Your first encounter w/ a Photography Snob!

[Mark II Shooter]

I was 14 years old & doing my best to do what pages 22-47 told me in my first book of "How-To" tips on photography.

While standing outside near a popular tourist area in my city...a gentleman came up to me and said, " Do you know what your doing?". I quickly stated, "Yes...I do."

He stood back and watched me shoot 3-4 shots & then pulls out his camera. Needless to say it was better than any 14yr old budget could afford. He walks closer & says, "One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!" The gentleman was about 45 years old.

To this day...if I see that bastard, I'll take a picture of him & give it to him for free! I won't take the time to mention my accolades, equipment & lessons learned.

Btw...I still have that camera. It is above me on the shelf above the monitor/screen I stare at as I type (grin)

Big Karma & Be Ez

[neilwood32]

Its best not to rise to that sort of person - except to say "its not worth having a great camera if you still shoot c£"$." and then walk off.

Seriously i would have ignored him (although it might have been good as it possibly gave you a little bit of a spur to get better).

[blueM]

He walks closer & says, "One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!" The gentleman was about 45 years old.

Clearly he believes that good gear = good photographs, giving no credit to the person behind the camera. You were already ahead of him at 14

[tiziano]

You may want to thank him! He has probably taught you how to avoid being like him when growing up... :)

[S.Horton]

You encountered a bully, plain and simple.

And a coward to boot, picking on a child.

Move on, and never be that way yourself.

;}

[katodog]

Any time somebody wants to put down my skills, whether they be photographic or otherwise, I simply let them have their moment. I know that everyone starts out as dumb as they come, and this guy would be no exception. Sad truth is that people don't remember where they came from, they're only locked on to where they're going. Single mind, single vision. I get my joy from knowing a lot of people get rear-ended that way...

Typically I just let these people blow off until they're done, and then I keep on keepin' on. If I paid attention to what "They" say, I'd be a lot richer, because I wouldn't have spent so much money doing the things I enjoy.



I am always reminded by threads like this of what one of my grand masters once told me: "When you look down on someone else, you are only looking down on yourself. Everyone starts as a White Belt, and there is no shame in having a beginning. The shame comes from never starting."



Quite frankly I don't care if you are God Himself. If you need to toot your own horn , you aren't as good as you think you are.

[Mark II Shooter]

Neilwood-M-Tiziano-SHorton & Katodog...

I appreciate your response.I am thankful for the encounter building a firm cornerstone in my photographic integrity. At the time it happened, I thought he was just a nut. Later I realized there are many.

No worries...the whole thing was a flash in the pan incident that lead to a nice piece of gold!:D

Be ez ya'll & thanks again

View what I do (http://www.redbaklava.com)

[neilwood32]

Im glad you took the comments as an opportunity to build integrity.

At a young age that sort of comment could have caused you to give up.

[RikWriter]

I was lucky enough to only meet very nice, encouraging photographers when I was first getting into photography about 5 years ago.
The only actual photography snobs I've encountered have been online.
Of course, I am a bit older than you were and not a small person :D

[rklepper]

Some people can only make themselves feel better by trying to make others feel worse.

[tsw910]

WOW .. what a jack-a$$

i would've said .. does it suck to show off to a 14 yr old ?

[Stealthy Ninja]

The old dude had a Kodak Camera.

[Mark II Shooter]

Thanks for taking the time to drop thoughts! I'm honored that "veterans" of the POTN (in the thousands-grin) that have seen a ton of threads took a sec to respond. Way cool.

I agree, the guy was out of line posturing that way with a kid.

re: RikWriter's - "The only actual photography snobs I've encountered have been online."

I can say that ocasionally one can run into someone so uptight about the physics,science & theory of photography...that they look back and realize they talk alot more than they shoot! Which is hilarious to me.

No childhood scars here (grin) My photography work has taken me around the globe. For that I thank the gust of wind "the bum" blew against my back!

Thanks once again!

My site (http://www.redbaklava.com)

[brecklundin]

I was 14 years old & doing my best to do what pages 22-47 told me in my first book of "How-To" tips on photography.

While standing outside near a popular tourist area in my city...a gentleman came up to me and said, " Do you know what your doing?". I quickly stated, "Yes...I do."

He stood back and watched me shoot 3-4 shots & then pulls out his camera. Needless to say it was better than any 14yr old budget could afford. He walks closer & says, "One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!" The gentleman was about 45 years old.

To this day...if I see that bastard, I'll take a picture of him & give it to him for free! I won't take the time to mention my accolades, equipment & lessons learned.

Btw...I still have that camera. It is above me on the shelf above the monitor/screen I stare at as I type (grin)

Big Karma & Be Ez

Actually it was last fall. A neighbor friend of mine is an excellent photographer and I've known her since she was just getting into it all. And she's a really kind hearted person. Well, she liked some of the shots I've taken and how I enjoy the whole hobby and suggested I join our town's photogrpahy club. Not being a real joiner but liking the idea of socializing with people like I have found here and at the POTN Gathering last summer I decided "...sure why not..." Weeeeelllll, my neighbor was having her very first gallery exhibit and my better-half and I went to show support and see what new shots she had come up with. In conversation I mentioned I thought, yeah why not get involved with the club if for not other reason as a way to get out and be around new people. Well, the club as a whole decided they wanted to keep it a more, ahem, "professional group" and did not want another other sorts involved. Ummmm, OK?? ;) ...so much for new ideas. My neighbor felt awful to relay that to me but I knew it was not her talking only the attitude of the group. It also told me it's not a group I would have enjoyed anyway with their mindset.

I was, at one time a professional athlete. I learned that it's very important to appreciate each and every person who is a fan or participates & enjoys what I was able to do for a living. These people are the very ones who know they are never going to be great but they do it for the fun and enjoyment it brings them. And while these people may never be any good at all, it's their desire & willingness to try even though they fail over and over, which made me appreciate the talent I was given and made me work even harder to maintain & refine my own talent. And I was always willing to offer advice or suggestions anytime someone asked for the help.

Looking down or belitting others who already know you are better than they can ever hope to become, only reveals insecurities and fear. Doing so also is sort of taking for granted that you yourself was once a beginner too but were somehow gifted with the natural talent as well as the desire to make the most of that talent. And this applies to any endevor in life.

The professionals and uber talented sorts who take the time to encourage others that are what the ones I admire and looked to when I might struggle, as we all will more than once in our lives. As some mentioned here already, if you need to pat yourself on the back, you are not that great yet and are afraid someone will find out that fact.

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^ But I'm better than you.

So... :p

It's never good to think of yourself too highly (or lowly).

[brecklundin]

^^ But I'm better than you.

So... :p
oh, geeeze...I knooooow...I always forget that part, thanks for reminding me!! :D

[Stealthy Ninja]

^^ Gotta keep you humble. ;)

[HuskyKMA]

I probably would have said, "Yes, but your lack of skill completely negates the quality of your equipment."

[brecklundin]

^^ Gotta keep you humble. ;)

Not to worry...that happens everytime I pee. :lol:

[yogestee]

A few years ago I was in the North of Laos documenting village life in a remote area.. A group of tourists came and sat near me in a cafe.. I had my 350D on the table, this guy walked over and asked what I was doing (Nth American accent).. I told him, he smirked and pulled out a 30D and said I need a camera like his and promptly told me my 350D isn't up to the task.. I held my tongue, smilled and nodded.. I just wanted to tell him that I've been making a living out of photography for 25 years or so, but didn't..

[neilwood32]

A few years ago I was in the North of Laos documenting village life in a remote area.. A group of tourists came and sat near me in a cafe.. I had my 350D on the table, this guy walked over and asked what I was doing (Nth American accent).. I told him, he smirked and pulled out a 30D and said I need a camera like his and promptly told me my 350D isn't up to the task.. I held my tongue, smilled and nodded.. I just wanted to tell him that I've been making a living out of photography for 25 years or so, but didn't..

But he had better gear therefore he must be a far better photographer surely? :p On that scale, I need a 1DsMk3 immediately cause my photo's suck! (seriously if anyone has one going spare, it would help my creative process especially if it was added to some L lenses!:lol:)

The camera is only the tool to do the job, it is the "tool" behind it that makes or ruins photographs!:D

[Stealthy Ninja]

A few years ago I was in the North of Laos documenting village life in a remote area.. A group of tourists came and sat near me in a cafe.. I had my 350D on the table, this guy walked over and asked what I was doing (Nth American accent).. I told him, he smirked and pulled out a 30D and said I need a camera like his and promptly told me my 350D isn't up to the task.. I held my tongue, smilled and nodded.. I just wanted to tell him that I've been making a living out of photography for 25 years or so, but didn't..

Mmm reminds me of the guys in Hong Kong who buy 5D mkiis then leave it in on full auto.

[harroz]

gosh, where do I start with this one!

I used to work as a photographer, then photographic manager, on cruise ships. Once every couple of cruises a photographer would come on as a guest/tourist. Nearly always the same reaction. I could never work out if they acted they way they did because they thought so highly of themselves or so lowly. One time in particular though a 'famous' photographer came on as a speaker, he stood infront of the images on the wall and blatantly put all of the images down to other photogs in front of my wife, who was also working as a photographer with me. He not only did it loud and intimidatingly, but also whilst looking out the corner of his eye at her, like on purpose to intimidate her you know? so later on we find one of his books in the library or from a passenger or something and he was quite... limited creatively.

I can only remember 1 photographic speaker who had the ego missing in 5 years. Sad really.

Oh wait then there was the classic lady in Antarctica, who started really banging on big time about digital this and digital that and photographing antarctica etc, I'd been setting up and running digital systems on ships for the past 4 years, and she was there for a week, I was there for 8 weeks, once I explained she quitened down some.. not a lot though.

Some people are just like that, they can't be detered, their minds are set. They can't change their way of thinking, a surprising trait in one so supposedly excellent in the creatives...

[Stealthy Ninja]

One time in particular though a 'famous' photographer came on as a speaker, he stood infront of the images on the wall and blatantly put all of the images down to other photogs in front of my wife, who was also working as a photographer with me. He not only did it loud and intimidatingly, but also whilst looking out the corner of his eye at her, like on purpose to intimidate her you know? so later on we find one of his books in the library or from a passenger or something and he was quite... limited creatively.

\
Time for a smack-down I'd say.

What was he saying? That they didn't obey the "rule" of thirds enough for him. :lol:

[harroz]

oh, he was just banging with ludicrous crap, poor guy was still living in memory of his 20 year old paperback book that was the size of a postcard.

if I remember correctly he used his egotistical persona once too many times on crew and got a stern 'warning or removal' from the Hotel Director who incidentally had the hots for my wife, and did not take kindly to anybody treating her with distain ;-). You can see why though just by looking at my avi:)

[Stealthy Ninja]

Looks like a typical New Zealander... :p

OT: New Zealand is such a beautiful place to photograph. Almost as good as Tasmania (where I come from... here come the jokes). :)

[The Moose]

Looks like a typical New Zealander... :p

OT: New Zealand is such a beautiful place to photograph. Almost as good as Tasmania (where I come from... here come the jokes). :)

:lol: Tasmania :lol: It's not worth anything :p

My teacher at school who has a couple of bodies (5D and 40D) with L lenses told me to shoot in auto mode all the time. Even at concerts. Like I'd do that! I know how to work my camera and how to get the results I want. He seems to think that I know nothing just because I'm still a student at school.

[Stealthy Ninja]

:lol: Tasmania :lol: It's not worth anything :p


You do know the reason why Tasmania is getting closer to the mainland don't you?! :p

:lol:

[The Moose]

You do know the reason why Tasmania is getting closer to the mainland don't you?! :p

:lol:

I heard it's because the Spirit of Tassie boats aren't doing so well, they need shorter trips to get more people ;)

[Stealthy Ninja]

LOL... no... something to do with Melbourne inhaling sharply. ;)

[Cosha]

oh yes there around - this weekend just gone i pop to my local zoo, i was sat on a boat ride around the lake to see the hippos and seals etc.. i sat with my girlfriend on the seats closest to the edge - was good fun untill some @#%& sat on the OTHER side of the boat with his nikkon POS jumped almost on my lap and hit me in the eye with his hood (i jumped up because my girlfriend was frightened this balding man jumped us) and squared up to him to ask wtf he was doing...

He then had the cheek to shout at me that i ruined his shot and that his income was from photog - nevermind my girlfriend - my space and my eye!

But again karma works wonders, no only did his lens hood end up in the water for the seals to play with i got the shot and his wife gave him some good attitude when they got off...


muha lets just hope she was a husband beater too!

[RikWriter]

I actually ran into a photography snob yesterday. Actually I think he was a snob in general, not just about photography. He was one of those people who project the attitude that "every word I tell you should be taken as sage advice," without the actual wisdom to back that up.
He had expensive equipment, but from the shots he was taking and the light he was taking them in, he did not have the know-how on when and how to use it, despite having, in his words, been shooting Canons for the last 35 years.

[brecklundin]

I actually ran into a photography snob yesterday. Actually I think he was a snob in general, not just about photography. He was one of those people who project the attitude that "every word I tell you should be taken as sage advice," without the actual wisdom to back that up.
He had expensive equipment, but from the shots he was taking and the light he was taking them in, he did not have the know-how on when and how to use it, despite having, in his words, been shooting Canons for the last 35 years.

of course the smart arse response would be "...with what? a .22?..."

[20droger]

35 years shooting Canons proves nothing. I've been driving cars for longer than that, but I know better than to claim I'm an A.J. Foyt.

[Kendoway]

================================================== ===================
Scenario A:

Pud Muncher:
"Do you know what your doing?"

Mark II Shooter:
"Yes...I do."

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
[sad face] “I don’t think so. This is the only camera back at the orphanage, and Father Murphy
says I need to bring it back in perfect condition”

Pud Muncher:
“Oh…”

================================================== ===================

Scenario B:

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
[sad face] “I doubt it. My oncologist says there’s no hope, and I have to check into hospice
next week.”

Pud Muncher:
“Oh…”


================================================== ===================

Scenario B:

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
“Awesome, I’m so envious!. Do you ever take self portraits?”

Pud Muncher:
“My self portraits are the best ever”

Mark II Shooter:
“Would I find those on Wikipedia under “Proctology?”

================================================== ===================

[iAMB]

I have had my fair share of people look at the Rebel on the front of my camera and smurk. It gets old fast, its an amazing camera. Although I have to give it to one person in particular who had a 1D MKIII, We were taking photographs at the same game. Of course I was the one getting down with him shooting with such an amazing camera, but we were just chatting while shooting and he looked over and said, Dont shoot in TV, shoot in AV. As it turns out after another 30 shots I looked down and saw some amazing shots I had taken after the switch. Didnt get the chance to thank him but was nice for someone to help and not take a stab at me because of the equipment they were using

[neilwood32]

================================================== ===================
Scenario A:

Pud Muncher:
"Do you know what your doing?"

Mark II Shooter:
"Yes...I do."

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
[sad face] “I don’t think so. This is the only camera back at the orphanage, and Father Murphy
says I need to bring it back in perfect condition”

Pud Muncher:
“Oh…”

================================================== ===================

Scenario B:

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
[sad face] “I doubt it. My oncologist says there’s no hope, and I have to check into hospice
next week.”

Pud Muncher:
“Oh…”


================================================== ===================

Scenario B:

Pud Muncher:
"One day you'll have a camera like this & won't have to play around with crap like that!"

Mark II Shooter:
“Awesome, I’m so envious!. Do you ever take self portraits?”

Pud Muncher:
“My self portraits are the best ever”

Mark II Shooter:
“Would I find those on Wikipedia under “Proctology?”

================================================== ===================

I like scenario C the best :lol:

oh yes there around - this weekend just gone i pop to my local zoo, i was sat on a boat ride around the lake to see the hippos and seals etc.. i sat with my girlfriend on the seats closest to the edge - was good fun untill some @#%& sat on the OTHER side of the boat with his nikkon POS jumped almost on my lap and hit me in the eye with his hood (i jumped up because my girlfriend was frightened this balding man jumped us) and squared up to him to ask wtf he was doing...

He then had the cheek to shout at me that i ruined his shot and that his income was from photog - nevermind my girlfriend - my space and my eye!

But again karma works wonders, no only did his lens hood end up in the water for the seals to play with i got the shot and his wife gave him some good attitude when they got off...


muha lets just hope she was a husband beater too!

Yeah Karma can be a bitch sometimes eh?:D

I have had my fair share of people look at the Rebel on the front of my camera and smurk. It gets old fast, its an amazing camera. Although I have to give it to one person in particular who had a 1D MKIII, We were taking photographs at the same game. Of course I was the one getting down with him shooting with such an amazing camera, but we were just chatting while shooting and he looked over and said, Dont shoot in TV, shoot in AV. As it turns out after another 30 shots I looked down and saw some amazing shots I had taken after the switch. Didnt get the chance to thank him but was nice for someone to help and not take a stab at me because of the equipment they were using

That, to my mind, is what photography should be all about - the mutual sharing of knowldge and experience so that everyone can enjoy it more. And its why POTN is one of the best forums around imho!bw!