Ettiquette

Martin_Ogden · #1 12-02-2001, 07:04 AM

Yesterday, I was at the Bury v Brighton game. I picked my position on the touchnline, against the advertising hoarding, just before the game started. I was positioned near to the dugout, with a clear line of sight to both goals, in particular the one I was close to. As the game started, another photographer came along and plonked himself down right in my line of sight to the goal, only about 4 yards from me. I thought he'd move when he turned around ans saw me, but he just sat there. I asked him if he was going to stay there, and he said 'do you want me to move?'. Without stating the obvious, I said that I would like it if he did. After that, I got dirty looks all through the game! Is it me?? Am I right to expect a clear line of site if I'm there first? I wouldn't dream of walking past anyone who's lining up a shot, let alone sitting down in front of them!

Yesterday's Game

#2 12-02-2001, 08:53 AM

Martin:

I am not sure how things work on your side of the pond, but here in the U.S. what that photog did would be considered very rude.

I know I always make an effort to not be in another shooters line of site, I am sure most photogs work this way at sporting events.

Phil Smith · #3 12-02-2001, 08:55 AM

Dear Martin64,

For me this is the bane of contention for many Pro Photographers and I can certainly understand your sentiments.

May I also point out another situation.
Before a became a Pro (Full time) I was just one of the crowd trying to get an image of my hero, like any dedicated fan. From time to time I would have Pro photographer come and stand right in front of my line of sight. Now the problem was that I had waited with the rest of the also rands waiting for a one off chance to get my image. When I became a pro I always remembered where I once came from....the other side of the fence.

The point of the story is that we should be tollerant of everyone around us and add variety to our shots by moving around.

Moonlighting · #4 12-02-2001, 09:08 AM

I have had the same problem. Most are concious of others that are around them but there are the few who think they are above the rest. Being considerate by asking them to move rather than getting obnoxious is the best way aroung it. If they want to give me dirty looks they better become proficient at it since i am used to my wife sneering at me (apologies kiddo but you are the best [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ). As for the video guys who record with sound, if they become abtrusive and inconsiderate, I know this very irritating song that i whistle loud enough to make them move.

Peter_Galbavy · #5 12-02-2001, 01:56 PM

Martin, given your other messages about being recently given the chance to be the official club photographer, I think you may possibly be experiencing a bit of (English) snobbishness. I certainly would consider it rude, but then many people want to demonstrate their 'seniority' or just plain stupidity and arrogance.

Anyhow, nice pics - shame about the score [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

JedWee · #6 12-02-2001, 04:11 PM

Hi Martin,

I almost made it to the game myself yesterday, if not for dastardly traffic on the M60 (as usual). Yes, you should have a right to where you've sited yourself, assuming you haven't placed yourself in front of where the pros normally shoot. Generally, things are reasonably civil, and for example we are usually able to "mark" our places beforehand by plonking the lens cases down, and they don't get moved.

Very suprised by all this, and yes, it does seem a bit off, the behaviour of this photographer. Hopefully you won't encounter another one like that in a long time!

GabeSchaffer · #7 12-03-2001, 03:19 AM

OK, here's another question. Let's say there's a pro (i.e. he's hired to shoot at the game) who has clearly consumer-grade equipment (like a K-1000 and a cheap zoom lens). With gear like this, you just know (although he's probably oblivious to the fact) that he isn't getting any good action shots, so his job is probably to shoot things like the half-time show.

Now, let's say he gets to the game first and takes the spot that you want. Is it rude to ask him to move? What about just standing up in his way?

I don't want to say that I deserve the spot just because my lens is bigger or because I think I'm a better photographer, but it doesn't seem fair that he should get the spot if he can't make full use of it.

What would you do in this situation?