Other Photographers

[Steven Gourlay]

Do you find other photographers hard to approach?

Just a quick question to see if its just me or do other people feel the same when they meet other photographers.

I have been to a few places and bumped into a few photographers who in most cases seemed to be very distant / hard to approach. Don't get me wrong when i went to a couple of motorcycle races i found the other photographers very friendly and approachable.

I went to the falconry in Aberdeen and there was a photography with all the gear, i was going to go and talk to him but just got a general feeling from his body lanuage that he did not want to talk.

Don't get me wrong i will speak to anyone i have not problem talking to strangers and meeting new people, i think this is from being a motorcyclist and speaking to other bikers.

Im just wondering if you you's feel the same?

[Steven Gourlay]

Well i had oppertunity to speak to a photographer today, i stopped to take some photos of what i think was an eagle and on my way back spotted a photographer on the bridge. I did not go straight up to speak to him to disturb him but as he walked back we made i contact and said hello. I then got speaking to him, he was a nice friendly guy who was up taking photos of the highlands for the weekend.

Don't get me wrong i think if i did not initiate the converstion i don't think we would have spoken more than saying hello.

[CertEdFriday]

The other photographers I tend to talk to are a few guys at work. We share a common interest - always trying to out do each other with photos and gear etc.

I have to accept that despite all the gear - I need to practice and really get to know my cameras and lenses.

Go to a wildlife park or bird sanctuary etc and there is always the one with all the gear - Hide - Chair - Expensive Tripod and head and the biggest lense in the world. At first they may seem aloof and maybe intimidating - is he going to fall about laughing when he sees my xxxx camera and 55-56mm zoom? Stop and chat and usually they are ok, after all we share a common interest


I take photos for a number of reasons

• To get out in the countryside
• The exercise
• The peace and tranquility
• The nature
• The photos I take - if I am pleased with them - thats all that counts. However if the photos are praised by others it is a boost and an incentive to take more

So go out and enjoy...

Regards

David

[Steven Gourlay]

Very good point i just feel like at times people sometimes don't want to share info incase you get a better shot? Or they think the same of me am not sure. Many of the reasons above is exactly why i do it.

• To get out in the countryside
• The exercise
• The peace and tranquility
• The nature
• Taking photos of my son and family
• Taking photos of motorsport
• Getting away from this computer

[Bryancrt]

Steve if you meet me or Rob greenhill you might not get a word in,
Steve i'm the chairman of quite a good camera club and I meet 100s of photographers, you are right some of them don't like to talk but they are the losers not us friendly ones,most of us like to show off our work and will chat for hours, all the best bryan.

[Steven Gourlay]

Cheers Bryan i know is just a minoraty, does Rob get a word in.

[Rob Greenhill]

Bryan does let me speak occasionally! ,but seriously, I know what you mean. some people are very precious of what they consider to be their domain,experience,hobby ,etc.some are just miserable old sods! I agree totally with Bryan on this,as we encourage all members of the camera club to ask questions, and pass on some of their knowledge.This is something for which I have been very grateful for myself. If any one were to approach me for help/advice/ or just an informal chat ,I would be only too pleased to help.That is unless they just spoiled the shot i'd been waiting hours to take!!! then they may get short shrift from me.
The reasons i do photography are:-

.to get out in wild places
.to see wildlife in its natural habitat
. for solitude/company depending on my mood
.to relax and have some quality me time
.to reduce stress levels
.to go to different places....to see places i would other wise not go to
.to continue to learn new skills,and refine existing ones, keeping the grey matter active
.to build up a collection of pics,suitable for display / competitions.

My photography allows me to link up my interests,which include Mountaineering,canoeing,dog shows,rallying, to mame a few.This inturn allows me to get to some truley amazing places,full of photo opportunities.

Photography is also becoming more of a work tool, especilally when doing reminescence work with those who suffer from memory problems,or as part of a confidence building session ,or to provide some stimulation and promote active conversation.

cheers ,Rob

[Bryancrt]

Well Rob you took the words right out my mouth, I could not have put it better myself, a lot shorter pehaps but not better. allthe best Bryan.

[Bryancrt]

I still got the union flag and robs got the welsh one

[Steven Gourlay]

You have to change it yourself Bryan in the admincp as explained in the suggestions section, 2secs its http://www.ultimatenaturegear.co.uk/....html#post2620

If you have any problems please let me know.