SWRToad
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Upload & Sell: Off
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 Re: Sports Photographer Needs Advice | |
SWRToad wrote:
I agree with much that has been said here, but this is a very touchy topic, and one I would like to comment on. I as well have shot both as a contracted event photographer and as a sideline parent. In my eyes, it can be very simple, do your homework, obtain approval, and honor any contracts that may be in place.
In addition, to give away photos, (as mentioned earlier) regardless of your skills and/or photography status is what hurts us all as photographers, especially with youth sports where most work without a contract and struggle to sell images. IMO, there is a huge difference in just taking some tournament/event photos as a parent, versus showing up at a event with the intent to sell photos at and/or after the event. Regardless of what sport or event you are shooting, one should obtain approval before they even attempt to sell any photos (even after the event on-line). In the event that there is a contracted or exclusive photographer hired, the answer should be sorry NO deal...............
Now with that being said, if there is no FORMAL contracted photographer and you have obtained permission to be there shooting, or are in attendance as a parent, club or league photographer, please use common sense, act as a professional, and be courteous to others in attendance. I don\'t get bothered often, but I can tell you that I always do my homework up-front, understand photography wise who is in attendance, and act accordingly when a contract is in place. A couple weekends ago, I was at a regional VB tournament as a club photographer and parent, and was rudely approached by a on-site VB photographer. I knew that they did NOT have a formal contract but was still courteous, did not hand out any business cards when approached by parents. I politely told the VB photographer, Im a club photographer and parent, and its none of there business who or what I am shooting. I even gave them one of my business cards thinking that they may contact me so I could tell them how horribly wrong their approach was to folks in attendance with camera\'s.
lastly, I like this point made by Scott. (well said). I always try to treat people as I want to be treated myself.
I should add, that I still go out and shoot my own kids’ sports and school activities. And I enjoy it. When I do that, I shoot what I want, when I want and if someone asks me about photos, I kindly give them a card and tell them I would be glad to visit with them about how to get quality images of their kid(s). IMO, being a professional photographer doesn’t preclude one from also being a dad.
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