So clearly everyone and their neighbor thought I was referring to them specifically in my last post. I wasn't. Here are the exceptions to my vent (as in, that post was not about you) ::
*Mothers/parents/siblings/ag teachers/county agents taking pictures of their kids. My mom took pictures of us. I will take pictures of my children. Y'all are not who I mean. AT ALL.
*People the show has contacted/contracted/paid to take media shots for the show's website/press release purposes ONLY. 100% of these type people introduce themselves to us, are wonderful to work with, and know what their job is as well as ours. They hand their images into the show each day, and never worry about them again. Nor do they take the time to promote them. They work for the show, not for themselves.
*iPhone photographers.
*Most breed reps. Example of awesome breed reps - the crew at the limmy association. A-mazing. That's not to say they are the only breed that is wonderful to work with... just using them as an example.
*Breeders. If you bred the calf, you have every right to take a picture of the calf from ringside.
*Publications, as long as they are not hindering the potential income of the official photographer - i.e. not selling images, or handing out images that are identical to what the official photographer is shooting.
*Around the grounds photographers. I'm talking like picturing fitters, grounds shots, people pictures, cool scenic type stuff. This does not include promotional shots of a single animal at.... oh let's say, Denver. I can think of an individual you can ask as to why that's a big no-no.
*If there isn't an official photographer, do whatcha want.
**Oh- and if you really want a picture of your exhibitor in the ring, just ask us... if we are able, we ALWAYS fill those requests.
Now, here is why I - like 100% of the livestock photographers who have ever been an "official show photographer" - am upset. I love this job. It is my everything. And, ultimately, these people are hindering my job and thus my life. It is my passion, and it is also my income. So yes, I'm upset... Because these type of photographers are -essentially- purposely taking money away from the official photographer. Stock shows seek out what photography company they would like to use. Sometimes, they even pay them to be there. They trust that we will give the exhibitors the most professional product.
On that note- Try to do those pictures at some shows, and you will be banned from the grounds. And that is NOT in our control. At all. The show is the one that watches for those type people and is the one that wants them out.
So, think what you want of me. But I can almost bet, those of you who were unhappy with my post have never been an official photographer. Now, I know my vent will not stop this issue. We have been dealing with this kind of unprofessionalism since the invention of the scissor pose (thanks, Walt;) ). But, if you read my blog...well... maybe you'll think twice about trying to be the unofficially ring shot photographer at a show or event that has not hired you or asked you to cover it.
Thank you to everyone who called, texted, messaged, voiced words of love and positivity about my last post. Y'all are the ones who know me and the person I really am.
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