WOW - Team Louish

WOW

13 February 2008, Photography

Once again, it paid off to ask permission, RATHER than sniper-style-shooting my next series of photographs. Read on for further explanation.

Blogged By:

Bryan

View all my blogs at www.BryanNiven.com

First I wanted to let you know that in addition to my product reviews, behind the scenes segments, and more recently, Tips n' Tricks, I will also be starting a new segment called "WOW"(words of wisdom). In hopes that it will help support other photographers/artists in their endeavors.

The introduction of this WOW section came about after continual public request for photography advice, and also from my own desire to help others.

Todays WOW, is about receiving ANY "needed" permission for a shoot. A few posts back, I had listed all the work that had gone into completing a particular image of mine. Contained in that list were several permits that I had received prior to the shoot itself. In response, I received several emails, and comments wondering WHY I went to all that "trouble". Let me explain.

First of all, imagine this for a moment, if you will. One beautiful hot summer day, when the weather was just right, and your front lawn was lush and green, (for you had just mowed it the day before), you decide to spend the afternoon relaxing in your lawn chair, while reading your favorite book. So you grab the sunblock, and lather up. Then you throw some fresh fruit in the blender, and add some french vanilla ice cream to create a delicious fruit shake. Finally, after changing into your bathing suit, you grab a towel and sunglasses, and head out the front door.

Just as you finish putting on your shades, and your eyes begin to adjust to the bright light, you see it. There, on YOUR beautifully trimmed grass, is a large group of people. On the lawn, lies a beautiful women, wearing next-to-nothing, surrounded by soft boxes, lights, cables, and generators. To block the harsh sunlight the small crew has staked a large canopy, right into your fresh-cut grass. Next to the curb, several vehicles are parked along the sidewalk, and there are people everywhere, holding reflectors, pampering the model, and even some are sitting in chairs eating food, as they observe the photo shoot.

Regardless of how "nice" we may be, I don't know too many people that would just turn around, walk back into the house, shut the door, and with a sigh, say "Oh well, hope they get what they need". The more we respect others the more respect we will get in return... regardless of what the world may tell you. Everyone wants to be treated with respect and that includes respect for personal property, and space.

The other day I walked into an amazing establishment, (don't worry, you'll know WHERE soon enough:) ) where I was instantly inspired to create a whole new body of work. I quickly went to the front counter, where I asked if I could take pictures. The girl at the desk, almost laughed, as she waved me on... as if to say "what a weirdo, of course". I knew she had assumed I meant --more or less-- photos for myself, of the displayed subjects, and most likely taken with a consumer level camera. Now, I might have been able to sneak my huge Canon 1Ds Mark 2 inside --without a fuss-- but good luck setting up a tripod, or especially some lights, without getting some serious attention.

The point is, I could have sat off in the shadows and cranked my ISO to DAMAGING LEVELS, and shot at limited angles, and settled for what I could have salvaged from my paparazzi-style image spree. Or formally, and PROFESSIONALLY met with the owners, presenting my ideas and inspiration I gained from THEIR establishment, and as a result receive a HUGE green light from the entire board, to shoot whatever I needed.

Remember, business, and land owners or any professional for that matter, are just like you and me, they want respect. Sure, they might be shrewd , and perhaps might even require a fee. After all they are "business people", and of course there is always the risk they could say no. It all comes back to being a good respectful business person. Once again, it paid off to ask permission.

What do you think?

REPLIES

28 February 2008 - 3:12:24 - MYSTIFY

I am impressed that you wrote about this topic. Among all of the informative tips available online and in books about photography, you rarely hear about this topic and approach, haha. I wish professionals went more in detail about this topic.

I do electronic photo-finish timing for track & field events on the youth, collegiate, and pro level. All year round, I travel to dozens and dozens of sports facilities/stadiums electronically timing track races. There is a saying within the profession that goes, "Get along really well with the facilities manager(s). They will be your best friends." If facilties managers find you respectful and polite, then they will respect ALL of your needs, and they will be very nice. If they do not find you respectable and polite, then you are in big trouble and your assignment may get tougher than you expect. If they do not trust you, then they will be very protective of their property and nearly breath down your neck.

Facilities managers hold the keys to all of the doors and can save the day for you. At a collegiate indoor track meet last year, the overhead lighting over the finish line was dim because nearly half of their light bulbs were blown out. As a result, our photofinish photos were poor in quality. Knowing that I built great rapport with the facilities crew early on in the day, I asked them if there were any extra lights available so that we could replace them and generate more light. Without hesitation, they scrambled to find more bulbs and they even replaced them for us. I could not imagine how distracting it would have been to the job I was doing at the time if I had to fix the lighting problem myself. With the help of the facilities crew, I never missed a beat.

-Brandon

28 February 2008 - 10:42:19 - Bryan

Thanks Brandon, its great to know there are photographers who understand this. What you said is SO true, people just want respect. Good for you!

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