A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER

The TV was providing background noise while I was painting. 

I perked up when I heard, “We’re hardwired to see things move suddenly—situational awareness”.

I laughed because I was reminded of two annoying experiences that were far from funny while they were happening. 

Situational awareness”, huh?  

Perhaps a few event photographers should read up on that.

Memorializing events is nothing new. I know the task of capturing moments can be done stealthily and excellently. I’ve experienced it: Katherine Gilraine, Jarvis Grant, Charles Watkins, Ronald Beverly, Roy Lewis… 

Is there a new phenomena of just plain busyness, inconsideration, and annoyance? I’m not talking about paparazzi. That’s a whole ‘nother potentially dangerous animal. I’m talking about the person actually tasked to photograph an event being as subtle as a bull in a china shop.

No matter where he or she may be, a good photographer knows how to get the shot(s) without being a pest, hindrance, bully, distraction, nuisance, showboat, threat to health and safety, or an imposition. 

A good photographer is mindful of his or her equipment, too, and how its mechanisms will impact the atmosphere. 

The sound of a shutter isn’t more important than the sound of a speaker’s voice. Flashes are distracting  when timed poorly. 

Lights are blinding when aimed haphazardly. A photographer knows when their flash is set on solar flare. Don’t they see or CARE or see that everybody is looking away, shielding, frowning and squinting?

A good photographer is neither predator, nor boogeyman (or boogeywoman). At least a sniper knows how to get the shot without being detected; heck, a sniper even confuses people concerning the location from which the shot came!

An assassin, however, is proud; wants to be identified for carrying out the job— no matter how much disruption it causes. A good photographer is not an assassin on a mission to ridicule or annoy event attendees. What’s with all the pouncing around?

A good photographer cares about composition. 

A good photographer SEES, but doesn’t relish in BEING seen. 

A good photographer captures the essence of the action without trying to BE in the act. 

The springing into action, posing, and moving around... suddenly...LAWD!!!!! 

It’s not, nor has it ever been about the size, or expense of the equipment— or being busy stalking, roaming, or prancing about while wielding it. It’s about the result emanating from what one’s eyes observed. 

Intent. 

Motive. 

Mood.

Art.

Practically everyone now owns a camera. Everyone, however, is not a good photographer.

“I’m just doing my job” is, too often, the arrogant, misguided cry of one who is laboring under the notion that their endeavor is the principal thing, while the TRUE principal thing is an afterthought being negatively impacted by frantic movement, and thoughtless behavior. 

“I’m just doing my job” is too often the rallying cry of one who has convinced him or herself that the rights, wishes, enjoyment, viewpoint, privacy, or comfort of others don’t matter. (Do they know they have positioned themselves so that someone’s view is COMPLETELY blocked?) “I’m just doing my job” isn’t license to annoy. 

Executing your job, WHATEVER it is, should never hinder anything vital— and certainly not hinder someone else from executing his or her job. 

Don’t play when it comes to another individual’s personal space.  

There’s a school of thought that some things come along with certain territories; that inconsideration should be expected and tolerated.

One can get one’s feelings (and equipment) hurt adhering to the philosophy that others have to put up with whatever comes their way, just because they’re in a particular arena. 

When it is brought to your attention that what you’re doing is untenable, unwelcome, unreasonable, unnecessary, or uncomfortable, don’t get huffy. Don’t argue that someone else allowed or shrugged off your bothersome behavior.

Lose the attitude, and don’t even THINK about feeling entitled. 

Make adjustments. 

Back the heck up...go sit down... move... get out of the way. 

Do better. 

Be respectful. 

You can if you WANT to. 

You can STILL get the job done, if your intent is to be an asset, not an enemy; a help, not an impediment—that is, if you’re GOOD.