Sharing locations with fellow photogs

[dnpayne]

So, I've came across some situations around my area where I've asked other photographers where they have shot certain sessions. To my surprise, they were unwilling to share! To me, this is very rude and personally, I think it gives them a bad name. I mean, really? You are too good to share your location with other photographers? If anyone every asked me, I wouldn't hesitate to share. I don't see the harm in it. I welcome the passing of information between other photographers. Maybe I'm in the minority here.

Have any of you experienced that or is my area just filled with selfish, rude photogs?

[Niresangwa]

It isn't just your area that has this mindset, and while I personally don't subscribe to it, nor care if other photographers borrow locations, I can somewhat see their point.

Some photographers will roll out the argument that they've spent their own time and resources to find and cultivate these locations, producing relatively unique images because of features they've 'discovered'... so just handing out the information to someone else seems a little unfair.

However, I seriously doubt that anyone worked so incredibly hard to find one of these places that they felt they needed something in return for sharing... more a case of stumbling upon it by accident.

Moreover I would probably not share a great location with someone I didn't know. If it was a photographer I was friendly with, or had a working relationship with, I'd be happy to share.

We all know how possessive folks can become with their work, whether it comes to processing or lighting tips, and I suppose this is just an extension of it.

[dnpayne]

I guess because I see a few photographers around the area shooting at this one spot for example, I know it wasn't hard to find or they worked hard at it. Even so, I guess I'm just different. Even if I worked a little extra to find a great location... that wouldn't stop me from sharing it if someone asked. Am I going to broadcast it? Nah. But I would definitely share the info if approached.

And, their "art" is the photo itself. The background noise, locations, etc... are not the art they created. So being possessive over that is just ridiculous in my opinion. I also think it show their true character.

[bhursey]

For me depends, if its some one off the streets I normally say there are some nice parks around town and start rattling off the names.. Did I tell some one I don't know well yet what part of the parks I use no. For photographers I work with and teach in my class I point out where I shot certain shots in my portfolio..