OK so this post is just a bit of a moan. Just very occasionally I feel that, as an industry, we sadly live up to our own stereotype – and consequently let ourselves down. And there’s no need for it.
I shot a job up in London the other day for one of the UK Government departments. A really nice job to do (we’ve worked with the events company who were managing the conference before so it was always going to be an excellent event). However, this particular conference involved children and the care system and so it was all being done with a lot of sensitivity and care.
During the show setup and rehearsal we noticed another photographer (unknown to either me or the organisers) taking pictures. So, naturally, I went and checked who he was working for and, it transpired, he was there on behalf of the venue and wouldn’t be around for the main event. OK, no problem. Or so we thought.
Anyway, the show got underway with the usual ministerial fanfare and, as the ministers and young people began presenting, we noticed our photographer friend had not left. Far from it. In fact, he got closer and closer to the stage until, ultimately, he was standing right next to me bashing away at his shutter (note that I was ducked down to avoid getting in the audience’s way – a subtlety that was seemingly lost on him.)
Now don’t get me wrong – I really love working with other photographers. But this guy was firing nineteen-to-the-dozen during the most inappropriate moments and was generally ignoring any of the reactions of the audience – and one or two of the presenters – around him.
This was an absolute nightmare – one which neither I nor the organisers could let continue in this situation as the guy had no permissions to be there and we had absolutely no idea where his photos were going to end up (the show organisers had very carefully made sure anyone I was likely to photograph had signed a release form.)
This whole thing really saddened me as I’m tremendously proud to be a photographer. It is the coolest, funniest, most interesting and privileged job I can imagine. I get to work with amazing people every day who invariably make me smile and allow me to capture memories that they’ll treasure for life. And then, just occasionally, I meet someone who, at least on paper, has the very same job but completely misses the point. It is, quite simply, not just about hitting the button and getting the image with little or no regard for those around you. It is (or it should be) so much more than that.
End of moan.
Sad, but true. One bad apple and the whole barrel gets tarred to use a mixed metaphor. I hardly ever say to people I don’t know that I’m a journalist, even though I trained for three years and had to take several exams to qualify. Most of my colleagues are decent, careful, honest and talented. The only person I ever worked with who wasn’t got sacked… keep moaning about the dross, I say.