Rant

Just a rant. I was at the Indy Tennis championships the other day, when the official photographer came to sit by me. I had my 70-200 2.8IS on, he had a 1DsIII with a 400 prime. As with normal human courtesy, I said hello, how's it goin, enjoying the tournament, etc. I also asked him if that lens was the 400 prime. I figured, a guy with this much gear MUST love talking about it. Was I wrong.

He proceeded to give me a dirty look, and said nothing. Sort of scoffed at me really. And while we were taking pictures, he put his 400 prime directly in my field of view, and I missed several shots on the volleys because of this guy. I couldn't believe what an a$$h0l3 this guy was being. My guess is, he would have been a normal guy, had he not been holding his camera gear.

Just a rant I guess. But it makes me sad that photographers can be rude and uncourteous, especially to another fellow photographer. Just ridiculous.

I guess some pro's don't want to be bothered when working. No need for him to be an a$$0!3 about it though. When I am out shooting I talk to people and sometime even let them give a go at taking a picture with my camera. I figure I would love to use someone's 1DS III and 400 and I am sure the average person is interested in our cameras.

It may be shocking but some professional photographers don't really love photography that much. Either you get burned out or it is just a way to make a living; like someone might be an airline pilot without actually enjoying the job. A long time ago they might have liked to fly but now that pilot doesn't necessarily want to hear about you and your Cessna.

Hmm interesting, there's all sorts of people out there but kinda sucks the pro moved his lens so it's in your shot, but thehoff's right, some photographers just do it for the $ =)

You gotta be old enough to know that every "group" of people in the world has their share of a-holes. You just found one.

But the thing is, why forego simple, common, societal courtesy . He didn't even smile or say hello. Maybe I was the ass and assumed he spoke english? Ugh who knows.

@Chauncey - I know. But every time it happens, it's still surprising...

Nah there is no excuse for being an ass... but maybe he has been bothered by hobbyists before that wouldn't leave him alone to work. I'm NOT saying this is what you were doing but he has probably had bad experiences in the past when he is there, on the clock, and has to come back with the shot but someone won't leave him be.

Yeah I guess so. I'm sure he was like, "here's another kid (i'm 25, he was probably 40s), trying to be a photographer." It was weird though, cuz we were both in the Associated Press box courtside, and "hobbyists" (per se) aren't allowed. Ugh I dunno - it just really irked me.

Good insights Hoff. I need to be less naive.

There are a lot of photographers (other people too but I am just picking on photographers) who are just full of themselves. I usually put it down to insecurity which it may not be but that make me feel better at least.

If someone doesn't want to talk they can learn to let others know with a bit of graciousness at least.

Quad wrote in post #5942519
There are a lot of photographers (other people too but I am just picking on photographers) who are just full of themselves. I usually put it down to insecurity which it may not be but that make me feel better at least.

If someone doesn't want to talk they can learn to let others know with a bit of graciousness at least.

+1. Sometimes I think it's a gear-snobby thing too. I'll openly admit that when I see someone using nikon, i'm like, "Pshh.." But ya know what? That won't stop me from talking to them about photography or whatever, nor will it stop me from being nice and approachable.

I can't say I hate gear snobs, since i'm sort of one myself, but never would I treat someone like crap because i may/may not think my gear is better. I think the nature of photography lends itself to people being gear snobs, but I think the way we handle ourselves in public, the image we create for ourselves, says a lot more than the gear we own.

sacral wrote in post #5942573
+1. Sometimes I think it's a gear-snobby thing too. I'll openly admit that when I see someone using nikon, i'm like, "Pshh.." But ya know what? That won't stop me from talking to them about photography or whatever, nor will it stop me from being nice and approachable.

Ya might want to re-think that one... despite the digital flubs, probably 90% of pros used Nikons in the F/2/3/4 Era. What would you think if someone was (oh no) using a Pentax or Olympus? Brand, schmand... Look at their settings (Green box, P, Av, or M) if you want to judge their skill.

sacral wrote in post #5942573
+1. Sometimes I think it's a gear-snobby thing too. I'll openly admit that when I see someone using nikon, i'm like, "Pshh.." But ya know what? That won't stop me from talking to them about photography or whatever, nor will it stop me from being nice and approachable.

I can't say I hate gear snobs, since i'm sort of one myself, but never would I treat someone like crap because i may/may not think my gear is better. I think the nature of photography lends itself to people being gear snobs, but I think the way we handle ourselves in public, the image we create for ourselves, says a lot more than the gear we own.

Seriously? Pro's don't go around thinking they are better because of their gear. What impresses them are the others bodies of work - not what brand camera they have. That they leave to hobby types who think they can buy their way into being a good photographer. Listen, not trying to be rude here, but they are their to get paid and build upon their reputation for consistently getting the better shot then the next person. Their value in the market is 100% based on their consistency. If they miss a shot because they are chatting on the sidelines, they are no better then the person they are chatting with. It is an extremely competitive field out there. If you don't know that, your not playing in it yet. They need to be 100% focused on the job at hand - not making new buddies. That is what the time in the hotel lobby bar is for after all submissions are done. But what you are expecting is the same as trying to strike up a conversion with a batter while he is up to bat. They are there, on the clock. There is no second chance at a given shot. If they miss it, someone else will, and the other person will be getting the checks for that game. If you miss it, you chalk it up to a bad day and move on.

There are some real jerks out there. Who knows, I could be one of them. But honestly, believe me, it isn't about the gear... really. And it's not about the location either. Jostling for position in the photo wells is just a common event. Most photographer apologize for fouling someone elses shot. Most do exhibit common manners. And there are more then a few frustrated pros out there about the number of hobbiest in the photo wells now. Up at Mid Ohio recently, we had pros competing with people with P/Ss who were given photo vests.

So I really do think if you had run into this chap under different circumstances, you all probably would have had a fine chat. Most do love talking about their craft and discussion new tools. Just not while in the middle of an event.

And god help us all if any of the pros are in it for the money - because they must be hopelessly bad at everything else. Unless your top 5%, your not making enough to be in it for the money.

I just want to be there when you and the pro start using your lenses as light sabers.

poloman wrote in post #5942941
I just want to be there when you and the pro start using your lenses as light sabers.

LOL

@Hoff - I'm not saying that Nikon is inferior to Canon by any means. All I was saying is that my loyalty in terms of DSLR lies with Canon, so I silently (and usually satirically) scoff at Nikon users. We are, afterall, on a Canon forum.

I guess my point in starting this thread is this - whether you're on the clock or not, there's absolutely no reason to be a dick.

@Croasdail - you are right - I'm not in this game to make a living, so I can't truly comment on the competitive nature of it. Other things are taking priority right now. I'm in it because it's an art to me. Obviously, the more and better shots I get, great. Awesome even. But I'm not about to go a f*$% up someone else's shot just to get mine. Again, common courtesy. For all he knows, I was out there shooting for money as well. And your comment about hobbyists who "buy their way into being a good photographer" (this is in part the attitude of pros i'm adressing in the OP) in the wells with P&S cams. So? Not so much a problem with the hobbyists themselves (as it is with we hobbyists on the forum with DSLRs vs P&S's), but more a problem with media credentialing. Sure it's frustrating for the pros, but no need to treat the other hobbyists like crap, if that's what you were implying.

Again, all this is just a vent on my part. bottom line - don't be a dick. Period.

No, not at all. Just trying to help you understand it most likely wasn't personal at all toward you. It is just the nature of the job. Just as any industry, you have all kinds of personality types and people who go about doing their jobs in different ways. Some just like to be left alone so they can focus on the task at hand. Others are the warmest/nicest people out there. And honestly, the first 100 times being asked about your lens, it flattering.... I'll admit it. It's the next several thousand time that get a bit old. Agreed, should give the 1001th person the same courtesy the 10th person got, but it does just become noise and you sort of just tune it out. Not saying it is right or the polite thing, it is just what it is.

You have every right to rant... no problems. Just giving you some context.