In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

In the Field FAQ

Posted on | June 17, 2007 | 2 Comments

Every photographer has probably been asked questions dozens of times by different strangers while out shooting in the field. I thought it would be interesting to post questions that I’ve asked while out taking pictures. My guess is that you’ve probably encountered the same situations at one time or another. Here goes in no particular order:

1. Can you take my picture for me?: Of the questions posted here, this one doesn’t really bother me usually. In fact I’ll gladly do this for tourists most of the time. I know how fun it is to travel and I can respect that they want a snapshot or two of themselves. The rule of thumb though is to not interrupt a photographer who appears to be busy or ask them when the sun is rising or setting. That will not generate a warm reaction.

2. Is that a digital camera?

3. How much does your camera cost?: I was asked this by a total stranger the other day at Bolsa Chica. This one aggravates me like no other. No greeting, no nothing. Just how much does your camera cost? The person didn’t even know what camera it was so why does it matter how much it costs, so they could see if it was worth risking a few years behind bars and an ass-whuppin for stealing it?

4. Who do you shoot for?: I shoot first, sell later.

5. My friend is pretty, would you like to take pictures of her?: I’ll take that into consideration on a case-by-case basis. :-) (My favorite question if you can’t tell.)

6. What are you shooting?: If you are asked this at Corona Del Mar Beach then forget them. They’re blowing smoke. If you are asked this by a cop or security guard, explain the law about editorial shooting to them and try to read if they are bluffing or not.

7. Are you doing commercial photography? No props = no.

8. What camera are you shooting with? Canon.

9. I’m looking into buying a camera, what would you recommend? The best that you can afford.

10. Are you a professional photographer?: Yes I do sell my pictures.

11. What is he doing over there, Mommy?: He’s taking pictures.

12. What is that guy doing with a gun?: Apparently people shoot more deer than they do pictures in certain places.

13. Are you shooting pictures for a school project?: No, I finished school a few years ago already. But thanks for suggesting that I still look youthful.

Category: Opinion
Tags:

Comments

2 Responses to “In the Field FAQ”

  1. Ron Niebrugge
    June 19th, 2007 @ 8:48 pm

    The next time someone asks how much you camera cost without so much as an introduction, ask them how much they weigh or how old they are!

    When people ask me to take their picture, a sick little voice inside my head always says, leave thier heads out of the frame. I could hear them later – “didn’t that professional take that?” I have never done it, but usually have a good laugh to myself.

  2. Richard
    June 20th, 2007 @ 12:12 am

    lol Ron, oh man you are wicked! I had never thought of those things before but now it seems tempting.

    How much is your 401k worth? lol. Or shoot the snapshot but crop just below the nose. “Artistic” liberties…

Leave a Reply





Page 1 of 0