Posted by John De Bord on October 4, 2010 at 9:26 AM
I have kind of debated about posting this, going back in forth in my head, but in the end I decided to just go for it.
Myself and 2 other photographers were shooting the Elk rut in Moraine, back by the artist in residence cabins, bright and early. There were a lot of other photographers there bright and early all shooting 1 specific Bull and his harem.
I got some good shots I am happy with. But that isn't why I am writing this, I am writing this because I had something to happen to me that pretty much ruined my day and the other 2 photographers I was shooting with.
For those of you who don't know me, I am basically mobility impaired from a non-smoking related lung disease (we'll see non-smoking related Emphysema because it is easier) and my o2 levels drop to 6% of normal with standing for any decent amount of time, now combine that with high altitude and well, it makes for a very dangerous situation at times as you can imagine. So a lot of the times I have to shoot with my Puffin Pad from the car, it works, though I hate having to do that. Yesterday while shooting my friend moved the car so I could get a few shots off and there were several photographers behind and above us, shooting. My 2 friends in that mix with their tripods, firing away, while I sat shooting with the Puffin in the car. I wasn't in anyone's way at all, as everyone else was several feet above me on a hillside. My friend came walking back down to the car and said "I have to move the car, because that guy right there is a complete jerk". Apparently after my 2 friends got out from the car to walk up by everyone else, someone made the remark to him of "Don't be an a$$**** with your car, there are 30 people here shooting, what gives YOU the right to park right there?" to which my friend basically replied "My friend in the car is mobility impaired, and can't stand up here with everyone else". It took my friend and 2 other photographers we didn't know to say something to this person, so he would perhaps understand, before walking away in disgust. One of the photographers whom we didn't know that was standing next to this person, said to my friend "ya, you might be in his way if he is wanting to shoot the side of a Cabin" later on. Whomever the other 2 photographers are besides my 2 friends I was shooting with, I just wanted to say thank you. I don't know who you are or if you are even on here, but I wanted to say thanks for standing up for me, and defending me.
I guess all in all what I am saying is that when you are shooting in a sea of photographers, try to be courteous to others around you, and think before you jump the gun. There are better ways of approaching someone than what this guy did, certainly. I was left rather embarrassed and upset, and it ruined much of my day yesterday, making me wonder if someone else was going to pull the same thing. Just remember, that there is a reason for everything.
John
Posted by Kurt Bowman on October 4, 2010 at 9:58 AM
John, sorry to hear that. Jay Ryser and I must have just missed you...we were over in the same spot for awhile, but only stayed for about 20 minutes. I really wish we would have been there to help, but glad to hear a couple people stood up for you. Unfortunately many people these days only care about themselves, so don't let them get to you. Just do what you need to do to have access and if they have a problem with it, oh well, their problem.
I guess I saw you yesterday morning at Moraine Park. I was only there for the sunrise and then off to other locations but on my way out I think I may have parked right next to you on the west side of the road to capture a couple of shots. I'm sorry to hear that there was someone who was not understanding. Even if you don't have a handicap, you run into folks like that from time to time. Spend a weekend in my gallery and you'll see what I mean.
Posted by John De Bord on October 4, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Thanks Kurt, I didn't see Jay at all, but he knows what I look like.l Man, that was a LOT of people down there yesterday...I wanted to run off with the one guys Nikon 300-800mm lol
You are right in what you said though, it does seem in this day and age, people often jump the gun a tad to fast.
Hope you got the sunrise yesterday morning, that was really something!
Posted by John De Bord on October 4, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Erik, I just asked you that of FB if that was indeed you lol Quite a sunrise, huh? Are you hating that fence like the rest of us down by the river? It is.....saddening.
It was rather disheartening to have this happen and left me with a very sour taste in my mouth. Sometimes I think we just all need to slow down and enjoy thing a little more.
I need to stop in your gallery and say howdy one of these times. I will look for ya!
John
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 4, 2010 at 11:30 AM
John, unfortunately there will always be those people that turn a relaxing hobby into a high stress "job". Maybe he was grumpy about fighting all the traffic through Estes Park?
When I encounter someone like this, it always helps to remember all the great people and friends that I have met through photography. But, yes, it does spoil the day, even for those not directly involved.
Posted by Don George on October 4, 2010 at 11:43 AM
John sorry to hear about your experience. As the old saying goes there's one in every crowd.
I understand your health problem and its not an easy thing to deal with. While shooting in the Tetons recently there were about 10 of us waiting for the light to come in on this Bull Moose. We had been there about 45 minutes. Just as the light hit this guy went up to the Moose (15') away and started shooting with his fixed lens camera. At first he was asked nicely to move and he flipped everyone off. Then came the screaming of obsenities etc. He ran over to one of the guys and put his face right into his and told him to F off.
It seems over the years that there is more of this behaviour exhibited. Sorry for your experience.
John, sorry to hear that man. Sounds like what started as a simple misunderstanding turned into someone being a jerk. Unfortunate, but there are those type of people out there. Keep your head up and don't let them get to you.
Posted by Paul Wegemann on October 4, 2010 at 3:07 PM
Bummer, John. This pos,t and Todd's, just reinforce for me why I generally choose to go where other photographers aren't.
You weren't doing anything wrong, so don't lose any sleep over it. There are people out there like this, and nothing any of us can say will change them. But, I guarantee something will come along in their life where they will get a chance to understand, whether they like it or not!
Posted by Howard Cihak on October 4, 2010 at 4:30 PM
John, it's an unfortunate fact of life that there are way too many self-absorbed people out there willing to perform their best imitation of an anal sphincter at the drop of a hat. Please take comfort in knowing there are lots of others who don't have to suffer as you do to appreciate how you feel.
Sorry to hear this John, totally agree with what Morris has said . I was also there with my uncle for a short while in the morning and saw quite a few photographers around unfortuantely I don't know any of you by face, but I do think I saw your car.
Posted by Dan Walters on October 4, 2010 at 8:32 PM
So sorry to hear about that. You think people would be a little more understanding.
Discussion
12 repliesMyself and 2 other photographers were shooting the Elk rut in Moraine, back by the artist in residence cabins, bright and early. There were a lot of other photographers there bright and early all shooting 1 specific Bull and his harem.
I got some good shots I am happy with. But that isn't why I am writing this, I am writing this because I had something to happen to me that pretty much ruined my day and the other 2 photographers I was shooting with.
For those of you who don't know me, I am basically mobility impaired from a non-smoking related lung disease (we'll see non-smoking related Emphysema because it is easier) and my o2 levels drop to 6% of normal with standing for any decent amount of time, now combine that with high altitude and well, it makes for a very dangerous situation at times as you can imagine. So a lot of the times I have to shoot with my Puffin Pad from the car, it works, though I hate having to do that. Yesterday while shooting my friend moved the car so I could get a few shots off and there were several photographers behind and above us, shooting. My 2 friends in that mix with their tripods, firing away, while I sat shooting with the Puffin in the car. I wasn't in anyone's way at all, as everyone else was several feet above me on a hillside. My friend came walking back down to the car and said "I have to move the car, because that guy right there is a complete jerk". Apparently after my 2 friends got out from the car to walk up by everyone else, someone made the remark to him of "Don't be an a$$**** with your car, there are 30 people here shooting, what gives YOU the right to park right there?" to which my friend basically replied "My friend in the car is mobility impaired, and can't stand up here with everyone else". It took my friend and 2 other photographers we didn't know to say something to this person, so he would perhaps understand, before walking away in disgust. One of the photographers whom we didn't know that was standing next to this person, said to my friend "ya, you might be in his way if he is wanting to shoot the side of a Cabin" later on. Whomever the other 2 photographers are besides my 2 friends I was shooting with, I just wanted to say thank you. I don't know who you are or if you are even on here, but I wanted to say thanks for standing up for me, and defending me.
I guess all in all what I am saying is that when you are shooting in a sea of photographers, try to be courteous to others around you, and think before you jump the gun. There are better ways of approaching someone than what this guy did, certainly. I was left rather embarrassed and upset, and it ruined much of my day yesterday, making me wonder if someone else was going to pull the same thing. Just remember, that there is a reason for everything.
John
I guess I saw you yesterday morning at Moraine Park. I was only there for the sunrise and then off to other locations but on my way out I think I may have parked right next to you on the west side of the road to capture a couple of shots. I'm sorry to hear that there was someone who was not understanding. Even if you don't have a handicap, you run into folks like that from time to time. Spend a weekend in my gallery and you'll see what I mean.
You are right in what you said though, it does seem in this day and age, people often jump the gun a tad to fast.
Hope you got the sunrise yesterday morning, that was really something!
It was rather disheartening to have this happen and left me with a very sour taste in my mouth. Sometimes I think we just all need to slow down and enjoy thing a little more.
I need to stop in your gallery and say howdy one of these times. I will look for ya!
John
When I encounter someone like this, it always helps to remember all the great people and friends that I have met through photography. But, yes, it does spoil the day, even for those not directly involved.
I understand your health problem and its not an easy thing to deal with. While shooting in the Tetons recently there were about 10 of us waiting for the light to come in on this Bull Moose. We had been there about 45 minutes. Just as the light hit this guy went up to the Moose (15') away and started shooting with his fixed lens camera. At first he was asked nicely to move and he flipped everyone off. Then came the screaming of obsenities etc. He ran over to one of the guys and put his face right into his and told him to F off.
It seems over the years that there is more of this behaviour exhibited. Sorry for your experience.