What goes around.......

[kahfluie]

I guess it's true that what goes around comes around.

Today I was shooting a baseball game with my 10D. The local newspaper sent one of their photographers to cover the game. He showed up about the 2nd inning, left at the end of the 5th. I was courteous, said my hellos and left him alone to do his job. His equipment, the top level Nikon (forgot the model). A very good camera... no arguments here on that.

During the course of the game, he would say things to me like "real men don't use a monopod", or... "that 10D is for amateurs"... at one point went on to say that I "didn't belong"... anyway, you get the point. He would purposefully stand in front of me to take a shot, therefore blocking me. When I was in front of him, never did I step in his way. By the way, I never responded to any of his comments... I just went on shooting as best as I could. I admit I'm not a professional... I admit this is a hobby that I hope one day turns into something more... I admit my 10D isn't the same as a 1D or 1Ds. But I also admit that the 10D is a damn good camera!

So, I decided to send in about 10 photos to the local newspaper. I figured they sent their guy and won't use mine but at least the editor would know that I exist. Well... I just got off the phone and was told that they will be using two of my shots this weekend. I asked about the photographer they sent... editor said... "no, all his shots look like crap". The editor was also surprised that I used the 10D.... he said his staff only uses Nikons. That's not a slam on Nikon cameras or Nikon users, as I think they are an extremely good camera, however... can you imagine the big grin on my face when I hung up the phone!? :D 8)

Cheers,

[Ballen Photo]

I guess it's true that what goes around comes around.

I just got off the phone and was told that they will be using two of my shots this weekend. I asked about the photographer they sent... editor said... "no, all his shots look like crap". The editor was also surprised that I used the 10D.... he said his staff only uses Nikons. That's not a slam on Nikon cameras or Nikon users, as I think they are an extremely good camera, however... can you imagine the big grin on my face when I hung up the phone!? :D 8)

Cheers,

LOLOLOL!!! I'm sure that moron will know those were YOUR photos published instead of his, by the angle of view. I'd love to be there the next time you two bump into each other, just to see the look on his face. :D He sounds like a genuine JERK!
Great story.
.......Bruce

[Scottes]

ROFLMAO!!

Congrats! That is great!


Personally I couldn't wait to stuff it in his face. But then again I probably would have mis-used the monopod about 3rd inning...

[CoolToolGuy]

Geez, I wonder if the reason he was trying to block you and put you down is because he had been there before (scooped by an amateur) :roll:

Jerks abound wherever you go. Congratulations, and if you see him again ask him if he wants a lesson or two in how to use a monopod :shock:

[IndyJeff]

Lou, congratulations you have managed to run into an arrogant, egotistical, self-centered prick. They are out there in this business and fortunately, they are far and few between.

When I first started in motorsports photography my first race was the inaugural Brickyard 400. Now when I got assigned to turn 1, I only knew one guy down there and he was way deep in the turn so I never saw him but at the beginning and end of the day. One guy named Marty on one side of me and another named John were very helpful. They talked about shutter speed, apeture settings etc all day long as conditions changed. Even some tips on panning were shared with me. Now mind you, these guys were both from other agencies, one AP and the other the Indy Star. I learned a lot from them and still count them as friends today.

Last year at the 500 a young kid (18-20) shows up with his new 10D. I could tell he was a bit nervous and had some questions. I talked with him and shared some tips and techniques and advised him on where he wanted to shoot. He was wanting to be way to deep in the turn and I convinced him to back down some.

Just remember, if you and I am talking to any of you, have the chance to help out a new guy, do it. You will make a friend and gain respect from a lot of others around you in the profession.


Sermon's over......

[G3]

Good story kahfluie. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when that jerk found out they were running some of your pictures instead of his. I've run across a few arrogant people like that through the years, Fortunately, they usually aren't around all that long..they have this tendency to do themselves in one way or another. What goes around DOES come around...eventually. And Indy Jeff is right...if you CAN help, DO help. Chances are that you'll need something one day...and one of the people you helped in the past might just be there.....

[timmyquest]

A true inspiration...honestly. I mean it's a classic epic battle here.

Nikon vs Canon. Both the leaders of their world, both of about equal power.

The pro vs the Am. One cocky guy who aparently didnt want to be. One who's having fun.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that you may not have bothered had he not been such a prick?

[Tom W]

A true inspiration...honestly. I mean it's a classic epic battle here.

Nikon vs Canon. Both the leaders of their world, both of about equal power.

The pro vs the Am. One cocky guy who aparently didnt want to be. One who's having fun.

I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that you may not have bothered had he not been such a prick?

Its beyond that - its the jerk against the nice guy - and the nice guy prevailed! :)

The 10D sits well with any 35 mm camera - and 35 has always been acceptable for this purpose. His top-notch equipment may have been better, but he apparently didn't know how to use it.

Maybe you will get his job. :)

[mson]

Great story! Further evidence that Canon users are more mature than Nikon users. :wink:

[s00pcan]

If the word "pwned" is ever added to a dictionary, it's going to have that guy's picture.

[defordphoto]

Excellent story. Congratulations. Must be the month for our members to be published! :)

[kahfluie]

... Maybe you will get his job. :)

Not a chance in hell... that would mean getting all new equipment that doesn't bear the Canon logo.... hey maybe I can convince them to switch over.. lolol

[kahfluie]

... I'm gonna go out on a limb and suggest that you may not have bothered had he not been such a prick?

well you can say that.... if anthing he made me forget my fears about sending stuff in. :)

[arthurb]

So, I decided to send in about 10 photos to the local newspaper.

Silly question. How did you submit the photos?
What I mean, is did you print them out or send them electronically?

Thanks.

[kahfluie]

Silly question. How did you submit the photos?
What I mean, is did you print them out or send them electronically?

Thanks.

I sent JPG's (cropped 8X10) via email.

[KennyG]

Lou, a good story and not uncommon. Unfortunately there are a some pros that just turn up to do a job and care little for the people around them or the quality of their work. Your attitude was a credit to us all.

Over the years I have learned a few things that have made my work easier and more enjoyable:

Be polite and helpful to all event officials and follow all their instructions.
When you arrive somewhere new, open up a friendly conversation with any resident pros.
Treat all newcomers with respect, you were once one yourself.

I sent some sample race shots shots I took over the weekend to a car manufacturer whose car they featured. I received a phone call from them on Wednesday evening offering to buy them. This is the first time I have managed to get a manufacturer to take my work and I am well pleased to say the least. They were sent printed but will be supplied as TIFs on CD. Sending images on spec depends on your audience as some will not accept e-mails and others not print or media. If in doubt, call them and ask.

[NILOLIGIST]

kahfluie,

Congrats!! Wonderful story and of course he did get what he deserved. What a jerk. But, the best part other than the fact that you are going to be published is the way you handled yourself and the situation. I really think you are a stand up guy. It could have went either way and because you weren't bothered and didn't argue you had time and the proper mind frame to get the great shots.

Thanks for posting. I have been published Three times in the newspaper and magazine and my photos have been used for several events but it is a feeling that you never get used to. Enjoy!!!

NiL,

[scottbergerphoto]

It's good that there are alot of a--holes in the world. It gives the rest of us a place to hide!
Congrats!
Scott

[mjordan]

Great job, Lou. I shoot a lot of events (mostly dog shows but also other people type events) and I regualarly run across other photographers. I am not a full time working photographer. Most of the time I'm there recording the events for the club newsletters and other publications but I'm also taking pictures that I can sell to the people invovled in the events. But because I'm not there to make a living at it, I try never to get in the way of any working photographer and I try never to take any paying work away from them. When I spot one I'll wait till they aren't busy and then strike up a conversation with them. If they are one of the working photographers, I'll let them know that if I'm in their way, to let me know and I'll be glad to move. Usually, like the others have mentioned, we've struck up conversations and compared notes and swapped war stories when we aren't shooting. A few times I've even helped man one of their cameras while they had to cover something else. And a couple of times they have let me try out one of their super dooper expensive lenses. It was from another working photographer that I got to first try the 70-200 2.8L IS lens.

In all the events I've shot at, I've never had a problem with one of the other photographers. I know it's only a matter of time before I do, but as IndyJeff said, fortunately the problem ones are few and far between.

And I'm always willing to help someone less experienced... as long as they don't ask me a bunch of questions right in the middle of some important shooting. Then I'll give them their first lesson in ring side photo etiquete. :lol:

Mike

[gvansmith]

It just shows to go ya... GREAT Story!

[aeroshots2003]

The whole thing sounds VERY familiar to me.

Apart from my daytime job I often do photographic reports for a wide range of European magazines. During press days you join up with the "pros" with most of them appreciating your presence as long as you "go with the flow". This generally works out fine, since you're all after the same type of illustration (more or less).

Then there are those full-timers who think they're the right man with the right material, so they should be in the right place - if you happen to be in that spot, things may well heat up. From the first moment you experience this "I'm the pro so get out of the way" treatment, you immediately have to take corrective action (polite yet firm) that everybody can observe so the entire press groups knows you're serious.

At one press event I had a "pro" who constantly placed himself in front of me. Since he didn't listen to my numerous requests to look right and left before moving himself into someone else's FOV, I just started pushing his arm every time he tried to make a shot (creating camera shake beyond IS magic :lol: ). He soon got the idea and now at every event I meet him, he gives me the bad eye yet keeps well out of range :twisted:

Lesson 1 : stick up for yourself - if you're accredited for a press event, it means you're worth it !

Lesson 2 : never underestimate one's photographic talent just because he has cheaper equipment !

[Motorsports Photo]

By the way, I never responded to any of his comments... I just went on shooting as best as I could. I admit I'm not a professional...

Hey, that attitude makes you a professional in my book!

I've gotten similar treatment. There is anotther photographer that is occasionally at the same events as I am. I get LOTS of customers who leave his big trailer to see me because they cant stand his attitude.

Best wishes on the new relationship with the local press. It may not get you rich but you'll probably get access to a lot of things you might not before.

-Pete