This last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting the Wild Animal Park. It was about 81 degrees, if you can believe it…in Winter! It turned out to be a beautiful holiday weekend.
I wore my 7D with my telephoto lens (no camera bag) and wasn’t real intent on spending the day as a manic photographer. Really just wanted to enjoy the day with my Sweetheart, get some exercise while soaking in some sun. It’s funny …when you’re setting up to take a shot (no tripod), you can hear people say things like
“OMG…Look at that camera!”
“That’s a serious camera!”
“Did you see that camera?”
“Now that’s a camera!”
The thing is, it’s not the camera they’re looking at. It’s the lens. I don’t think the folks making those comment are ever really looking at the camera’s body – they’re honing in on the the whole outfit, but mostly, it’s the lens. Also, because it’s a Canon lens with that signature color tan barrel, it just stands out.
So what does this have to do with photographer courtesy? Nothing. But this does.
It’s a holiday weekend. Smack middle of the day and the park is quite busy with tourists, locals, families. Folks enjoying the beautiful day. Then, here comes “Joe Camera”. Big honkin’ lens, tripod, the whole kaboodle. Person sets up in a prime position….but not without nudging a few people out of his way. People see the equipment and without realizing it, they’re parting the seas for “Joe Camera”. So, “Joe Camera” sets up. He’s in position to get a prime shot of the subject and literally sits there in that position, without moving his equipment, for at least 10-15 minutes. I mean, come-on people! There are other guests there to enjoy the experience too. You can’t do that and monopolize the angle because you have this photography equipment and feel that you’re more entitled to be there than everyone else around you. If you must have this shot, arrive at the park earlier….like when it opens AND don’t pick a holiday weekend for your photo excursion. It’s rude and just plain freakin’ inconsiderate. You know who you are!
Take your shots and get out of the freakin’ way so others can enjoy the exhibit too.
Most people are courteous. But it just that few that can be real jerks!
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