I’m not a professional photographer but when I’m out I try to focus on the task in hand much like a pro would. This means I’m in my own little world for the most part and often working against the clock. Even so, there are times when I get disrupted by someone nearby. So I thought I’d run through my pet hates when out.
They are in no particular order.
1. Asking and even demanding you take someone’s photo.
OK, firstly I don’t have a problem taking someone’s photo with their camera. Not everyone has a tripod with them or a 3rd person to do it and it’s nice to have couples photo at locations. That said, please don’t get the hump when I decline to do it when I’m busy. If I’m taking sunrise or sunset photos, the clock and the sun are against me and the sun will not wait. I’ll happily take it once I’ve done what I want and need to do. If I cannot, please be gracious about it, I’m not being deliberately unpleasant but my photos are my priority,
2. Being a gear bore.
Photographers can be some of the most gear-obsessed people about. Canon v Nikon. APS-C sensor vs Full Frame. Compact flash vs SD card. Taking an interest in your own kit is fine and nothing to be shamed of, but don’t stand behind another photographer and openly criticise their kit. It’s a total dick move. Maybe they’re on a budget. Maybe they shun modern digital and prefer film. Maybe they’re very lucky and are sponsored by a company so get to pick the very best. Worry about your own gear.
Please don’t try to engage in the merits of the very latest DSLR over the last model. Frankly, I don’t care. My kit works for me and that’s what counts. If you want to talk kit, go visit a photography show and corner someone at the trade stand. They’re paid to be there for just this reason.
3. Hands off!!
Unless you are explicitly invited to touch another photographers kit, don’t! Don’t get too close. Don’t breathe on it and keep your fingers to yourself. Most photographic gear is expensive and if you break any of it, you and I will have a problem that will only be solved by you handing over large amounts of cash.
4. “That’s a nice camera. I bet it takes great photos!
“Yes, I taught it all I know…” A seemingly innocent compliment that will get the back up any photographer. Great photography isn’t something you can just do. It takes time, practice and dedication. The camera is just a tool and it’s like saying to a chef “That saucepan must make your food taste good”. Photographers are often seen as ‘not a proper artist’ compared to painters, sculptors or someone who piled up bricks as art. Not many sculptors wake up at 3am, stand out in the pouring rain or biting cold for a few seconds where light and dark combine with a subject to create the desired effect.
5. Asking silly questions.
A classic example of this happened to me a few years ago in Canada. Stood on the shore of Lake Louise in Alberta with the camera pointing down the lake to the mountains beyond. Up walks a gent from a large tour group, looks at the camera, looks at me, looks back at camera and says in all seriousness “What you take photo of?” Say what now???
6. Respect the location and the moment
There are time when out on location are experience something that feels very spiritual on some level or leaves you in awe.
Watching sunrise over Monument Valley a few years back, the moment was shattered by loudmouth on their phone extolling the benefits of a Chevy Tahoe over a GMC Yukon (it’s the same car) while their camera was just clicking away on auto. Eventually someone ‘suggested’ that they be quiet or find another location but not so politely. I think you get the jist… Everything they had was top of the line and brand new, with the tripod still having the price tag on it. The only thing missing was the knowledge to use it.
Back to Canada, a couple of Chinese tourists getting closer and closer to a grizzly bear while trying to use their phone to get a shot. I suspect the next one was to be a selfie with said bear. Eventually their guide spotted what was happening and with what sounded like expletive laden Mandarin, the pair returned to the group, luckily in one piece. You could see the bear keeping a wary eye on them as they got closer and closer. Eventually the bear would either retreat in to the tree line, or more likely, charge them in the hope they were too slow before becoming a tasty snack.
If you see wildlife, especially large predators, keep your distance and don’t whistle, shout, clap your hands etc. etc. to get their attention. They can usually either see or smell you perfectly well.
7. Don’t set your tripod up on someone else’s shoulder.
If you arrive a location and someone else is stood where you want to be, accept it, be gracious and find your own spot. Don’t try to squeeze them out or get out in front. If they’re using an ultra wide angle lens, you will be in the shot. You never know, you might get a different perspective from your new spot.
8. You don’t own the location.
Pros; if you’re out on a commission and need your shot with absolutely no-one in it, speak to the landowners about exclusive access. Yes, it will cost you but will be totally worth it.
If you don’t want to pay, don’t try to dictate who can stand, walk or sit in a particular location. They have as much right as you to be there and by trying to keep them out of shot, you risk them trying to ruin every shot. Learn to be quick and time your shot.
So, there we are. If you think you do these, please don’t get cross but try to avoid doing them.
If you have any of your own, please post them in the comments and I’ll look at revising this in the future.
