Playing favorites

For starters, I’ve talked to many people since the start of this thread; they too have swayed my opinion.

I guess that would be my "latest excuse"

All I meant by the "local paper" statement was that they do not accept images of the other team, I’ve asked them about this. I wasn’t debating the fact that I sent 10 images. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this advice, what I’m debating is the content of the images. We won the game because we ran the ball 75% of the game. That’s what the story was, that’s the story I captured, that’s the story I sent to them. They chose not to use it...that’s fine

If it is then that is fine by me. When i "got the job" i told them i'm not always available. I made a commitment to the players, parents and coaches and I think it would hurt me more in the long run to break that promise then to go to the other game.

Again, after talking with some other friends this is the conclusion i've reached.

If they aren’t going to call me again because I can’t make one game then that is their loss and less mine. Yes I’d love to work for a paper as a photographer, there is no doubt about it. But on my list of important things to have in my life...this is actually far on the bottom.

I've gained a lot from this thread CDS, and to me that is all that matters. I'm sorry if you can’t gain as much from it as me, but then...it is my question right?

I've learned that it isn’t smart to send too many photos
I've learned that even if there is only one story diversity is good
I've learned not to get my hopes up about edging out a long time photographer from their long time position
And the biggest thing I’ve learned is that sometimes you have to sacrifice in order to maintain pride.

I take pride in the fact that these guys can rely on me. I take pride in the fact that they are thankful i spend my Friday nights there.

I was talking to the running back in question last night and i told him of my situation.

He asked, "So which game are you going to"

"Yours" I said.

To this he replied in a very surprised and upbeat voice "Oh really? Cool..."

I told him, and this is the truth, "If you guys win, i want to be there. If you guys lose, i want to be there".

As I’ve said on this website before many of these kids were my teammates last year. If you've never played football then maybe I can’t ever explain the bonds that form. I've been to every game this season; I went to many of the practices. I care very much what happens to these guys and in the end I concluded that it would be nothing but selfish to go take photos of another game simply to get a bi-line and some cash.

Again, I’m sorry if you can’t see what I get out of these threads, but I do and that’s all that matters in my opinion.

That has crossed my mind and i may still do it but i'm not sure if time will permit.

The other game is just down the street where as the game i'd like to go to is 45 mins away. If i left at half time i'd get there around the 4th quarter.

I didnt really think there would be any more replies to this thread.

I just got home from the game.

I'm exhausted from stress alone, no amount of money or personal pride can ever take away the memories that were left on that field tonight.

It was a hell of a game, the best i've ever seen perhaps.

We lost, and had i not been there i would have been kicking myself for the rest of my photgraphic life.

Check that...as a football fan, and alumni, i would have kicked myself for the rest of my life.

CDS ..... QED

N

Very laudable sentiments, however if this is the case then perhaps this post should have been in the General Chat, or Share Photographs forum.

There are loads of things I would rather do than go to work 8)
N

Same here Neil!

Timmy,

I will be honest here. If you come in and start blowing the established photog out of the water with quality and trying to suggest what they should be interested in, you won't get far. Staff or established photogs get really defensive about new guys taking over and taking money out of their pockets.

Editors will always choose the photo you don't think is THE one. Then if they do pick the one you like, they will hack it to death cropping.

My suggestion would be to use the old catch flys with honey and not vinigar technique. Take the assignments they give you and shoot to the best of your ablility. Don't worry about the other guy. Edit the work you turn in. Crop tightly and make sure your images pop.

You want to give them choices in images, but don't submit too many. I would say 4-6 action shots with your best up front is enough...then throw in some art shots on the end.

If you get into the inner circle, they will use you equally and share assignments. He is in, and you are not. So you have to play the game.

If you want to shoot "your" team, shoot the assignment team for a half and haul ass back to the game you are interested in for the second half.

Well, my intention is never to take money away from someone. And at 25 for 1 and $10 more for each one after...it's obviously not about the money.

They've got my number, i've got a camera, if they need something i'll be there.

The fantastic thing about this is that there are two highschools in my town and from what it looks like only two real photographers.

Me, and Her.

I dont care what team i shoot anymore, obviously it's fun to shoot your friends but the football thing was differnt and was the last time it'll ever be that way. (i guess i should wait until next year ot make that assumption).

My two cents worth...

I am glad to see that you are thoughtful and have feelings and you really care but there is little are no room for that in the professional business of photography.

I was in a similar situation a while ago. I was shooting a football team (favor for them) and had an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of some dancers that could lead to money and much more exposure. When I spoke with the coach and got the schedule and saw that there would be a conflict. I wrestled with it for a while then I thought to myself do I want to be a professional photographer or be someone doing favors. When you reached that point, you won't have to ask that question.

I told that coach that something came up and I would not be able to shoot all of their games, I would do the one that I can. He said I completely understand and come down when you can and the best of luck to you.

The coach understands that is why he was so surprised when you told him that you would be coming to the game....

Charity or being nice is fine, it is much better when you have something to give. If you become a FAMOUS photographer and you donate your time it will really count.

If this is a business to you, the decision is a easy one to make because it is based on business not feelings.

Just my two cents worth.

NiL,

Weee!

Just got a call from the paper, gotta go to the basketball game tonight.

I'll miss some of my spainish class though...OH NO!!!!

(yeah right)

Enjoy Timmy. It is a great satisfaction to know that yoru gear is paying for itself.