That you receive when you walk around with your DSLR and your big lens. I'll admit that I get kind of bothered when I stop to take a shot, and a whole crowd of people just freeze and stare at me. (like I'm some type of alien). Bothered enough to get rid of my kit? Definitely not, but how do you guys feel about it?
Rarely happens even when I have the 300 f/2.8 or 500 f/4, but then again I try and avoid people and crowds as much as possible. In the city I rarely get any attention even when I have the 1D II + 70-200 f/2.8. A few times at the beach while taking surfing shots with the big guns, people have asked for a look through the VF and been impressed.
Hate the attention from ordinary folks - people stopping to ask who you work for? can you take my picture and will it be in a magazine? etc. Usually happens at big events like marathons, shows, etc.
However, the flip side can also be kind of nice. Sometimes, carrying all of my gear I can get around the crouds and into the press areas without a second look. Last two Iditarods I was able to get behind the press lines, even stood right next to security and Anchorage Police without any questions. I've even been approached by security asking "what are you doing out here" as he opens the barricade to usher me in. Those white lenses are as good as any pass!
I'm normally focused on what I'm doing and try to project that I don't wish to be disturbed, which normally works.
I try to be polite to people who want to chit-chat, but I break it off as soon as practical. Most folks are polite and get the message without being offended. I never talk camera gear nor technique with some strolling or curious gear head.
I find it rather amusing. I try and size 'em up and guess what kind of comment or question is coming.
Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised but more often than not it's the " how far, how much,
who do you shoot for " variety. Over the years I've come up with some great replies...
just last weekend out with the 1DmkII 300 2.8 on a BushHawk guy asks how much ya got
in that rig? I told him I just stole it this morning, ya wanna buy it
Pixel Perfect wrote:
Rarely happens even when I have the 300 f/2.8 or 500 f/4, but then again I try and avoid people and crowds as much as possible. In the city I rarely get any attention even when I have the 1D II + 70-200 f/2.8. A few times at the beach while taking surfing shots with the big guns, people have asked for a look through the VF and been impressed.
This would be me. When I see that big 500 I just cant resist a quick peek.
trenchmonkey wrote:
Over the years I've come up with some great replies...
just last weekend out with the 1DmkII 300 2.8 on a BushHawk guy asks how much ya got
in that rig? I told him I just stole it this morning, ya wanna buy it
From a "not attracting attention from a personal safety point of view", especially when traveling, I particularly like using my 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO. While it has its limitations, its very compact, light and certainly doesn't attract much attention.
I think subconsciously, people who say they don't like the extra attention, really enjoy it. It's probably the same people who line their gear up and take photos of it. Me, I just go out and shoot photos and if someone stops to chat a little, so what, I enjoy the conversation. No biggy.
wkhc168 wrote:
How about the safety side of things? Have you ever feel threatened?
I'm over 6 foot and around 300 pounds. I fired expert with the U.S. Air Force and Army. Also with the German army, Turkish army and the South Korean Air Force. I don't "do" threatened.
LMFAF