All,

I already know the answer (or at least think I do) but wanted to see what everyone thought about a situation that happened to me last night while supporting the Marine Corps Birthday Ball as the portrait photographer. I had two backdrops set-up for the customers choice, as well as the Marine Corps Colors (flag) and the American Flag, with all of the lighting equipment. I am an active duty Marine, with my own gear, and have a legitimate business as a photographer. I was dressed in plain clothes for the event as I had to take leave so not to intermix my Marine Corps time with personal business.

During the evening, I was approached by a Marine who had his own personal camera and asked if he could shoot a few photos of his friends in front of my backdrops and flags and I very politely told him "That I would rather not, but he is more than welcome to purchase a package for his friends and I would shoot it". This obviously was not what he wanted to hear and became very verbal during our conversation and I kindly walked him away from the other customers to discuss the situation. He stated that every year the photographers let him do it. I explained to him that I used my money and time to create the set-up, as well took time off of work to be able to support the event and that I have the right to not let him shoot a personal photo with my equipment. He walked away, though he made it known to quite a few Marines in the area of how F***ed up I was. I thought the situation was over, but after taking another customers photograph, I noticed my wife (my assistant running the desk for packages and money) and her friend (another female) stand up quickly and start to scream at the guy. Apparently, He continued to complain and when both of the girls working the desk let him know that it was not appropriate for him to take his own image, he told them to "Shut up and sit down". Of course, over hearing that and being a Marine, I immediately confronted him again and let him know that he needs to leave.

Anyway, it got pretty out of hand and though I outrank him, his superiors finally noticed his antics and came over to escort him out of the building.

Am I wrong in thinking that it is wrong for him to take advantage of my hard work to shoot his own portrait? If I let everyone do this, why would I even bring my camera?
Has anyone ever run into this and how do you go about informing people to refrain from shooting their own personal stuff?

Thanks.

No, this behavior is not OK, and you're perfectly reasonable to refuse the use of your background/props.

The general public has no idea of what work goes into photography, and they frequently have the misconception that photographers are trying to get over on them when they adopt sustainable business practices.

You're A-OK Gunny.

-E

In my opinion you are correct. I have had that happen and fortunately have not had someone as rude as you had. How to handle it? gosh every person must be dealt with differently.

I think you made the right decision otherwise you could have opened up Pandora's Box. Everyone would have wanted to do the same thing. The frustrating thing about this type of photography is that a lot of people think of it as a hobby. It is a business. Period. End of discussion.

This happens to me frequently when I shoot figure skaters at our local ice rink. This is an annual holiday event and, like you, I spend my time and money with backdrops, lights, etc. to find myself facing parents telling me to "get out of the way" so they can get a few shots.

Fortunately, I address this with the management onsite beforehand and they back me up. One of the signs I use tells them that their flash may trigger my strobes and put them out of sequence. Of course they don't, but that usually gets some respect. Actually surprised to hear of that type of behavior from a Marine.

BTW, thank you for your service.

Richard

Evan,

Thanks. I figured I was correct, but know that you all have more experience than I do. This was my first big event and done for the unit that I am currently a part of (Read: Can't mess this up in front of my peers).
Overall, the event was fun and I had a great time shooting.

Thanks again.


Evan Baines wrote:
No, this behavior is not OK, and you're perfectly reasonable to refuse the use of your background/props.

The general public has no idea of what work goes into photography, and they frequently have the misconception that photographers are trying to get over on them when they adopt sustainable business practices.

You're A-OK Gunny.

-E

Sir,

Behavior like this from Marines is typically not the case...but, I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he was taking part in a tradition of over 234 years. We celebrate our birthday very hard, and of course, that involves alot of alcohol .

Now that you mention it, we did run into the flash sync problem as well, but once explained, the individuals moved to another location and away from our set-up. I chalked it up to ignorance.

Thanks for your reply.


Richard Booth wrote:
I think you made the right decision otherwise you could have opened up Pandora's Box. Everyone would have wanted to do the same thing. The frustrating thing about this type of photography is that a lot of people think of it as a hobby. It is a business. Period. End of discussion.

This happens to me frequently when I shoot figure skaters at our local ice rink. This is an annual holiday event and, like you, I spend my time and money with backdrops, lights, etc. to find myself facing parents telling me to "get out of the way" so they can get a few shots.

Fortunately, I address this with the management onsite beforehand and they back me up. One of the signs I use tells them that their flash may trigger my strobes and put them out of sequence. Of course they don't, but that usually gets some respect. Actually surprised to hear of that type of behavior from a Marine.

BTW, thank you for your service.

Richard