Photography Field Etiquette

If you haven't seen it yet, Sarah Marino just published a great article on photographer's etiquette. This is something that we all need to be aware of and make a discussion point in our photographic communities. What are your thoughts on this?

http://sarahmarinophoto.com/landscape-photography-etiquette/

Excellent blog article by Sarah, and with good anecdotes in the replies to support her points.

Yeah, that was definitely a good read with some lovely images posted along with the words.

Thanks John! I fixed it!

Outstanding article! I saw it on Facebook, but thanks Erik for posting the link. I hope this makes the rounds to every nature photographer and they take it to heart when out in the field!

Wish I could say I don't know what Sarah talking about, but with more years behind me than ahead, I've experienced enough bad behavior that nothing amazes me anymore. Going to sound like a grandpa, but I was taught to respect everyone and all the time. Seems that life lesson is missing these days. And it also is more apparent some folks seem to have empowered themselves over others.

Erik - thanks so much for sharing this! You saved me the trouble of having to figure out the link formatting.

This post has clearly resonated with a lot of people and hopefully has encouraged a few people to be a little more thoughtful about their actions. Even though I have experienced a lot of bad behavior, I have been really surprised at the sheer number of appalling examples others have shared. With more people getting out, behaving more cordially and respectfully is even more important.

Excellent blog post!

Sarah, great read. Overall I'm not surprised these things happen in the field considering I've heard the escalating stories over the years. Personally, other than a few snotty comments at the Maroon Bells, my experiences with other photographers in the field feels positive. I do have a few questions, and others feel free to reply..

Is it a first come first serve thing when shooting iconic scenes?

Your comment about partnering staff members heading out early to stake out composition for the later group; have you heard of these guys lugging out their paying clients tripods and setting them up in advance, then the group shows up right before peak light to shoot the scene. Or even worse, going out the night before and setting them up. What's the protocol in this situation if i show up to shoot the scene, and there's one guy hanging out and guarding 8 tripods? Do I have the right to move a tripod and set mine up?

Kane - you bring up some interesting points. I think my overall concern is that photographers can be just plain nasty to one another or completely oblivious about their impact on others when out in the field. I think your example above demonstrates a lack of courtesy for others by reserving space like that but I personally would just move on in that case. In choosing to ignore and never confront any of these people I describe in my post only means I am encouraging this kind of behavior.

Good read. Sadly those type of encounters get more and more common. Civility, common sense, courtesy, and self awareness are rather lacking these days.

I recall being set up at Mesa Arch for sunrise. I was with some friends. I was there like three hours before sunrise. Lots of people arrived and with five minutes to sunrise there are 30-40 people. Then Mr I am important shows up . Walks up to someone and basically yells get the blank out of my way, you are taking too much space to some guy. I thought there was going to be a fist fight.

At Grand Canyon, I set up near Hopi Point. To be safe , as there was no rail, I set my tripod 18" from the edge. Someone came and stood in front of my camera. I got no images. The next day I went right to the edge with the tripod. As I stepped back to get a film holder (large format camera mind you), some guy reaches around in front of my camera to snap my same image with his point and shoot. For a second, I thought my camera was going into the abyss.

I am sure everyone has similar stories.

I try to be the considerate person. I also try to spend my time away from crowds. Much easier.

huh...funny, i never get any offensive behavior; people are always incredibly nice with me and move out of my way with a smile whenever i approach them at a popular spot.

Very helpful article, thanks!

Yes Stan you have that uncanny ability to part the sea of photographers with your kind words. It is often the case where you're the only one that gets the shot. What's your secret?

Ask Erik, he taught me everything.

Yes it was well worth reading.