In The Field Etiquette

[Michael Lloyd]

Have you ever been to Bosque? The guy using flash didn't announce to everyone that he was about to use flash (nor would I expect him too). He was a good 30 - 40 yards to my right. I would estimate that there were around 30 photographers all lined up in a row. He was near one end, I was near the other. There was one person using flash in the crowd... apparently I'm the minority here. I still think it's rude

 

[Arthur Morris]

I said it before and I will say it again, it may be rude to use flash in the predawn especially if others were there first and especially if they are doing wide angle very slow shutter speed stuff but putting the blame on the Better Beamer is ridiculous.

 

[Michael Lloyd]

Artie... I'm not blaming the Better Beamer. You are correct. It's the use of flash at certain (but not all) times that is "my" issue... I should have worded my posts / responses better.

 

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Michael. That was my point from the beginning <smile>

 

[Jim Neiger]

I'm at Bosque now and have been here since the 6th. There have been several people using flash at the crane pools in the pre-dawn hours. I haven't used flash and the flash from other photogs hasn't bothered me at all. It also does not appear to bother the birds. A much larger likelyhood of exposure being ruined comes from the vehicle headlights as people arrive and leave. The headlights didn't bother me though. Michael, perhaps your ruined photos were caused by headlights??

 

[Michael Lloyd]

Hmm? Interesting thought Jim. That may very well have been the case. I didn't have any problems this year but the bird and photographer count was low when we were there. Mostly birders and ducks this time I ran into Doug Brown again. He said that you were conducting a workshop. I looked for you but never saw you.

 

[Michael Lotito]

This Should Be "A MUST READ" For All Nature Photographers and Birders

I am always amazed at how many photographs lack basic common sense Field Etiquette or simply don't care. Many time I will see a group or an individual snapping away at a subject as my mouth waters but I simply pass on the opportunity out of respect.

Recently there was a small group of Harlequin Ducks at a small marina. I waited in the prone position for well over an hour to have them come into position on three occasions, only to have them spooked by other photographers. Did they not care or have the intellect to figure out what they were doing wrong?

Thankfully I have thru proper etiquette and tact been able to gain access to private properties where this problem is minimized. I have also found that photographers like to try to photograph rarities and often encounter flocks of birders while doing so. Avoiding recent rare and notable sightings minimizes my aggravation.

Mike