I guess it's about time...

[Will_Mass]

OK, so along the lines of my previous post on this thread.

I have a small event on the schedule for early September. This event is for a YMCA Club that has been VERY good to me. Also I should add that I think they are doing wonderful job with their kids and the values and work ethic they are instilling in these kids.

Having said that.

We did a (different) show yesterday and again a Dad With Camera was shooting all of the kids from this particular club. Presumably to "give" the photos away. Again, I'm not in the position to ban parents from photographing their kids and kid's friends. However, I'm sure you all understand why I find this irksome.

So my question is this. Do I mention my concerns about said DWC to the (up coming) show organizer? If so how, without alienating DWC? Do I grin and bear it? Do I bail and go to one of several other events that have requested our service?

Your comments welcome.

Thanks!

[EricC]

Will,

It all depends on what kind of event this is and what your deal with the Y is. If it's a spectator sports event, I would ask that all the DWC's be limited to the stands. I would approach the organizer and explain my concerns in a way that they would understand that this person(s) may have an impact on your sales. If they don't seem to care, then I might have something else lined up for next year.

Just as a side note, this year we added language to our contracts that states the to organizers will limit spectators to the stands or viewing areas. My concern was not so much the free pictures as the safety of me and my shooters. This spring I knocked one of those DWC to the ground while dodging a fly ball, one of my photographers did the same thing at a soccer tourney. There are enough risks in what we do, I don't need to file a claim for injuring someone who was standing where they don't belong. Only one director questioned the reasons and once I explained my reasons he had no complaint. The tourney went off smooth and near as I can tell none of the PWC did any complaining.

Eric

[Will_Mass]

Thanks Eric,

Yeah, that's part of the problem. We shoot local horse shows where friends, family and trainers may either sit in the stands (when there are any stands) or just hang out next to the ring. Since I have ring access, I'll usually try to place myself stragically. However, someone standing outside the ring with some decent gear and a bit of knowledge can capture some very nice shots. And for parents that are frequently nearly tapped out from the costs of showing, a free almost as good photo, is often the more appealing option for them.

As I said before, as the cost of the gear drops I believe we will see more DWC's cutting into out market. I had a Dad this weekend asking to buy any old gear I might want to sell. My thought was, that'd be like selling bullets to the guy robbing me! LOL