Photo Tip – Photographer etiquette and event rules
Written by Mike on February 23, 2009 – 1:33 pm -It was a great weekend of mostly “non-business” enjoyment. My son played his last basketball game of the regular season and my daughter ran the 400m and 200m at the Ontario Indoor Track and Field Championships. She set a PB in the 200m which she was very happy about. At the track meet, I had the chance to just sit back and enjoy as a parent. There were no unauthorized persons allowed in the track area. Officials, coaches, athletes and an event company that was doing video and still photography at the event.
Over the course of two days there were more than 600 athletes competing in everything from running to jumping, pole vaulting, shot put and hammer throw. Needless to say it was busy. The point I am going to make here is that most events of this nature and level have VERY strict policies for the people who are allowed the privilege of event floor access. You can’t interfere or become a distraction at any time during the event. Almost all media persons know this. Most except this one photographer who got tossed on Sunday. I had a great seat in the stands and was watching all the events and also noticed an official who had appeared to instruct a photographer to back up and move out of what was a restricted area. It was in the line of site of the runners who were at the start line and therefore a distraction. He had asked this photographer a couple times to do this. The photographer kept creeping back into the area. Just as they were about to start one of the time section races, the official yelled out “STOP”. He got up from his seated observation post. Turned around and yelled at the top of his lungs “YOU…OUT!” He proceeded to escort the photographer out. The photographer did not return for the remainder of the time I was there which was most of the event.
Consider a couple things when you are shooting at an event. First, unless you are the official event photographer or a media person; you may not have complete access to all areas of the event you are shooting. Be aware of this and respect the boundaries of the event. If you are unclear; ask an official for some clarification. Second, understand that if you are there taking photos of your child, husband, wife, relative or friend that there are likely more people there doing exactly the same thing. Play nice and share the space to allow everyone good access. Last but almost certainly most important is that above anything, the athletes are the first concern at all times. Don’t distract them, don’t get in their way (at running or cycling events) and don’t become a probem by getting into areas you shouldn’t be in. It can be disruptive as I noted above and creates an uncomfortable situation for everyone.
Etiquette and event rules are part of shooting at any event. It is very important that you know what they are before you get yourself set up to shoot.
Mike Cheliak
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