![\"\"](\"https:\/\/billfortney.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/stairs-580x327.jpg\" "\\"stairs\\"")
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Please indulge me in some rambling thoughts! \u00a0I was talking to another gentlemen of my age, (crotchety old man talk!), and we agreed that things sure are different than when we grew up. \u00a0I’m not saying that people are courteous, or nice, or hospitable anymore, that would certainly be stretching my point, but….. things are different. \u00a0While I am not the arbiter of what is good behavior, I would like to make some suggestions to my fellow photographers;<\/p>\n
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1. \u00a0When in-the-field, treat other shooters as you would like to be treated.<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Don’t step in front of someone else blocking their shot. \u00a0Don’t make a loud noise while someone is trying to photograph a skittish animal. \u00a0If you need to work close to another person’s spot, ask permission to “squeeze” in! \u00a0Let me offer an example. \u00a0One of the locations I do a lot with groups is Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park. \u00a0It is almost always crowded so I encourage my groups to get there plenty early since the best spot to shoot from is not a very large space. \u00a0If you arrive and others have the good spot you’re out of luck. \u00a0Now its a decent hike in and you do it in the dark so I have \u00a0a suggestion. \u00a0My last time there my group got in early and we had secured the best shooting spots. \u00a0Just before the light was going to get terrific, and it did that day, another group about as large as out (a dozen people) arrived. \u00a0At first they were verbally upset that we had the good spots. \u00a0Here is where playing nice comes in. \u00a0I went over to their leader and said, \u00a0“listen the light is about to happens, why don’t we try to squeeze your guys in with our group so everyone get a chance at the good light!?” \u00a0It was tight but everyone got the shot, even some of my folks, after they knew that had the shot left their spot for some from the new group. \u00a0Everyone left happy, and an ugly confrontation was avoided, and we did the right thing. \u00a0Play nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2. \u00a0Share what you know! \u00a0<\/strong><\/span>A few years ago a photographer who will go un-named (no reason to be ugly – play nice???!!!) did a beautiful book on a very scenic area in America. \u00a0The book had many stunning images and it was of a place few people knew anything about. \u00a0Many photographers questioned the author about where these beautiful scenes were photographed. \u00a0The photographer steadfastly refused to reveal their “secret” spot. \u00a0I have to be honest, it frosted me. \u00a0If a scene is on public land, and going to it, to make photographs, does not in anyway harm the environment, I can’t see any reason why you wouldn’t gladly share your information. \u00a0The area in this book has now been discovered by many and I’ve seen hundreds of images from this location, so the photographer did not protect their work!!!! \u00a0They should have Played Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 3. \u00a0Never harm any living thing just to make the shot.<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0If you have to harm an animal or put it in danger, or harm or destroy a plant, flower, or tree to make the shot, walk away. \u00a0No image is worth destroying the subject!!! \u00a0Play Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4. \u00a0Be honest about your images.<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0I once heard a photographer tell a long bloated story about lying under dead leaves for two days until the bear got close enough to make an image. \u00a0First I don’t believe him, and if it is true, he’s an idiot for allowing a wild animal like bear to get that close! \u00a0Hairy war tales are not needed, just make wonderful images that require no story at all! \u00a0Play Nice!!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 5. \u00a0Share your toys!<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0Have you ever been making a shot and have a fellow photogpraher say I would \u00a0love to make that \u00a0shot but my lens is not wide enough or long enough!!!??? \u00a0When you are finished hand them the lens you are using, (if it will fit their camera!) \u00a0If I get the shot and you don’t, \u00a0it doesn’t make my shot any better!!! \u00a0Play Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 6. \u00a0Offer to help<\/strong><\/span>. \u00a0If you see someone struggling to make a shot and you can see the mistake their making, offer a little help. \u00a0Maybe it’s because I teach workshops, or maybe I’m just observant, but I see people all the time having trouble making a shot and doing something wrong. \u00a0I try to be gentle, and offer to help. \u00a0I’ve never had anyone say bug off. \u00a0 Most people appreciate a hand. \u00a0Same goes for a family group wanting their picture made in front of some scene, offer to shoot the picture so everyone in the family gets to be in the image!. \u00a0It’s just embarrassing when a 45 year pro shooter (me) \u00a0can’t find the button on their camera!!! \u00a0 \u00a0Plays Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 7. \u00a0Be careful how you critiques other’s work!!<\/strong>!<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0You don’t have to draw blood, to help someone see how they could have made a better image! \u00a0Almost all images have something positive to say about them, start there, and acknowledge that the photographer had a good idea, then start showing how a few changes would have brought that image to fruition more successfully. If your goal is to help people get more excited about making good images, don’t crush them in the process! Play Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 8. \u00a0If you think you’re the best photographer in the room, you may be wrong!!!!<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0If you are sure you’re the best photogpraher in the room, never say it! \u00a0Today one thing is very true: \u00a0Even if you are an exceptional photographer, there are a many, many more just as good or better than you! \u00a0Today great shooters are a dime a dozen. \u00a0It’s the fact of photography today, we enjoy more wonderful shooters than ever before, \u00a0So the next time you start feeling like you can’t be beat, step carefully, pride goes before a fall!! \u00a0Remember, Play \u00a0Nice!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 9. \u00a0Don’t be a snob about your gear!<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0We invest a lot in our camera gear, and we are proud of our choices, but be careful not to put to much stock in your gear. \u00a0Rod Planck said it best, “Technique trumps equipment overtime!” \u00a0 Want to find something to be proud of? \u00a0 Be proud of how careful you are in your execution of this craft!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 10. \u00a0Don’t put to much stock in what others say about your work!<\/strong><\/span> \u00a0You’re probably not as good, or as bad, as they say you are! \u00a0Play Nice!!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a blessed day!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n the pilgrim<\/p>\n <\/p>\n …..and Play Nice!!!!!!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grain Silo, Wall, South Dakota<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Please indulge me in some rambling thoughts! \u00a0I was talking to another gentlemen of my age, (crotchety old man talk!), and we agreed that things sure are different than when we grew up. \u00a0I’m not saying that people are courteous, or nice, or hospitable anymore, that would certainly be stretching my point, but….. 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