Rant DSLR camera automatically makes you a "pro photographer" - GoFuckYourself.com

SilentKnight · 04-26-2015, 04:01 PM

Just got back from seein' the monster trucks at Monster Jam this afternoon. Had to feed my little inner redneck.

So my wife and I are walking through the food concession area after attending the pit pass party...we were killing time waiting for the show to begin. One of the venue employees walks up to us and tells me my camera is considered a "professional camera" and that I wasn't allowed to use it during the show.

I had my Nikon D80 with Speedlight flash and on-board battery pack attached - and an 18-200x lens. My standard rig.

At first I thought he was shittin' me, so I asked him what constitutes a "professional camera". He said any camera with a detachable lens over 3 inches in length. I told him it was a personal camera and that I wasn't a professional photographer...the photos were for personal use only. On the website where we'd purchased the tickets it said digital cameras were allowed, but gave no definition of what they deemed a 'professional camera'. It pointed out there was no video allowed, which was fine...I wasn't taking video.

I demanded to speak to his supervisor and we were directed to a customer relations counter. We went round in circles with another employee, and I demanded another level of supervisor. This went on for close to half an hour as I grew more and more pissed off. Each employee had an arbitrary definition and interpretation of the policy.

My wife had her little Canon Powershot SX20 (with a 560mm optical zoom lens) and they said she was okay with that. In comparison, I only had a 200mm lens! I had carried the camera openly over my shoulder through two separate admission doors, past venue staff...and not a word was said. I'd use it to shoot the pit party (we'd paid extra for pit access)...not a word was said.

Luckily, I'd brought along my own Canon SX20 (which I'd left in the car)...so I was able to exit the building and retrieve it - leaving the Nikon in the car. I had to shoot the show with the small Canon - while I looked around me at others using their DSLR cams without anyone saying a word to them.

So folks - just remember - when attending these types of shows - don't use a lens on your camera that's longer than the management's penis.

Ironically (and sadly amusing), during the show the announcer mentioned they welcomed people to upload their photos to their MonsterJamCanada.ca website.

Yeah, they can blow me.

Mickey_ · 04-26-2015, 04:26 PM

Many events have banned DSLRs and some even limit the MP of the point-and-shoot camera you can have on you.

Just be present and enjoy the show. ;)

SilentKnight · 04-26-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey_

Many events have banned DSLRs and some even limit the MP of the point-and-shoot camera you can have on you.

And I'm okay with that...as long as it's stated.

That's not the point here, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey_

Just be present and enjoy the show. ;)

I still enjoyed the show...despite the arbitrary intervention by a dipshit. In fact, once I saw everyone else shooting with DSLRs...I went ahead and shot video the entire time with the Canon. Fuck them.

Hmm...maybe I owe them a thanks for motivating me to switch to a video-capable camera.

Mickey_ · 04-26-2015, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

And I'm okay with that...as long as it's stated.

That's not the point here, though.

I still enjoyed the show...despite the arbitrary intervention by a dipshit. In fact, once I saw everyone else shooting with DSLRs...I went ahead and shot video the entire time with the Canon. Fuck them.

Hmm...maybe I owe them a thanks for motivating me to switch to a video-capable camera.

Everything happens for a reason. ;)

MiamiBoyz · 04-26-2015, 04:58 PM

Try going to a concert with a DSLR of ANY kind and they will not allow it...especially with an external flash.

Actually I am shocked that he had an reasonable "test" of a removable lens being not allowed. Usually they don't even bother to specify that much. Sounds reasonable to me. Sorry I know it sucks however.

marcop · 04-26-2015, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

So folks - just remember - when attending these types of shows - don't use a lens on your camera that's longer than the management's penis.

mikesouth · 04-26-2015, 05:29 PM

just hook up with a local magazine and ask for a press pass i get em all the time to stuff like that...free press passes and all access

SilentKnight · 04-26-2015, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesouth

just hook up with a local magazine and ask for a press pass i get em all the time to stuff like that...free press passes and all access

Not a bad idea. A buddy of mine is a reporter/photographer for our local newspaper.

dyna mo · 04-26-2015, 05:57 PM

sounds like you came across one of those Canon guys... working security part time at the local venue to make ends meet, and he went on a *jealous over your Nikon gear* fueled power trip.

it's always best to do what you did- just walk away, those guys can be dangerous.

SilentKnight · 04-26-2015, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dyna mo

sounds like you came across one of those Canon guys... working security part time at the local venue to make ends meet, and he went on a *jealous over your Nikon gear* fueled power trip.

it's always best to do what you did- just walk away, those guys can be dangerous.

Best plausible explanation.

mikesouth · 04-26-2015, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilentKnight

Not a bad idea. A buddy of mine is a reporter/photographer for our local newspaper.

yup i do it a lot they (the paper or magazine) vouch for ya and get coverage for free (if they want it) and you can usually get 2 all access passes...every photog needs a PA ya know

baddog · 04-26-2015, 11:05 PM

It is usually the flash attachment that gets their attention. I take that off and turn the cowling around and can get into Staples Center with it.

brassmonkey · 04-26-2015, 11:41 PM

thank the assholes selling stock

candyflip · 04-27-2015, 04:39 AM

Lots of momtographers on Facebook who believe all it takes is a Canon t2i and they're a professional.

04-26-2015, 04:01 PM	#1
SilentKnight Megan Fox's fluffer Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: shooting pool in Elysium Posts: 24,818	DSLR camera automatically makes you a "pro photographer" Just got back from seein' the monster trucks at Monster Jam this afternoon. Had to feed my little inner redneck. So my wife and I are walking through the food concession area after attending the pit pass party...we were killing time waiting for the show to begin. One of the venue employees walks up to us and tells me my camera is considered a "professional camera" and that I wasn't allowed to use it during the show. I had my Nikon D80 with Speedlight flash and on-board battery pack attached - and an 18-200x lens. My standard rig. At first I thought he was shittin' me, so I asked him what constitutes a "professional camera". He said any camera with a detachable lens over 3 inches in length. I told him it was a personal camera and that I wasn't a professional photographer...the photos were for personal use only. On the website where we'd purchased the tickets it said digital cameras were allowed, but gave no definition of what they deemed a 'professional camera'. It pointed out there was no video allowed, which was fine...I wasn't taking video. I demanded to speak to his supervisor and we were directed to a customer relations counter. We went round in circles with another employee, and I demanded another level of supervisor. This went on for close to half an hour as I grew more and more pissed off. Each employee had an arbitrary definition and interpretation of the policy. My wife had her little Canon Powershot SX20 (with a 560mm optical zoom lens) and they said she was okay with that. In comparison, I only had a 200mm lens! I had carried the camera openly over my shoulder through two separate admission doors, past venue staff...and not a word was said. I'd use it to shoot the pit party (we'd paid extra for pit access)...not a word was said. Luckily, I'd brought along my own Canon SX20 (which I'd left in the car)...so I was able to exit the building and retrieve it - leaving the Nikon in the car. I had to shoot the show with the small Canon - while I looked around me at others using their DSLR cams without anyone saying a word to them. So folks - just remember - when attending these types of shows - don't use a lens on your camera that's longer than the management's penis. Ironically (and sadly amusing), during the show the announcer mentioned they welcomed people to upload their photos to their MonsterJamCanada.ca website. Yeah, they can blow me.

04-26-2015, 04:26 PM	#2
Mickey_ Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Worldwide Posts: 4,238	Many events have banned DSLRs and some even limit the MP of the point-and-shoot camera you can have on you. Just be present and enjoy the show. ;) __________________ LifeSelector Affiliates - Make money today promoting the online porn of tomorrow. mb [at] lifeselector.com

04-26-2015, 05:29 PM	#7
mikesouth Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: My High Horse Posts: 6,334	just hook up with a local magazine and ask for a press pass i get em all the time to stuff like that...free press passes and all access __________________ Mike South It's No wonder I took up drugs and alcohol, it's the only way I could dumb myself down enough to cope with the morons in this biz.

04-26-2015, 11:41 PM	#13
brassmonkey Pay It Forward Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Yo Mama House Posts: 77,049	thank the assholes selling stock __________________ TRUMP 2025 KEKAW!!! - The Laken Riley Act Is Law! DACA ENDED - SUPPORT AZ HCR 2060 52R - email: brassballz-at-techie.com

04-27-2015, 04:39 AM	#14
candyflip Carpe Visio Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New York Posts: 43,057	Lots of momtographers on Facebook who believe all it takes is a Canon t2i and they're a professional. __________________ Spend you some brain. Email Me

04-26-2015, 04:58 PM	#5
MiamiBoyz fgfdftre6 Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: In the closet with your dad! Posts: 6,690	Try going to a concert with a DSLR of ANY kind and they will not allow it...especially with an external flash. Actually I am shocked that he had an reasonable "test" of a removable lens being not allowed. Usually they don't even bother to specify that much. Sounds reasonable to me. Sorry I know it sucks however.

04-26-2015, 05:57 PM	#9
dyna mo The People's Post Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: invisible 7-11 Posts: 64,283	sounds like you came across one of those Canon guys... working security part time at the local venue to make ends meet, and he went on a jealous over your Nikon gear fueled power trip. it's always best to do what you did- just walk away, those guys can be dangerous.

04-26-2015, 11:05 PM	#12
baddog So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: the beach, SoCal Posts: 107,089	It is usually the flash attachment that gets their attention. I take that off and turn the cowling around and can get into Staples Center with it.