Most common/annoying reaction to your photos

[flyguy]

The only photographers I ever bothered to ask about the equipment they were using were some of the Disney photographers in California; I was curious about what Nikon gear they were issued and were using, and they were very nice to chat with when not engaged in their work at the Magic Kingdom. Thank you to them.

 

[dhamments]

you must have a really good camera

When I hear comments like these, I always compare photography with writing.... no one ever tells an author they must have a really good pen!

 

[Whiskeyman]

One of the reactions I really dislike applies to me and others; I really dislike when someone says a photo is great when it is far from so. Say, I post a photo and its point of focus is nowhere near the subject. What does telling me that it's a great photo do? I'd rather that someone gently critique my photo, with suggestions on improvement, over telling me it's a good photo.

 

[John Navitsky]

Maybe they sincerely think it is a great photo for some reason?

i think this is usually the case.

 

[GrandNagus50]

I confess that I do not post my photos to "critique" forums. This is mostly because really, by this point I know the difference between the photo I get and what the "compositional experts" would say is the ideal version of it; I don't need (or want) someone to tell me what I pretty much already know. I don't say this because I am such a great photographer (I am ok, but hardly great) but because I am painfully aware in most cases of all things "wouldashouldacoulda" (or couldnotta).

 

[gdecamp]

"Yeah but look at all the money you spent on gear, I can't justify that kind of expense"

Then they ride off in the Porsche or Harley to their boat! Wonder how they justified that stuff?

 

[GrandNagus50]

"Yeah but look at all the money you spent on gear, I can't justify that kind of expense"

Then they ride off in the Porsche or Harley to their boat! Wonder how they justified that stuff?

I know we are drifting off into tangents here (why the heck not?) but in my experience, the biggest disconnect with regard to "spending priorities" is people who routinely go to expensive restaurants for dinner, like several times every week. I personally know lots of people like this. Over the course of a year, this can easily add up to $20,000 or more spent on fine dining (and wine, of course). This is ok with me as long as they don't turn around and say, "Yeah, but look at all the money you spent on gear." Etc. We each have our priorities, I guess.

 

[RichF]

For me it's a toss up between "what camera did you use?" and "you're so lucky".

You must have a really good camera. to which I reply one of several quips

- Yes, I send the camera on vacation by itself and looking at the images I get back
- Yes, and the chef at your favorite restaurant must have a great set of knifes (or stove)
- or if they are a music person, Yes, xyz must have a great instrument - can be classical pianist, the Beatles, ....


Other annoy/innocent questions are "How far can you see with the camera (when I have a large lens). I often reply it is like a 8 or 10 power binocular (if close to being a 400 to 600mm lens). Or another one, which I am not sure if they are thinking of stealing my equipment or just curious, is how much does the camera/lens cost. I suggest that they go to the B&H website to check out cameras.

 

[GrandNagus50]

Again, the "what camera" comment is forgiveable in my estimation, as the implication, at least, is that someone might be legitimately curious re what gear rig makes your photo possible, and this is all within the context of the constant buzz regarding Nikon vs. Canon vs. Sony, etc. It also seems like an invitation, of sorts, for you to say more about your photography overall, how you approach it, etc. Maybe?

I have not read every single comment in this thread, but the "reaction/response" issue for me brings up another angle, i.e., the whole "validation through social media" conundrum. I think at some level (?) we all appreciate people saying nice things about our photos and getting validation from fellow photographers. It really should be kept in perspective and under control, of course. One aspect of this relates to the issue of how many likes (or 'favorites', or whatever noun is used in whatever forum) one gets in response to photos. I post mainly to Flickr. There, the Big Damn Deal is to have your photo chosen for "Explore." I have come to take this with a grain of salt, as this is apparently done via some kind of algorithm, and if one looks through the Explore gallery one can get an ideal of what formulae seem to get pictures chosen. Ok. The other thing is fellow photographers making your photo a "favorite" and/or making comments. Comments seem especially to be valued. But here's the deal; there is an unstated "reciprocity strategy" at work here, i.e. if you favorite/comment on my photos, I will do the same for you. I know of certain photographers who create decent but usually not Great photos but who get endless kudos on Flickr. Why? Because clearly they invest a lot of time themselves in going through the photos taken by their "followers" and making positive comments. Often, the person uses pretty much the same comment every time, e.g., "Lovely image" or "Great Shot!" Etc.


I appreciate these Flickr followers/friends who do this, of course, but I always think, "how much time are they spending each day working at this?" I go through a certain number of photos most days and "favorite" a bunch and make a few comments. But my time doing this is pretty limited. I am retired, but I have other things to do. My point is that in photography, as in many/most endeavors, self-publicity,promotion, and cultivating favor from others are a big damn deal when it comes to engineering "success."

 

[flyguy]

"Social Media"....??? I have ZERO use for social media!!! 95% of the time here family does not even ask to see pics from a Nikon holiday of mine. There is only one person in my life I share pretty much all my shots with, an old friend I have known for over twenty years. I have travelled to the Left Coast with that friend six times since 2014. That person is friend, co pilot and navigator. We have gotten lost together and we simply laugh about those experiences. When we travel together or even do day trips, I am our official photographer even though I encourage that friend to shoot away too.

As for your "reciprocity strategy", I have a customer/photographer who regularly comes to the retail location I work at; he is always flashing his latest and greatest wildlife images. When i show him a few of my landscapes and/or seascapes, he simply blows them of as nothing. He shoots a Nikon D7000; I have a D850 as my main gun! He claims he cannot afford to upgrade I took out a loan from my CFO at home to get my D850 and I repaid the loan over time.

Photography is how I decompress and as such it is a personal way of expression. I like this quote by David Alan Harvey and I subscribe to his thought..."Don't shoot what it looks like; shoot what it feels like."

 

[jeffnles1]

I've read through a lot of the previous 6 pages and some of the terse remarks folks make. I'm not entirely innocent here. If caught on a bad day I may give a terse reply. However, by and large, I tend to think a little grace and kindness goes a long way. If a photographer asks a stupid question then it is really a stupid question. However, most people making comments or asking questions are non-photographers. Their questions are ill informed and there is a big difference between an uninformed or ill informed question/comment and a malicious comment.

When a non-photographer asks me what kind of camera or 'you must have a good camera' or any of the other host of ill informed questions I try my best to respond kindly and informatively. You never know when a respectful and kind answer may generate enough interest that the person with whom you're talking may pick up photography as a hobby. When I'm out in the field, especially at local parks, I try to drop in some educational points about the birds, flowers, mammals, amphibians, etc that I'm photographing.

Several times I've had joggers, bicyclists, walkers etc. stop and ask what I'm taking photos of. They are curious. I try to always be courteous and point out what it is and then offer a brief little factoid about the particular plant or creature. I've had people be amazed when I pointed out an eagle in a tree. They had absolutely no idea eagles lived here (SW Ohio, SE Indiana, N Kentucky). Further they had even less of an idea they are as common as they are and that there are dozens of nest sites within a 50 mile radius of where ever we happen to be standing. I've had reactions ranging from "that's interesting" to total amazement and hunger for more info. I've had parent tell their kids as they walked away how nice it was of that man to tell us about them. Not just eagles or birds but all flora and fauna. A lot of people just don't know. I've had people look at my photos of mink and were absolutely astonished that not only is there such a creature as a wild mink but they actually live and thrive in our area.

The entire conversation usually takes less than 10 minutes out of my day. I feel that I can make a difference. If nothing else the person may learn something they didn't know before. Best case they become more deeply interested in wildlife and habitat and strengthen a desire to protect both. At least that is my goal. If it doesn't come to fruition, the worst case is I lost 10 minutes talking with someone.

OK, off my soap box now. I hope moving forward I will practice more of what I preach and others of us will use the opportunities provided to share a little of what we do with people and perhaps spark an interest realizing the difference between ignorance (lack of education) and stupidity. They are not the same.

Jeff

 

[NorthernFocus]

I've read through a lot of the previous 6 pages and some of the terse remarks folks make. I'm not entirely innocent here. If caught on a bad day I may give a terse reply. However, by and large, I tend to think a little grace and kindness goes a long way. If a photographer asks a stupid question then it is really a stupid question. However, most people making comments or asking questions are non-photographers. Their questions are ill informed and there is a big difference between an uninformed or ill informed question/comment and a malicious comment.

When a non-photographer asks me what kind of camera or 'you must have a good camera' or any of the other host of ill informed questions I try my best to respond kindly and informatively. You never know when a respectful and kind answer may generate enough interest that the person with whom you're talking may pick up photography as a hobby. When I'm out in the field, especially at local parks, I try to drop in some educational points about the birds, flowers, mammals, amphibians, etc that I'm photographing.

Several times I've had joggers, bicyclists, walkers etc. stop and ask what I'm taking photos of. They are curious. I try to always be courteous and point out what it is and then offer a brief little factoid about the particular plant or creature. I've had people be amazed when I pointed out an eagle in a tree. They had absolutely no idea eagles lived here (SW Ohio, SE Indiana, N Kentucky). Further they had even less of an idea they are as common as they are and that there are dozens of nest sites within a 50 mile radius of where ever we happen to be standing. I've had reactions ranging from "that's interesting" to total amazement and hunger for more info. I've had parent tell their kids as they walked away how nice it was of that man to tell us about them. Not just eagles or birds but all flora and fauna. A lot of people just don't know. I've had people look at my photos of mink and were absolutely astonished that not only is there such a creature as a wild mink but they actually live and thrive in our area.

The entire conversation usually takes less than 10 minutes out of my day. I feel that I can make a difference. If nothing else the person may learn something they didn't know before. Best case they become more deeply interested in wildlife and habitat and strengthen a desire to protect both. At least that is my goal. If it doesn't come to fruition, the worst case is I lost 10 minutes talking with someone.

OK, off my soap box now. I hope moving forward I will practice more of what I preach and others of us will use the opportunities provided to share a little of what we do with people and perhaps spark an interest realizing the difference between ignorance (lack of education) and stupidity. They are not the same.

Jeff

What's the non-holiday version of "bah humbug"?

Joking aside, it is possible to be annoyed by someone's comments without expressing it verbally. Not so sure I've mastered my body language enough to hide it but at least the words don't come out. A wise man once said something to the effect that we're not defiled by things of the world but by the words that come out of our mouths. And it sure helps with one's own disposition to assume that people are well intended unless/until proven otherwise. But it's still darned annoying when they disturb a shoot. Well intended or not

 

[jeffnles1]

What's the non-holiday version of "bah humbug"?

Joking aside, it is possible to be annoyed by someone's comments without expressing it verbally. Not so sure I've mastered my body language enough to hide it but at least the words don't come out. A wise man once said something to the effect that we're not defiled by things of the world but by the words that come out of our mouths. And it sure helps with one's own disposition to assume that people are well intended unless/until proven otherwise. But it's still darned annoying when they disturb a shoot. Well intended or not

Bah Humbug works in the non-holiday season too.

I'm not saying I like the interruption. Just I try to be nice to the people when they stop and ask questions or make comments (as long as the comments are not ugly/mean-spirited). I spent too many years as a project manager in an environment where everyone who talked to me either was lying about something or wanted me to do something or wanted me to change something in the work to suit their whims. It was kind of a dark place. Being out with a camera was a relief from all that. Now I'm retired, it is really hard to think about where I was before vs. where I am now. I'm a very different person and hopefully a little more understanding.
For the most part, I'm not a people person, never have been. I'm sure not a people pleaser (kind of a hazard of my career, people pleasers last about 15 minutes).

Bottom line, my point, if I even had one, was in my first response I try not to be snarky (even though that response may be my first reaction I try to suppress it).

" A wise man once said something to the effect that we're not defiled by things of the world but by the words that come out of our mouths."
I believe he also said something about loving your neighbor as yourself.
I'm glad you put that I your response. Never hurts to take some advice from such a wise man.
Jeff

 

[arbitrage]

The most annoying thing I've had happen when out shooting is when another photographer walks over, checks out what I'm shooting, and starts trying to convince me that I should switch brands to theirs because it so good at this thing or that thing.

Amazingly I actually haven't had that one happen yet. But given how much gear I've cycled through over the years, my response would be something along the lines of "oh yeah, used to own that...sold it shortly after....". Let them think on that for a moment or two.

 

[flyguy]

We all have our own personal ways of handling these situations; unfortunately, mine is very jaded from over fifteen years of working retail. I simply want to be left alone. I have always worn my emotions on my sleeve as they say.

 

[GrandNagus50]

I don't recall ever being rude to someone who says, "That's quite a lens," even though I hear it so regularly that it has come to annoy me. I usually reply something like, "Yeah, too bad it's not 'quite a photographer' using it," or make some similarly self-deprecating joke, or sometimes, "Yeah, and even if there are no birds I still get a good workout." The one that is a bit tougher to not reply to in smartass fashion is, "You must have a really good camera." That one just seems thoughtless to me. But I still endeavor not to be rude.

 

[IainD]

I had a passer-by threaten to call the police about me because I was taking pictures of people without permission. She yelled at me and berated me for about 5 minutes.
First, taking images in public is legal here in Australia, with the exception of commercial advertising and unauthorised photography of minors.
Secondly, I had a 500mm lens constantly pointed at a tree teaming with Musk Lorikeets. All the images on my cards were of birds. At the time she arrived, I was not even taking pictures. I was on a phone call!
I told her this, although I didn't need to explain myself. I said I would be happy to speak to the police, and that I would wait here.
The police did not show up.

 

[jeffnles1]

I had a passer-by threaten to call the police about me because I was taking pictures of people without permission. She yelled at me and berated me for about 5 minutes.
First, taking images in public is legal here in Australia, with the exception of commercial advertising and unauthorised photography of minors.
Secondly, I had a 500mm lens constantly pointed at a tree teaming with Musk Lorikeets. All the images on my cards were of birds. At the time she arrived, I was not even taking pictures. I was on a phone call!
I told her this, although I didn't need to explain myself. I said I would be happy to speak to the police, and that I would wait here.
The police did not show up.

That stuff happens here in the US too. A local park has a pollinator garden that is great for butterflies and bees during summer. It is fairly close to the playground. Couple years back I was taking photos of butterflies when one of the dads from the playground came over to check me out. He asked what I was taking pictures of. Rather than argue or confront I told him butterflies and showed him shots on the back screen of my camera. He said they were pretty and have a good day. I said I hoped he did too. It was just easier than causing any confrontation.

Jeff

 

[Rollamok]

1) what kind of camera do you have?
2) (even worse) oh, wait while I dig through the pictures on my phone to show you one I took of that same bird/animal/place.
Maybe number 2 bugs me so much because I’ve been guilty of this one myself!

 

[CTaylor]

I prefer photos that are not post-processed

 

[Tom Reynolds]

My wife and I shoot at the same time, at the same location with the same gear, side-by-side so you can guess.....

Tom

 

[GrandNagus50]

My wife and I shoot at the same time, at the same location with the same gear, side-by-side so you can guess.....

Tom

"Do you two know each other?"