If there's something worth shooting or a shot I couldn't get otherwise, yea, I'll shoot during the national anthem. I think it's small-minded and naive to assume a photographer or someone WORKING the game is being disrespectful because they keep working during that song.
Having said that, I don't believe there are often compelling images to be made during this tune. If there are, by all means I hope a photog would shoot away. But if not, stand quietly at attention and patiently wait until the song is finished.
I'm curious why the OP would ask in the first place. Just wondering or did something happen at a game you were shooting?
When I was in the military I was sometimes a part of making everything stop, I was an MP, so in a sense I worked then and I do now. At our HS games the JROTC provides the color guard. There would otherwise be no images of them at their key moment.
Unless you are still in the military and are required to "stop" I think a photo journalist has a responsibility to continue to continue doing their job and photograph the people who did "stop" to show what happens. The teevee people broadcast the national anthem, the flag, the kids or color guard, the athletes not singing and if it's NASCAR the fly over...I guess it's up to the individual but it doesn't make anyone less of a patriot to photograph that aspect of the game/event/performance.
It's an important part of the story needing to be documented. Be in place before the anthem starts if you are worried of becoming entertainment or distraction.
Absolutely. ROTC color guards, people singing or playing the National Anthem, there are a number of reasons to shoot during the Anthem. But, if there is nothing you are shooting, show respect.
Here's my thoughts on shooting while the national anthem is on.
1. shoot the singer quickly.
2. shoot the teams quickly.
3. shoot the fans quickly.
4. put your camera down.
5. once your camera is down, keep it there unless you find the opportunity to make a picture (not just take one)
6. once the last line of the anthem begins to be sung, pick up your camera and start shooting again, focus on the crowds you always get great reaction here.
Micky Bill wrote:
Unless you are still in the military and are required to "stop" I think a photo journalist has a responsibility to continue to continue doing their job and photograph the people who did "stop" to show what happens. The teevee people broadcast the national anthem, the flag, the kids or color guard, the athletes not singing and if it's NASCAR the fly over...I guess it's up to the individual but it doesn't make anyone less of a patriot to photograph that aspect of the game/event/performance.
This statement makes a whole lot of sense.
I get a couple of quick shots of the refs, the team and the fans if I can When using the 500, they don't even know I'm around.
I'm curious too as to why the OP asked the question.
Every game. I systematically try to catch the teams, the refs, and any interesting or important part of the crowd, singer, color presentation, etc. If I finish before the end of the anthem or pledge, I stand with the camera across my arm and wait. Respectful is the key concept, I should think. True concern for one's land and peoples goes well beyond just ritual.
