Page 11 - Words of WiNZdom
P. 11
The unwritten rule
Page 11
There’s an unwritten rule in wildlife photography that’s more a matter of
etiquette than good photography, but no less important to a fellow
photographer out in the field striving to get the best from a subject.
There’s nothing more infuriating than taking the time and trouble of
getting a pitch going, only to have it ruined by another photographer
barging in for a “poaching” opportunity.
If you had to crawl a dozen yards or more to a subject like this, followed by a long
wait only to end up with a few minutes of shooting time on account of another
photographer pulling up next to you in their car with the engine still running, ask
yourself how you’d feel after your quarry had suddenly bolted.
Wildlife photography isn’t a paparazzi pastime or something done by its
enthusiasts to attract dog-walkers and stampeding herds of tourists. The
unwritten rule is simple enough for any decent person to follow: kindly
respect the interests of others, admire from afar or better still,
find a subject of your own to work on.
