As a concert photographer, many times I’m not the only person taking photos at a show. There is usually at least one other photographer there and sometimes more. While there is an etiquette that should be followed while shooting alongside certain photographers, there’s something else I want to bring up first.
I’m guilty of it.
I’ve been so upset because another photographer got to shoot a show I really wanted to shoot, but didn’t get credentials for whatever reason. I’ve talked about how my photos are so much better than that person’s photos and I should be the one with the photo pass, not them.
It’s not a flattering look for me. Even if I truly believe my photos are better, I shouldn’t be trash talking another person’s efforts and passion. If it brings them joy, then it's good. It's OK to compare your photos, observe likes and dislikes, and even to like your photos better than anyone else's, but its not OK to bash another photographer or beat up on yourself because you're not quite where they are, yet.
I’m still learning that just because someone else is succeeding, doesn’t mean I’m not succeeding or that I will never get to shoot the shows I want. Friendly competition is great, but jealousy is ugly. The most beneficial thing a photographer can do is talk to other photographers at shows. You never know what they had to go through to get where they are. They may even be able to give you tips or connections so that you can shoot awesome shows, too.
There is still room for you to shine as long as you’re doing your best. And I’m talking to me here as much as anyone who may be reading this.
When shooting alongside photographers in the photo pit (or in the general stage area if there isn’t a photo pit) it’s important not to jump in front of someone else’s shot. Yikes. That’s not a good way to make friends. I’ve had someone jump in front of me before to get a shot and it’s quite frustrating, because I’ll never know how that angle would have turned out for me.
Everyone wants to get that winning shot, but if you’re not in the right place or don’t have your camera ready to go, then don’t try to steal it from another photographer. I’ve had photographers get really great shots that I missed because of where I was located or because I had my lens focused on something else. Vice versa. That’s just the way it happens.
I also tend to duck down when walking in front of another photographer so they won’t miss a shot while I’m moving around, but I try to always go behind them if possible. I try to make sure they know I’m walking behind them too, if it’s a confined area, so they don’t step back and fall over me, because no one likes broken camera equipment.
Courtesy and kindness can go a long way in this world. Being jealous and mean just hurts you in the long run. That ugliness will leak out into your art eventually.
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