some of you really believe that photojournalists and news photographers purposely create noise at news conferences and other events and the are a bunch of inconsiderate boors who are out to cause a disturbance and become obtrusive. Saying that they “don't care...” is a mean-spirited and uninformed statement.

I know many news photographers and photojournalists, they are hard working, consciousness, professionals that oftentimes have to operate under stressful and high pressure conditions. The have families and children to support- just like many of y'all and earn there living through their photography. They spend many days away form home and keep difficult hours. The need to deal with security issues, work among high profile and oftentimes high strung people, sometimes they witness and photograph the the most unfortunate and tragic aspects of life and manage to practice there craft at the same time. The have to possess and develop good people skills in order to navigate through all of this, garner cooperation and access and still maintain their sanity.

I worked on a Montreal daily newspaper for three years and then decide to go back to the commercial world. I worked with members of the press corps in Vietnam- it ain't a job for the faint of heart- theses folks EARN their money. Sometimes they are the targets or victims of those who want to “ shoot the messenger, a dodgy position to be in when you are the messenger!

The high profile celebrities and politicians become very familiar with the clatter- believe me, it's pat of their daily life and mostly them expect the onslaught of press and all the accompanying noise - many thrive on it- it comes with the territory.

Next time you watch a presidential news conference, a red carpet event or see a “scrum” of photographers clamoring for a shot outside courthouse or police station, or in the halls of government and hear the clatter of cameras, rather that becoming annoyed, why not consider it the sound of YOUR FREE PRESS at work visually reporting breaking-news and recording history.

In some countries, not only is the clatter restricted but so is the true freedom of the press.