What’s Your Preference?

Tzetsin · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:00 PM

So I'm wandering around a tourist trap in Nova Scotia this week and I noticed a strange thing.

I had a posse.

When I'm at a specific place to take pictures I always take both my cameras. I've got a 5D2 and a 60D, both gripped. A 24-70 2.8L and the 70-200 2.8L IS2 on blackrapid straps. I run around with my hat on backwards, I guess I'm pretty noticeable.

Anyway, I'm wandering around and I notice there are a couple people kinda flowing along with me. It was pretty noticeable because all the tourists were going along the path, and I was off to the sides, in odd places and they seemed content to follow me around. Whenever I stopped to shoot something, they stopped, waited... waited... waited... when i walked off, they all ran in an pointed the same place an took pictures too lol. They all had p&s cameras, so they wern't poachers or anything but it was pretty damn funny.

The crazy thing was that some would come, then go, others would follow me after that... it was really strange. One guy actually went right in tight and squatted down beside me, shooting over my shoulder lol.

So anyway. I guess thats one great indicator that you at least look the part. Even if you dont get a usable shot all day lol.

Jim Bryant · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:03 PM

Yea..they figure you are getting the money shots. It's happened to me as well throughout the years. Doesn't bother me as they aren't going to capture what I will.

nickbedford · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:10 PM

Seems a little strange. A group just randomly following and imitating someone doing their work.

mad editor · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:16 PM

They'll follow you and occasionally get up the nerve to ask a few questions. And sometimes ask you to take their photo with their camera. It is funny - and kinda nice.

OsmosisStudios · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 10:35 PM

Happened to me in Ireland and Alaska. People in NYC, though, tend to be really blase to that kind of thing

Tzetsin · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Yea..they figure you are getting the money shots. It's happened to me as well throughout the years. Doesn't bother me as they aren't going to capture what I will.

Yeah, very few of em actually got down to my level to take the shot. (kneeling or laying down completely) I heard quite a few of em complaining that there were so many people in the picture. The reason i was getting low/down was to minimize traffic in the shot, and took so long because I was waiting for people to clear out of zones that would be hard to clone. Assuming you could get a good shot just by standing in the same place and spending 3 seconds shooting is ludicrous.

I've had lots of people ask questions and ask me to take pictures for them as well. Its pretty rare that I go out with my big Canons and not have someone strike up a conversation with me. I've also been barred access to places because of them. One place I was at (a library of all places) told me I couldn't go in with the cameras, even after I pointed out half a dozen people snapping pictures with P&S and camera phones... Apparently the building has a copyright. I made a bit of a stink about it and was referred to security, then to some paper pusher, then to another and another.... then I gave up an left.

JFSanders · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickbedford

Seems a little strange. A group just randomly following and imitating someone doing their work.

Standard primate behavior. For a better example look at how people follow and imitate Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian...

Jim

faeriegodess612 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 02:33 AM

I don't have any experience with people following me around, but it's funny how people see a bigger camera and associate that with pre-conceived notions. Most people assume I'm a student. I'm young enough to be one anyways, but I also look younger than I am. Especially in Austin because there is an Art Institute there.

When I went to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in South Austin, the day that I was there I think there was a photography tourist group. The place was crawling with photographers, some with bigger fancier gear than me. Not to mention that it is a popular tourist area. Even though the place was crawling with photographers, this trio of ladies approached me and asked me to take a group shot of them, and even offered to pay me for it. It might've been because I found and returned their binocular bag to them, and they hadnt realized theyd lost it. I gracefully declined payment, and took some shots with their P&S for them though.

Bruce A · #9 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFSanders

Standard primate behavior. For a better example look at how people follow and imitate Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian...

Jim

Isn't it just - some female get tats on her bum, millions follow. A soccar star gets tats on his arm and shoulder - millions follow. I remember "The Life of Brian" when Brian says, "Be individuals!" And the crowd roared in response, "Be individuals!" Then he said, "Don't be sheep!" And the crowd roared, "Don't . . . . . . . . ."

We're a pathetic animal at times!

milosh · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tzetsin

So I'm wandering around a tourist trap in Nova Scotia this week and I noticed a strange thing.

I had a posse.

When I'm at a specific place to take pictures I always take both my cameras. I've got a 5D2 and a 60D, both gripped. A 24-70 2.8L and the 70-200 2.8L IS2 on blackrapid straps. I run around with my hat on backwards, I guess I'm pretty noticeable.

Anyway, I'm wandering around and I notice there are a couple people kinda flowing along with me. It was pretty noticeable because all the tourists were going along the path, and I was off to the sides, in odd places and they seemed content to follow me around. Whenever I stopped to shoot something, they stopped, waited... waited... waited... when i walked off, they all ran in an pointed the same place an took pictures too lol. They all had p&s cameras, so they wern't poachers or anything but it was pretty damn funny.

The crazy thing was that some would come, then go, others would follow me after that... it was really strange. One guy actually went right in tight and squatted down beside me, shooting over my shoulder lol.

So anyway. I guess thats one great indicator that you at least look the part. Even if you dont get a usable shot all day lol.

I guess I would start laughing in a situation like that! lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce A

We're a pathetic animal at times!

Too often!