Elbowed out by media photographer.

[kona77]

Just wondering how other photographers would handle this.
I was hired by our regional airport to cover a press conference with a new airline.

This guy shows up from a local small time newspaper and immediately stands in front of me and has his helper place strobe flashes all over the place. He continues to take photos while constantly getting in my way. After 10 minutes be backs off to let me the shot I need.
After the press conference when I needed to get a group photo he steps in front of me and has everyone form up for a shot. Needless to say I am looking at the guy who hired me and he can't believe what is going on. I get the shots I need but did not like the way this went.
I know the airport wants as much publicity as possible but I am the one who was hired for the final product.
The other photographer also sells this shots he takes through the publication he works for so obviolusly he wants to take control.
I don't mind other photographers being there but IMHO he stepped over the line a bit.

[Village_Idiot]

Did you say something to him?

[krazziecliff]

Thats just plain rude. Maybe a polite word would have helped you know. Point to be noted, a little more assertive next time around for sure

[NetDep]

Stepped over the line when he stepped in *front* of you. It was certainly worth a word - I think - that is rude. When faced with similar (altho not a pro - but at some events that are popular with photogs) I think it is most proper to NOT take a position in front of someone that got a good spot - or at least smile and say something "Mind some company?" or something like that. Someone stepping in front of me - being rude - should expect at least a word of disapproval and quick manners lesson.

[IndyJeff]

You shoot enough events and you will run into this, especially with small town papers photographers. Seems the smaller the publication the bigger they think they are.
One thing you could have done is to just simply say, "Hey down in front so the rest of us can get a shot without your head in the foreground."
Chances are you will run into him again and probably suffer the same rudeness so, next time deal with it up front and let him know that he is not the only shooter there. If you have problems with him, call his editor.

[Billginthekeys]

no offence, and im not supporting what he did, im just mentioning it. Did he know you were there shooting aswell? did you make any attempt to move or tell him you needed to shoot. I really have no idea of the situation, but you had a job to do, and mabye you too could have been a little more assertive. That doesnt excuse that he "steped in front" of you, just trying to not make this thread one sided.

[Billginthekeys]

You shoot enough events and you will run into this, especially with small town papers photographers. Seems the smaller the publication the bigger they think they are.
One thing you could have done is to just simply say, "Hey down in front so the rest of us can get a shot without your head in the foreground."
Chances are you will run into him again and probably suffer the same rudeness so, next time deal with it up front and let him know that he is not the only shooter there. If you have problems with him, call his editor.
good advice. you cant just stand there and hope he notices you, chances are he didnt even realise the OP was there, you have to speak up sometimes.

*edit* and if you think others photogs are bad, wait until you deal with videographers and their crews, theres some people that think they own the world when they are on scene....

[ssim]

I also am not defending him but sometimes it just gets a little aggressive. I shoot a series of sporting events each summer and when it comes time to for the medal presentations it is a "survival of the fittest" in order to get the best spots. Those that get their shots initially are pretty good about moving out of the way once they are done but sometimes there are photographers that don't get a clear shot of the podium before the athletes are moved off. If you have ever been involved in a media scrum you would understand how aggressive you have to get at times.

I would certainly have said something to him in order to get him to work with me and not against me. How was he to know that you weren't in direct competition with him.

[cowpix]

This is one of those situations where you have to take charge. You can politely let the OP know you are there, and hopefully he will work with you. If not, you have to be assertive enough to get your photographs.

[Longwatcher]

I have so far always had the opposite experience with press photographers.

In one case I was shooting a political rally (for the fun of it ) and given my camera it was not surprising that the local newspaper photographer asked if I was shooting for one of the papers. I told him No, just here to show support and photograph for the fun and to gain experience. I even told him, if you need to, feel free to get in front of me or let me know if you need me to move, if you need to to get a shot since you are the working photographer here.

And then he still went out of his way to not block my shots.

Although I don't always have the same conversation, I have never had a professional photographer get in my way during a shoot and most have gone out of their way to avoid getting in my way, even when I tell them I am just shooting for fun. But even on those occasions when shooting for the money they stay out of the way.

It may be because I try to do the same for them.

[zacker]

what about "Hey jackass... im working over here!" that might have made him think twice! God I HATE people like that!

[Billginthekeys]

I have so far always had the opposite experience with press photographers.

In one case I was shooting a political rally (for the fun of it ) and given my camera it was not surprising that the local newspaper photographer asked if I was shooting for one of the papers. I told him No, just here to show support and photograph for the fun and to gain experience. I even told him, if you need to, feel free to get in front of me or let me know if you need me to move, if you need to to get a shot since you are the working photographer here.

And then he still went out of his way to not block my shots.

Although I don't always have the same conversation, I have never had a professional photographer get in my way during a shoot and most have gone out of their way to avoid getting in my way, even when I tell them I am just shooting for fun. But even on those occasions when shooting for the money they stay out of the way.

It may be because I try to do the same for them.
i agree, most of them are very nice, im usually shooting for my school's paper/yearbook, and the other pros at the venues are very nice and often go out of the way to help me out.

[Racer23]

I have inadvertantly been in front of others on accident (concentrating too much on what I was doing). Each time a polite "hey down infront" or "can you get your shot about 10 feet to the left?" worked out well.

THis guy was just rude and probably wouldn't respond well to politeness.

[Croasdail]

You know what... he probably had no idea who you were and why you were there. It doesn't sound like you shot newsworthy events that often otherwise he would have recognized you. So sorry to be contrary, the chap was there to do a job, and not knowing what your up to, set about doing it. Had you let him know why you were there and what you needed, he probably would have been more then glad to make sure you got your shots too. I have seen plenty of clueless acts by other pro photographers, some are down right heady, but none have willfully tried to keep a peer from being able to do their job too. When your pay check is in the balance, you would and should have been a little more aggressive in making sure you got what you needed to get the job done. Again, not trying to be rude to the OP, but this is one of the things that sets people apart in the PJ side of the house. There is a lot of extra communication needed so everyone knows why your there and what you need to come away with. Sometimes it means being assertive. Sometimes it means being extra nice. But it alway means over communicating.

[Andy_T]

what about "Hey jackass... im working over here!" that might have made him think twice! God I HATE people like that!

True, but this is also not what is expected from a curteous pro.

There are two thoughts here ... either he did not know what you were doing or he just tried out how far he can go with his 'bully' style (always assuming he knew what you were doing) and thought 'Fine, obviously he doesn't mind ... suits him right :rolleyes:'

The old Romans had the saying 'Suaviter in modo ... fortiter in re' ... 'Gentle in manner, but strong in the issue'.
Try to be a bit more assertive next time without being rude. Easy to say, hard to do, I know from experience :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[kona77]

Hi All,
Thanks for the great responses. Just to cover a few points made here.
I could not talk to him during the conference because of the small confinement and tv cameras that were right up my back. If I had said anything I would have made a scene and did not want to draw attention to the problem.
I guess I find his actions a bit aggressive because he got the parties in form for a group shot then dismissed them when he was done. He was there to cover the event not set the tone.
Next time I will be a bit more stern and explain who I am. He came across as if no one else was there photographing.
Thanks again.

[cosworth]

You needed to take control of the situation. Be confident. Why let him roll all over you and then post about in on the internet.

Stand in front of him. Assert your territory. He smelled blood in the water and ran with it.

"Look professional, be professional, act professional." We all say this a lot but it was very true for this event.

[AB8ND]

I was covering a High School Girls basketball State final for a small local paper once , sitting at the end of the court with a shooter from the other schools home town. The game was going along, up walks a photographer from the local daily she decides to plop down right in front of us, darn near on the court. First time down to this end the ref tells her to get of the court, so she just moves back shoving us back, almost setting on the other lady. We just said thanks and moved to another spot. After the game as the local team won they were running around with the trophy so I, and the other shooter, just moved right in front of Man O War (as she was known) blocking all her shots.
This particular person was the nastyist photag I ever ran into. Most of the truly good shooters always look out for each other never doing this.
My moral to the story is your assignment is just as important as theirs, Never let a media type push you around.

Jack

[Jon, The Elder]

"Look professional, be professional, act professional." We all say this a lot but it was very true for this event.

Well said and so true.

[primoz]

I have so far always had the opposite experience with press photographers.
...
And then he still went out of his way to not block my shots.
Yes we are nice guys in general :mrgreen:
But truth is that in whole bunch you always find one a**hole who is different. I agree sometimes it's hard, but mostly, we always move around so that everyone get their shoot... at least in sports I shoot. It's not so hard to move a bit, so another lens can be squeezed in, and everyone can get their shoots. And if you are nice to others, they are nice to you, so next time when you are bit late, it pays off.
But as I wrote, there's always someone different. And unfortunately sometimes it doesn't help anything else, then being nasty. Otherwise they never learn. :confused:

[delhi]

Must be a Nikon shooter. :D

Maybe he thought you are just another fellow with a dSLR?

[kona77]

Must be a Nikon shooter. :D

Maybe he thought you are just another fellow with a dSLR?


HAHAHAHAH, I did forget to mention he had 2 Nikons with Nikon all over the straps.

I think I will make a nice professional pin to put on when I am hired that says "Hired Photographer" or something like that.

Yes we are nice guys in general :mrgreen:
But truth is that in whole bunch you always find one a**hole who is differentI agree with you but it seems like all the a%$#* stand right next to me.:rolleyes:

[sspellman]

Kona-

When everyone has a job to do, you can't let anyone hog things. You can always tap or motion to someone even with cameras around. If it doesn't work, just communicate with the PR person/client and have them take care of it. I would never wait 10 minutes to resolve a serious problem like that.

BTW-What kind of journalist organizes/arranges people for a photograph?

-Scott

[rhys]

Has anybody considered that the guy was so concerned about getting his lights and camera out and getting the photos he was hired to take that he didn't even notice you?

[pagnamenta]

I had the same thing happen to me last fall. I was shooting a pep rally and football game for a high school and I had a "pro" from some paper stepping into all my shots. I asked him to move, he didn't need to be so close to the action. He refused so I kindly had two other photogs I know get in his way. He was furious and ended up leaving. Maybe I over did it, but I asked him nicely once.

[kona77]

Has anybody considered that the guy was so concerned about getting his lights and camera out and getting the photos he was hired to take that he didn't even notice you?
He turned and saw me then turned back and continued to shoot. I guess I will just be a bit more aggressive. I do not want to start off on the wrong foot with anyone in the business but I do not want to be a doormat either.

[Lazmeister]

Had the same thing happen when I was in Berlin a while back taking some shots of the 1/2 marathon. Had a 'pro' stand right in front of me to get into a good position. I asked him if I could borrow his WA lens so I could take a photo of his fat ass. He got the hint and moved. And he was quite apologetic. It turned out that he was so 'caught-up' in the moment that he was quite oblivious to others and was purely focused on getting the shot. So the rudeness was somewhat unintentional. Maybe that is the case here?

[Dinzdale40]

were his lights wireless...or when you used your cameras flash were you tripping his lights also?

[arizona85224]

some people, heck I move out the way for people with point and shoot cameras.

[ssim]

Kona-

BTW-What kind of journalist organizes/arranges people for a photograph?

-Scott
Lots of them. If you note that this was a press conference for a new airline at a local airport. I would imagine that this involve local and maybe state politicians. Having done this sort of thing in the past you do have to take control and organize the participants for the shots.

[kona77]

were his lights wireless...or when you used your cameras flash were you tripping his lights also?
His lights were wireless and when my flash went off his did not. I did not have my flash turned to slave. He mentioned to me that my flash was not stobbing.
I figured that he was telling me that my flash was not setting off his remotes flash so I took it as a positive hint. I said "Ok thanks". I did not want to assume that I could use his slaves.

[hando]

I had this happen at a car rally one time. A was setup against a tree next to a water splash, down low to the ground for a good angle of the cars coming thru the creek. Then this media guy steps right in front of me, so close if I stuck out my tounge I could have licked the back of his neck. Needless to say I didn't, but I did tell him off. Luckily he stepped away and waited for me to finish.

Always speak up for yourself with pushy people. But unless you are built like Rocky Balboa, don't confront agressive people. There is a difference.

[rhys]

I had this happen at a car rally one time. A was setup against a tree next to a water splash, down low to the ground for a good angle of the cars coming thru the creek. Then this media guy steps right in front of me, so close if I stuck out my tounge I could have licked the back of his neck. Needless to say I didn't, but I did tell him off. Luckily he stepped away and waited for me to finish.

Always speak up for yourself with pushy people. But unless you are built like Rocky Balboa, don't confront agressive people. There is a difference.

Flicking one's jacket slightly open, to reveal a pistol while telling somebody to XYZ off tends to have somewhat of an effect :p

[DaveG]

Just wondering how other photographers would handle this.
I was hired by our regional airport to cover a press conference with a new airline.

This guy shows up from a local small time newspaper and immediately stands in front of me and has his helper place strobe flashes all over the place. He continues to take photos while constantly getting in my way. After 10 minutes be backs off to let me the shot I need.
After the press conference when I needed to get a group photo he steps in front of me and has everyone form up for a shot. Needless to say I am looking at the guy who hired me and he can't believe what is going on. I get the shots I need but did not like the way this went.
I know the airport wants as much publicity as possible but I am the one who was hired for the final product.
The other photographer also sells this shots he takes through the publication he works for so obviolusly he wants to take control.
I don't mind other photographers being there but IMHO he stepped over the line a bit.



When I'm hired to shoot a commercial job and the client lets me know that a paper is likely to cover it as well, I defer to the newspaper photographer. MY stuff is likely to be seen by relatively few people, while the newspaper work is going to be seen by thousands. I want to facilitate that large circulation effort, which makes the client happy. In a worst case scenerio I'm there longer, which means that I get to charge more!

When I worked at a daily newspaper we used to get assigned to do rehearsal or promo shots at the local professional theatre. If they had to set up something for the paper the theatre figured that they might as well get their THEIR commercial photographer to shoot it at the same time. But he took special pride in making us wait while he got his shot. He's got all day, and I had about 15 minutes, but he didn't care! I arrived one day at the appointed time, he went into his act, and I left - without the shot - after my 15 minutes were up. I told the entertainment editor, who was kind of getting fed up as well and we just blew off the story.

When the theatre called to bitch ("Where's our story?") she told them that I was there on time, I had other assignments to do, and that their pro chose to make me wait. The next time I had to do a shoot at the theatre he wasn't there and the problems never happened again. I also suspect that I cost him a little money, and it felt kind of good.

Now your "pro" is just a dolt. From experience I know that a little cooperation goes a long way, and what goes around comes around. Does he not think that he will be you tomorrow? But in general I will always defer to the newspaper shooter.

[kona77]

Hi Dave,
Very insightful and very informative. I really appreciate the time and the perspective. I will definately keep your comments in mind on the next shoot.
I am sure I will see him again and I can probably learn from him so I will chock this up as a lesson learned.
Thanks again.

[Kadath]

Bottom line is that you never know how he would have acted cause you didnt take the time to politely assert yourself with a friendly smile and tell him what you needed. It's like the Godfather says 'You can act like a man!', instead of passively sitting back and taking it and whining about it later to people (unlike the Godfather) who can't really help ya out except to sympathize with your passivity =)

Step up to the plate and get what you want, Just do it nicely! If he acts like a jackass, THEN you can decide what to do next.

Sam

[liza]

You can be assertive and still be courteous. I get a lot of crap because I'm the only female shooter in the area. I just hand it right back with my quirky sense of humor and still get my point across. If they continue to get in my way, I just use my "mean teacher voice," and the problem is usually solved. :)

[delhi]

this is when the bomb proof 1D-series come in handy. Just whack the noggins with the 1D and he'll sure to notice.

[kona77]

LOL, great comments, thank you. Always nice to get a new perspective.:)

[LBaldwin]

OK OK Cool your jets!! lol

First when this happens Introduce yourself, and state who you are shooting for, It makes a big diff. I hate when some chuckle head "walks across my shot" (that is what it is called) and in the world of PJ's it is considered very rude. In the MLB most shooters especially at well covered games will "reserve" a spot with gaffers tape and their affiliations name - SI or sporting news, Baseball america etc.

Make sure you have some sort of Id or credential (even well done homemade is OK)
so that others can see it, trust me it helps.

Try very hard not to walk across someone elses shot. Video weenies do it all the time though. If you do or need to let the other guy know and say your sorry. That too goes a long way.

And if someone does it to you bring it to their attention and be very frank about it.

Take care,

Les

ps Oh and BTW that "small town newspaper photographer" should never be arranging people in his shots. A PJ is supposed to record what is there not create set up shots. This person was probably a wedding shooter most of the time.

[mwt]

I would have hit him in the head with a shovel

[DaveG]

I would have hit him in the head with a shovel

This may well be the stupidest thing I've ever read on a forum.

[TeeJay]

There are soooo many good points raised here that to quote them all would need a post a mile long!

I think the main thing is to be assertive, without being rude. If I'm at an event, but maybe not being hired directly (by the organisers) to cover it, I tend to hangback a little as the other photogs need to get their shots without me getting in their way.

However, if I'm PAID to be there, then I act in a totally different way. By that I mean my manerisms and bodily stance are completely different. You have to "take control" to a degree, allowing the subject(s) to know that YOU are taking control (in a firm but friendly way), maybe calling to them, and yes, "directing" them if need be. That way they think "hello, this is the guy who we look towards" and hey presto - you get your photo.

If you are paid to be there, you are expected to get results. It just takes a little experience sometimes to achieve it.

To the original OP, dont worry, it'll come it time. Good luck.

TJ

On the other hand, the last tog that stood up in front of me just happened to bang his head on my 1D ;-)

[Captain Mantastic]

wow, lots of good points here. i was shooting at a concert of a band a like at a local bar, and there was another photog there. i was just shooting their event so they can put the pictures up on their page, myspace page things like. i was unpaid. Had the XTi, grip and 430ex on. The other photog shoots for this small paper/magazine that is distributed among the county bars. has a couple of pictures here and there from each bar, their daily specials, concert schedules things like that. He was being paid, press tag and all, and he kept ducking from me if he stepped in front of me. I thought that was very curteous but funny as i was doing it as a hoppy, he was getting paid. He was only using an 300D with pop-up flash and kit lens though. but his pictures that get published are very low resolution and small. this was the first time i had that kind of reation though. thought it was funny.. of course i stayed out of his way too.

[MJPhotos24]

This happens a lot so no need to worry, just speak up and go back to work. For the most part photogs do not do this on purpose (well ok, I know one jerk who does and almost got a monopod where the sun don't shine a few times) and if you speak up they will be more careful. Sometimes they are so worried about getting the shot they don't realize what's around them, including other 'togs. Others though can be jerks like the guy above, or a few I see in Spring Training. For the most part though I get people moving out of my way all the time and most will talk and try to work together. Now that's even because A) they see the case of equipment and whole lotta press passes so think I'm "important" B) just know how it should be done, i.e., work together C) they look at me and realize I s**t bigger than them so they have to be nice :)

[joegolf68]

Wow, a rude photographer in the media. What next, gambling in Vegas.

From what I've seen, it is a free for all. Unfortunately, but I think I'd say something, politely, like I was here first. Since you were hired b the airport, you don't want to make it an ugly scene, as bad publicity is even worse for your employer (the airport at this event.)

[primoz]

Agree Dave, but sometimes it would be best thing to do :) Today at alpine skiing World Cup, when leaving with press shuttle from course to press center, I was just putting skis on back of car and when I wanted to sit there, there was one "extremly important" radio journalists sitting there. When being nice didn't help (I don't care if you were here first and if you have skis in car already, I'm going with this one!), I almost lost it and it wouldn't take much to take monopod of my 400/2.8 and beat the hell out of him. :confused:
So I'm thinking of starting to carry shovel with me too :mrgreen:

[turaund1]

you should have said something, you were the house photographer and should have preference. If your saying something did not produce results, you should have had the person who hired you step in(since you said he was watching the whole thing). In the limited amount of events that I have worked were the media is present, I have learned that they can be rude and nasty to deal with. You have to stand your ground and use the power that you have(the guy that hired you).

[kona77]

Always nice to hear from pros, thank you for your comments.
In the future I will show up, take control, get the shot, then help the other people out.
Thanks again.

[kona77]

I thought I would just one of the pics of the guys head in my lens. Again, this is just one photo.

[Croasdail]

Thats just plain old goofy. Better luck next time. It's all a learning process, we all went through it.

[Modine]

This is a problem caused by the publicist who (I asume) did not issue media passes and/or by the people in charge of security who failed to screen people coming and going.

I have shot about two dozen events of different sorts and sizes during the past year and a half, and each time I was issued some sort of pass or badge indicating that I represented either a sponsor, the media, or the organization holding the event. This is part and parcel of crowd control.

If another photographer showed up with a bigger lens or more equipment, I wouldn't assume that he is a pro. I wouldn't even assume that he has permission to be there. I'd find out who the guy works for.

[Photodawg1]

Great thread. I have experienced some of this in the "trenches" from the pj side and the op side. Most situations are Very mannerly, but I have experienced times when a photog tried to encroach in my zone. I think once or twice definitely got the feeling that well because I am a woman I could just be pushed away...alas...I have struggled hard to get the opportunity to shoot what I shoot and I never give an inch if I feel I am being bullied (luckily I have great martial arts training and a tenacious nature if pushed). It seldom comes to that and I think the PJ's should have alot of leeway. If you are shooting for the promotoer/owner, you need to establish with them what shots are important and have them lay the boundaries for you. I guess I have been fortunate in coming to it with gratitude that I was ever allowed to be that close and shoot pretty much what I want, so I generally don't feel threatened and am not threatening...usually there is good comaraderie and good banter and some new friends. Hope your next experience is more like that.

[Billginthekeys]

This is a problem caused by the publicist who (I asume) did not issue media passes and/or by the people in charge of security who failed to screen people coming and going.

If another photographer showed up with a bigger lens or more equipment, I wouldn't assume that he is a pro. I wouldn't even assume that he has permission to be there. I'd find out who the guy works for.
he already said in the first post that the shooter was from the local paper. there problem solved.

[Photodawg1]

he already said in the first post that the shooter was from the local paper. there problem solved.
Are you directing this at me?

[Cybnew]

It was extremely rude of him to do that, however, it happens. A couple weeks ago I was shooting the finish of Stage 4 of the Tour of California, and there was what you described, and much more. However, that situation was a little bit different as there were about 40 photographers in a 30*30 area trying to get a good picture of the awards ceremony. Next time, as it has been said, just try being more assertive. It might get the other photog to "notice" you more. Good Luck!

[primoz]

This has to be different in USA then it's in Europe. For cycling, and I shoot it quite lot, I have really no complains. People who are shooting cycling are great guys (and few girls :)), but it's true most of us are regulars so we know each other. This (http://www.photo.si/photo_show.php?imn=s_cycling_060924nw_0507.jpg) was on last years medal ceremony on Cycling world championship, and you can tell it's not that bad, if I managed to get my spot (between T on O of watermark :) ), after I went out of this crowd, to get this shoot. :)
But as I wrote earlier... you have idiots everywhere. And normally it takes just one, to destroy everything anyway.:confused:

[kona77]

Wow Primoz,

Nice crowd there. Hard to believe you fit in there with your lens and that cool hat.:)

[primoz]

With lens yes, with hat? No way! It was around +25c if I remember right, so I didn't really needed hat at that time :mrgreen:

[Billginthekeys]

Are you directing this at me?
no, the guy i quoted who was saying that the OP should have found out who the guy was working for even though he already said he was shooting for the paper

[Photodawg1]

Oh okay...Thanks! :)

[jamesdean007]

Ok, he's a jerk or overly agressive or rude or a combination of the above - maybe. I probably would have at least said, Excuse me? I am sure you were fuming everytime he stepped infront of you and everytime you looked at your LCD to see him, his assistant or their gear in your shot. Saying excuse me might not have gotten him to stop, but it might have taken some of the negative energy off your shoulders. I am sure we've all seen some form of this at a wedding, but then its usually innocent like grandma stepping in front of you at just the wrong time. Sorry it happened.

[kona77]

I am sure we've all seen some form of this at a wedding, but then its usually innocent like grandma stepping in front of you at just the wrong time. Sorry it happened.

I didn't want to make a scene so I tried to act professional and not draw attention to the guy. Lesson learned.
Now, weddings. I also film weddings and I can not tell you how many times I am getting the bride and groom entering the reception to have a guy with a cardboard disposable camera tell me he is going to cut in front of me to get a shot. I have finally started saying "No, you can not step in front of me".
The worst one was an absolutley beautiful church wedding with the bride and father just starting coming down a long isle with the sun streaking through the stained glass windows. In a split second a women is $2 red polyester pants steps into the isle, again with a cardboard camera, and stands there for a good 10 seconds taking pictures. I could not believe my eyes.
When I edited the video I did the best job I could and they understood that there was nothing I could do. The were so mad at the lady that they almost sent her a bill for the filming.

The other time I was totally pissed was when the wedding was going to start in the church, I went to my reserved isle seat and a woman was sitting there. After asking her to move several times she said no way and I was forced to move all of my gear to another location in the church. This was just as the music was starting to play.
Sometimes I wonder why I attract the problem people.

[snapzz]

I think you just need to learn how to take control. If anyone stood in front of me I'd tell them to move! If someone sat in my seat I'd tell them to move (although if reserved for me I'd place something on it to show it was occupied.)

Regarding the cardboard camera brigade then a very load "EXCUSE ME YOUR IN MY SHOT" Followed by "Unless your paying for it!" usually does the trick. And if someone tries to take control I usualy tell them "when I've finished you can do what you want".

[blackshadow]

You should have fired the flash into her eyes until she moved! As for the jerk the OP mentioned a few blows to the head with a 70-200 lens followed up by a "stop running into my lens" might cause him to take a bit of notice and realise the error of his ways!

[kona77]

blackshadow,
Thanks for the comments. I also wanted to compliment you on your tagline, made me laugh.
Have a great day.:)

[Cybnew]

This has to be different in USA then it's in Europe. For cycling, and I shoot it quite lot, I have really no complains. People who are shooting cycling are great guys (and few girls :)), but it's true most of us are regulars so we know each other. This (http://www.photo.si/photo_show.php?imn=s_cycling_060924nw_0507.jpg) was on last years medal ceremony on Cycling world championship, and you can tell it's not that bad, if I managed to get my spot (between T on O of watermark :) ), after I went out of this crowd, to get this shoot. :)
But as I wrote earlier... you have idiots everywhere. And normally it takes just one, to destroy everything anyway.:confused:

Unfortunatly, there were a lot of small newspaper photographers and such, as well as the seasoned "pros" I believe that most of the rudeness directed at me was due to my young age (which in all honesty should have nothing to do with it). I remember one lady was acting like i knew nothing about taking pictures what-so-ever. She kept telling me to turn my camera to the "action" setting so I wouldnt screw my shots up (it was in a derogitory tone). It would be a little more understandable that the photogs in europe are a little bit more welcoming as it is more of a popular sport over there. Here, we get a few big races a year, and then everyone goes back to their day job.

[Modine]

Again, the responsibility for the problem rests upon the shoulders of the publicist for not issuing press passes. JUST BECAUSE someone says that he belongs there, it does NOT mean that he does.

Capice, Billinthekeys?

[hooookup]

communication goes a long ways

[mwt]

This may well be the stupidest thing I've ever read on a forum.

You obviously don't surf the web much. :lol:

Someone else posted to hit him with a 70-200 L

Which statement is stupiderer?

[transcend]

This has to be different in USA then it's in Europe. For cycling, and I shoot it quite lot, I have really no complains. People who are shooting cycling are great guys (and few girls :)), but it's true most of us are regulars so we know each other. This (http://www.photo.si/photo_show.php?imn=s_cycling_060924nw_0507.jpg) was on last years medal ceremony on Cycling world championship, and you can tell it's not that bad, if I managed to get my spot (between T on O of watermark :) ), after I went out of this crowd, to get this shoot. :)
But as I wrote earlier... you have idiots everywhere. And normally it takes just one, to destroy everything anyway.:confused:

On that note, will you be covering MTB Worlds in Ft William, Scotland or the World Cup Finals in Maribo, Slovenia this year? If so, let me know and we can meet up. Should be a fun time again this year, worlds is always a treat.