I recently was part of a discussion regarding photography ethics. It’s interesting to see the views and the differences in those views in direct correlation to the level of experience of the photographer. The less the experience, the less understood about how things are done in the photography world, especially the professional photography world.
For instance…if someone has hired a professional photographer to photograph an event, then, that photographer is the official photographer. No one, no matter what level of experience they have, should interfere, interject, or change what the photographer is doing or attempting to do. By interfering, you are actually interfering with that photographer’s agreed upon contract. Tisk tisk tisk. Whether the photographer is a beginner or a 20 year pro, they have a contract to full fill in their own manner and way. What y0u may thing of as helping out, may actually be hindering the photographer and distracting the subjects. You can be throwing important time frames off, preventing the photographer from achieving the desired shots, distracting people when they need to focus on the photographer. If you are asked to watch for a bride’s dress or keep an eye on her necklace, that’s one thing, but you should never interfere with the photographer. This includes changing the photographer’s set up of people, the photographer’s lights, props, etc. HANDS OFF is basically what needs to be done.
Another thing that is disrespectful of not just the photographer, but also of the clients, is to photograph over the photographer’s shoulder. Again, you are distracting people. I can’t count the number of images that would be perfect … except for someone in the image is looking at someone else’s camera instead of mine. And NEVER step in front of the photographer. NEVER.
Basically, common sense and respect for another’s profession is the key. How would you like to be treated? Would you want to work hard to get something done and complete and perfect and have someone else swoop in and steal it from you? Same thing.
And things like right clicking, etc. That is copyright theft. In the US, images are copyright protected from the moment the shutter is pushed. It doesn’t have to say “COPYRIGHT PROTECTED” across it to be protected. In essence, do not steal another’s images. That is wrong. What if you had a great barrel saddle, and I just took it out of your trailer? Or, your Grandmother gave you her wedding ring and someone just decided they wanted it and too it. To a photographer, that is the same thing. Theft.
Remember, respect goes a long ways towards fostering a great future relationship!
Michelle
