Darn, you are making me think again, Frank.
At first I started to agree with you, but upon further reflection I realized that my most enjoyable outings were with one or two other fellows. But we never actually shoot to gether, rather we go to the same area together then kind of split up and shoot, meeting up agin for lunch, or to go to the next location, or the return trip, or whatever.
There is a mild challenge involved, "They are going to get some great shots so I will have to work harder or I will look bad in comparison". There is comradery, but we don't get in each others way or intimimdate our subjects.
So, I guess what I am talking about here is a "middle way" between the ones you mentioned.
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frank theriault wrote:
I was just reading the thread started by Vic, about bird shooting at Point Pelee, Ontario, Canada. He mentioned 3 or 4 guys with big white lenses coming along, scaring the birds, then going on their way, leaving Vic to his solitary waiting game.
It got me to thinking (I'm in an introspective mood today): I really don't like shooting in groups. I mean, when we have a TOPDML meeting, inevitably we get out the hardware and fire a few off, and that's fun. But, on one occasion, we walked down the main street of Toronto, snapping as we went. I didn't enjoy it.
On another occasion, we were at a Jazz Festival. Several of us were near the stage, snapping away. Again, I felt uncomfortable.
Last time we went off to the country, and snapped some swans and geese and horses. No fun for me. Well, maybe "no fun" is a bit strong. I didn't mind it, but I didn't get that "rush" when I'm alone, taking photos.
I mean, the socializing and camaraderie were great. But actually taking photos when everyone else is doing so just doesn't feel "right" to me.
Yesterday, I was walking the streets with a camera (naturally), and came across a street performer, and among the several dozen spectators, at least 6 or 8 of them had old SLR's (must have been photography class field trip or something - even saw a couple of Spotties!). Three of them were standing right next to each other, pointing their cameras the same way, snapping away. They were all, essentially, taking the same photo. I took photos of them taking photos. Oh well.
I go to sports events, or see them on TV, and there are dozens of photogs standing in the same place pointing their big white lenses <g>) at the same play. I know, they may be snapping at different times, and those different moments can mean hugely different photos, but essentially, what they're doing is looking for the same shot, no? I know, they're pros, and that's a whole different ball of wax, but still...
I really prefer being alone when I work. Other cameras (at least when I'm part of that "group") are a real distraction to me. When someone snaps, I think, "am I missing something?". If we're all looking at the same thing, I think, "they're all going to look the same". I also feel that a group of photographers sticks out like a sore thumb, and that it's hard to be inconspicuous (which is a big part of what I do - even if I'm interacting with a subject, I don't want a bunch of other cameras around to distract them from paying attention to me, if you know what I mean).
Plus, a bunch of photographers can't help looking like geeks, while one, well, one's just a guy with a camera (but in my case, likely looks like a geek, but one geek's easier to handle than 5 <g>)
I've really never seen this discussed around here before. So, what do you think or prefer? Shoot alone or with groups? What's your preference, if you have one?
thanks, frank
"The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true." -J. Robert Oppenheimer
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-- graywolf http://graywolfphoto.com/graywolf.html
