I've just been to an all day event. I was taking pictures of my son's team. After the event, I heard someone said "ano ba itong mga photographer na ito hindi attentive". They were looking in my general direction. So I told them im there as a private photographer and i'm only taking pictures of my son's team. But I know who they were referring to after me, and that's the official photographer. One of the photographer, is my friend. I was so offended by the comment, I almost blurted out something, but an old friend in the crowd recognized me and she kept talking to me which calmed my nerves a bit. I just realized how people are sometimes so inconsiderate. It was hot and there were over a thousand people. I think the photographers were shooting the kids in groups and not all had solo shots.

hey.. its ok... its easier to let it slide than to make a scene... a year ago in a fashion show... i was shooting the bigtime guests while the fashionshow is on going... and i heard some girls talking "ano kaya ang shinushoot nito?" ... sometimes they just dont understand.... keep it cool :)

I would like to comment on this and take it maybe a little further--with some observations that I have made on my own. My wife Pilar has numerous nightmare stories from guests in the weddings that she has photographed. Since she is getting paid to do the job, you just have to bite your lip.

But how come people tend to be so rude to the photographers? This comment may spark up some controversy but here goes: Because in this country people still look at photographers as some sort of second class citizen. That of course is changing rapidly. In the past, the photographers were often not well to do and were looked down upon in my opinion. There were exceptions of course, but in general I think this was the case.

Now lets say for instance, it was Jaime Zobel de Ayala taking those photos of his grand children rather than your friend. I'm sure those comments would not have come out. Once people realize that photography is a legitimate and thriving industry, they will change their minds. Its happening already but there are still vestiges left of the past.

Just my thought on the matter.

I would like to comment on this and take it maybe a little further--with some observations that I have made on my own. My wife Pilar has numerous nightmare stories from guests in the weddings that she has photographed. Since she is getting paid to do the job, you just have to bite your lip.

But how come people tend to be so rude to the photographers? This comment may spark up some controversy but here goes: Because in this country people still look at photographers as some sort of second class citizen. That of course is changing rapidly. In the past, the photographers were often not well to do and were looked down upon in my opinion. There were exceptions of course, but in general I think this was the case.

Now lets say for instance, it was Jaime Zobel de Ayala taking those photos of his grand children rather than your friend. I'm sure those comments would not have come out. Once people realize that photography is a legitimate and thriving industry, they will change their minds. Its happening already but there are still vestiges left of the past.

Just my thought on the matter.

this is true. most often than not, to those not in the 'loop', when the word 'photographer' is mentioned, those guys shooting souveneir photos outside churches come to mind.

this is true. most often than not, to those not in the 'loop', when the word 'photographer' is mentioned, those guys shooting souveneir photos outside churches come to mind.

Agreed... Still relevant Scott... The stigma's still there...

To add: At weddings... sometimes there are relatives which are sooooooooo bossy and try to call your attention to take their photograph, like they're the one's paying you... so if you cannot comply with the request, they give you that look and start to talk behind your back... Can't help to feel paranoid at times. :(

In the US, photographers are treated as professionals in line with Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers etc. Here in Indonesia, I get the same respect as a PRO eventhough I'm just a hobbyist. Actually when you mention to them your a photographer their reactions are always "really Wow, I also want to become a photographer someday" You feel like a celebrity. :)

I remember 3 yrs ago, a security in Intramuros forced us to leave the place as we where shooting in the area. We heard a lot of nasty words being blurted to us. Then we saw a bunch of Japanese tourist shooting their cameras. The security just ignored them.

At least we pinoy photographers deserve respect too in our own hometown, but I guess it's far from happening.

ala lang.. :)

ruel

In my past life, I used to be involved in the golf industry. The same was true with professional golfers. Why don't you think there is no local golf tour for the pros here now. Because they are still looked down upon by society. Everywhere else the pro in the world is respected. Here people think they are scum. Times are changing yes, but how long this will take we don't know. I believe though photography is making leaps and bounds here and the change of impression won't take too long.

I remember 3 yrs ago, a security in Intramuros forced us to leave the place as we where shooting in the area. We heard a lot of nasty words being blurted to us. Then we saw a bunch of Japanese tourist shooting their cameras. The security just ignored them.


kwento nga ng driver ko bago siya nagwork sa amin, boss niyang british pinapapasok sa hotel na naka shorts at sandals. but he, apparently in the same attire, was barred from entry. may dress code raw kasi. eh sabay pa naman silang maglulunch nahuli lang siya since he had to park the car.

hehe! it's back to the carinderia for him.

but this is unrelated to the original topic. :)

back to the topic:

I sense that there is a belief among pinoys that photography is easy. basta maganda camera, photographer na. they don't really see the talent, hardwork, passion that goes into image-making. they don't understand that it's about having the 'eye'.

Hi Guys,

I had the same experience when I was still a hobbyist taking photos inside Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. I was just wearing my fatigue pants and a T-Shirt and I was apprehended by the Security Guard. According to him, It's not allowed to take photos inside the church. I said that I was just a hobbyist and showed him my ID from Ayala Alabang Camera Club and he just left when I spoke to him in English. The only sad experience I had after that incident was when the same guard told my crew "Back-up Photographer ka lang pala eh". Since then, me and my crew always wear good clothes and speak english.

One of the possible reasons why Photographers are respected abroad is that they also follow a dress code. If the invitation says "Formal Attire", they also wear formal clothes like the guests. I had a shoot yesterday at Sanctuario but I was there as a guest photographer and relative of the bride. I wore formal Jusi Barong, black pants, brand new Italian Shoes and a Swiss Watch. The Guard didn't even bother to check my camera bag and ask for my shooting permit while the official photographers were only wearing folded long sleeves shirt without a tie and was asked to show their shooting permit.

Filipinos sometimes discriminate their own kind and don't have the guts to apprehend those people who dress well and speak english. I also can't blame some of them because like in Sales Management, the Salespeople are trained to estimate the capacity of the buyer by looking at their shoes and watch. The same thing applies when you go to any of the hotels or business establishments in Makati, if you dress well, the guards even salute you and greet you. If you are wearing casual clothes, they will even ask for your ID and do body search.

Just sharing some of my experience. :-).

A friend once asked me to shoot his wedding.

I did the usual standard shots at the bride's residence. The parents of the flower girl asked if I could take a photo of them with their daughter. I told them they would have to wait until I finish taking a few informal family shot of the bride's family.

A couple of minutes later, as I was shooting the flower girl with her parents, the mother of the bride was out in the garage with her daughter. They were about to board the car and she was shouting "Photographer! Photographer!"

She then turns to her daughter and lectures her about the folly of not hiring a professional photographer.

"But mom, Jo is a professional."

"Ha? I thought he just some friend of (name of groom)."

I took their photo as they were entering the bridal car and went off to the church.

My friend was already there greeting his guests. I went up to him, shook his hand and said, "Pare, you have my condolences. I just met your future mother-in-law."

It was only afterwards I discovered that the bride's mom was right behind me when I uttered those words :D

This is why I believe that we shouldn't lower our rates as professional photographers. Those extra zeros to the left of the decimal point will go a long way to salving the wounds we receive from abusive clients and guests :D

LOL. Sana friend din ako ng groom assign to do the video. What a funny moment puwede sa "Bitoy's funniest video" . Sarap i-bangka sa inuman iyan ah.

My friend was already there greeting his guests. I went up to him, shook his hand and said, "Pare, you have my condolences. I just met your future mother-in-law."

It was only afterwards I discovered that the bride's mom was right behind me when I uttered those words :D




:D Someone should have taken a photo of you at that moment.

I also can't blame some of them because like in Sales Management, the Salespeople are trained to estimate the capacity of the buyer by looking at their shoes and watch.


I worked for a luxury retailer and our sales staff are trained NEVER to underestimate people who come in dressed plainly. They are taught to treat all customers with equal respect. Doesn't always happen but you never know when your next big sale is going to come from. I was doing CRM for them and you'd be surprised at the demographics of the top 100 customers. Very few were from the big villages, have street names for last names or actually looked the part.

Try to check out Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. He shares similar stories.

I worked for a luxury retailer and our sales staff are trained NEVER to underestimate people who come in dressed plainly. They are taught to treat all customers with equal respect. Doesn't always happen but you never know when your next big sale is going to come from. I was doing CRM for them and you'd be surprised at the demographics of the top 100 customers. Very few were from the big villages, have street names for last names or actually looked the part.

Try to check out Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. He shares similar stories.
Putting things back into perspective... True... True... :) The age old saying still applies for everyone... "Never judge a book by it's cover..." This is a double edged blade that cuts both ways... Customers should never over or under-estimate photographers; and neither should photographers commit the same errors in judgement.

My mom just asked me to shoot an event she was attending, graced by some of society's "elite". The Zobels and Ayalas were there to name a few. There was an official photographer of course but I was just there for my mom. Anyway I entered the "show area" and started taking photos, being conscious not to get in the way of the official photographer. I'm sorry I don't have a more discrete camera! I caught attention and other people requested I take their photos too. I politely obliged but told them immediately after taking their photo that I'm not the official photographer. When I said that, one of the fossils told me "Then you're not supposed to be there!" ... with matching taas ng kilay. So again, I politely told her that my mother just asked me to take photographs for her. When she found out who my mother is, her expression changed and the weirdest things came out of her mouth: "Ay ikaw pala ang anak ni... ANG LAKI MO PALA" :Grin::Grin::Grin: I was left speechless and barely able to smile. Then I was offered food, drinks, and she said "Just send me the bill". O diba!?!

Hi Guys,

I had the same experience when I was still a hobbyist taking photos inside Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. I was just wearing my fatigue pants and a T-Shirt and I was apprehended by the Security Guard. According to him, It's not allowed to take photos inside the church. I said that I was just a hobbyist and showed him my ID from Ayala Alabang Camera Club and he just left when I spoke to him in English. The only sad experience I had after that incident was when the same guard told my crew "Back-up Photographer ka lang pala eh". Since then, me and my crew always wear good clothes and speak english.



Isnt it amazing what the english language can do especially when you add a little bit of twang...im sure the guards will either stare at you blankly or just simply walk out..grabe talaga discrimination nila sometimes and we just have to fight back with hifalutin words :Grin:

I thought this thread was about bad comments during portfolio reviews or something :p I have tons of those

Anyway I absolutely hate it when I go to news coverages or events and people give me the "Oh a newbie. You have 350d not a MarkII like the rest of us photojournalists/professionals" look. I just mentally flip the bird

I sense that there is a belief among pinoys that photography is easy. basta maganda camera, photographer na. they don't really see the talent, hardwork, passion that goes into image-making. they don't understand that it's about having the 'eye'.

I hate this... :Mad:

Especially when they see a nice pic that you took and they go "Hey Nice pic! What camera do you use?" and then you tell them "(Insert DSLR here)" and their follow up to that "Ahhh, kaya pala." :Sick:

Marton, I know EXACTLY how that is.
I also dont appreciate it too much when someone says my picture is something out of a postcard :(

I thought this thread was about bad comments during portfolio reviews or something :p I have tons of those

Anyway I absoulutely hate it when I go to news coverages or events give me the "Oh a newbie. You have 350d not a MarkII like the rest of us photojournalists/professionals" I just mentally flip the bird

Tammy, I can SO relate. I mostly let it go and just try to jostle for a better spot. No one can bully me into taking a bad spot.

ps
We met at the Y! Style party. Actually, met again. :D

Tammy, I can SO relate. I mostly let it go and just try to jostle for a better spot. No one can bully me into taking a bad spot.

ps
We met at the Y! Style party. Actually, met again. :D

Hi F1/F4 Fan Ria! crap lasing ata ako when I typed that post. Urf

I thought this thread was about bad comments during portfolio reviews or something :p I have tons of those

Anyway I absolutely hate it when I go to news coverages or events and people give me the "Oh a newbie. You have 350d not a MarkII like the rest of us photojournalists/professionals" look. I just mentally flip the bird

hahaha, makapag-upgrade na nga sa 30D, kaya lang mahirap naman maging "ah kaya pala" victim hahahaha haay hirap. Bibili na lang siguro ako ng Nikon FG as second body, ah mali pala FG as my main body and the 350D will become the secondary. :D

Gawin mo na lang pang-meter ng ilaw yung 350D mo. Parang yung polaroid dati. Yun nga lang ang mahal na light meter nyan! :D

Ok lang yung maganda yung photo tapos sabihan ka ng "Ahhh kaya pala". Kesa naman na i-comment sa yo eh. "Ganda na nga camera mo panget ka pa kumuha". Mas gusto ko naman yung unang comment. :D


hahaha, makapag-upgrade na nga sa 30D, kaya lang mahirap naman maging "ah kaya pala" victim hahahaha haay hirap. Bibili na lang siguro ako ng Nikon FG as second body, ah mali pala FG as my main body and the 350D will become the secondary. :D

Hi Guys,

I had the same experience when I was still a hobbyist taking photos inside Sanctuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park. I was just wearing my fatigue pants and a T-Shirt and I was apprehended by the Security Guard. According to him, It's not allowed to take photos inside the church. I said that I was just a hobbyist and showed him my ID from Ayala Alabang Camera Club and he just left when I spoke to him in English. The only sad experience I had after that incident was when the same guard told my crew "Back-up Photographer ka lang pala eh". Since then, me and my crew always wear good clothes and speak english.

One of the possible reasons why Photographers are respected abroad is that they also follow a dress code. If the invitation says "Formal Attire", they also wear formal clothes like the guests. I had a shoot yesterday at Sanctuario but I was there as a guest photographer and relative of the bride. I wore formal Jusi Barong, black pants, brand new Italian Shoes and a Swiss Watch. The Guard didn't even bother to check my camera bag and ask for my shooting permit while the official photographers were only wearing folded long sleeves shirt without a tie and was asked to show their shooting permit.

.

I see a couple of issues with this one:

Security Guard. If it is truly not allowed to shoot inside the church then he should enforce that rule across the board and shouldn't be intimidated by english-speaking show offs.

Photographer. If it is truly not allowed to shoot without the necessary permit, why would speaking a foreign language, sporting an Italian footwear and swiss watch gave us the license to go above the rule? Unless, of course, a membership in camera club from a stuffy neighborhood afforded one such almighty power. I guess I have to save up as my seiko, cheap shoes and broken english will not pass muster with these lowly security guards.

I see a couple of issues with this one:

Security Guard. If it is truly not allowed to shoot inside the church then he should enforce that rule across the board and shouldn't be intimidated by english-speaking show offs.

Photographer. If it is truly not allowed to shoot without the necessary permit, why would speaking a foreign language, sporting an Italian footwear and swiss watch gave us the license to go above the rule? Unless, of course, a membership in camera club from a stuffy neighborhood afforded one such almighty power. I guess I have to save up as my seiko, cheap shoes and broken english will not pass muster with these lowly security guards.


The Old Gentleman's Rule always apply: Dress Accordingly.

At the Oscars you don't see photographers, videographers wearing the stereotyped photojournalist attire(vests, cargo pants, sneakers), they're on tux.

Second, no one can just shoot on a private property a church is one of them unless you pay your tithes religously and record them dearly with the cleric then you earn the respect to do what you wish.


just my 2 cents.

Sometimes you gotta dress the part and look the part.

I was one of the spectators at an airshow in Villamor Air Base one time. I brought all my fancy gear and giant zoom lenses just so I could get really good shots of the Britsh Alpha jets that were performing. After the show, I wanted to meet the pilots in the VIP room but didn't have any ID.

What did I do? I brandished all my equipment in front of me and made myself look like I was part of the press photographers. The soldiers standing guard at the VIP room were so clueless and I walked in like I knew my business.

Not only did I meet the pilots and have a photo session with them, I even got to eat at the buffet table!

Then General Vinluan approached me and even talked about how cool my gear was. (apparently he was a photo aficionado as well). He asked what magazine I worked for.

I told him I worked for "Horse and Hound". :P

lol... cool story Sundee

Not only did I meet the pilots and have a photo session with them, I even got to eat at the buffet table!


:D I wonder what happens if you got identified, while you're eating...

:DNice one Sundee:Grin: You got them this time.

I told him I worked for "Horse and Hound". :P

Notting Hill to diba? Tama ba? hehehehe:Grin:

I thought this thread was about bad comments during portfolio reviews or something :p I have tons of those

Anyway I absolutely hate it when I go to news coverages or events and people give me the "Oh a newbie. You have 350d not a MarkII like the rest of us photojournalists/professionals" look. I just mentally flip the bird


hello tammy,

most of the photojournalist does'nt own the camera they are using (maybe in cebu only),company issue yan...350d at least you own the camera ...hehehehe!!!!!

I remember attending a practice session of a collegiate basketball team for gatorade, not as a photographer but as an observer (client namin ang gatorade eh). I was "only" equipped then with my D50 while the other "official" photographers were using D2H's and a D2x, with snazzy lenses. While the photographers were really nice, the "mirons" were saying nasty things like: "ah pucha, can't afford etong bata na to. hehehe" and "pare, mukhang newbie, pitsugin yung camera eh." Even a client asked if I were planning to shoot STATIC shots and not action shots. hehehe.

A week later, I received word that my clients liked my shots better than what they paid for, and of course the monetary return is sweeeeet!

I hate this... :Mad:

Especially when they see a nice pic that you took and they go "Hey Nice pic! What camera do you use?" and then you tell them "(Insert DSLR here)" and their follow up to that "Ahhh, kaya pala." :Sick:

encountered this a LOT!!! sometimes you cant help but get pissed off by such comments.
well i guess at the end of the day its not about them.. but what you felt when you click that shutter to capture the image :)

I have heard very inappropriate comments myself. They just do no understand what photographers (pro and hobbyist alike) see throught the viewfinder.

First, I don't understand why people make comments like that. I also don't understand why security guards act like they own the place and drive you away once you take out your camera ( they can ask politely but no - even if I was dressed appropriately.)

Someday we photographers can get the respect we deserve here in our own country.

I remember attending a practice session of a collegiate basketball team for gatorade, not as a photographer but as an observer (client namin ang gatorade eh). I was "only" equipped then with my D50 while the other "official" photographers were using D2H's and a D2x, with snazzy lenses. While the photographers were really nice, the "mirons" were saying nasty things like: "ah pucha, can't afford etong bata na to. hehehe" and "pare, mukhang newbie, pitsugin yung camera eh." Even a client asked if I were planning to shoot STATIC shots and not action shots. hehehe.

A week later, I received word that my clients liked my shots better than what they paid for, and of course the monetary return is sweeeeet!


nasa talent at mata yan hindi sa equipment or sa camera hehehehe!!!! di bah pare:Grin:

Sometimes you gotta dress the part and look the part.

I was one of the spectators at an airshow in Villamor Air Base one time. I brought all my fancy gear and giant zoom lenses just so I could get really good shots of the Britsh Alpha jets that were performing. After the show, I wanted to meet the pilots in the VIP room but didn't have any ID.

What did I do? I brandished all my equipment in front of me and made myself look like I was part of the press photographers. The soldiers standing guard at the VIP room were so clueless and I walked in like I knew my business.

Not only did I meet the pilots and have a photo session with them, I even got to eat at the buffet table!

Then General Vinluan approached me and even talked about how cool my gear was. (apparently he was a photo aficionado as well). He asked what magazine I worked for.

I told him I worked for "Horse and Hound". :P



bago yan a..hindi na face value..gear's value nah hehehe!!!!

Hey guys! i've been taking photos for the past 20 years, i don't consider myself as a pro though i get paid for taking pictures and make a living out of it. And yes! most of the clients tend to look at the gear value rather than your talent. There are instances that i don't get the project just because they were not impressed with my gear but in five years since going digital, i never had a "PRO" camera, the most expensive gear i got was Fuji S2 Pro (yung client pa bumili para sa akin) and never had big lenses like 80-200. Right now i'm using a D70 with a canon handgrip to make it a little heavier but still getting paid the same photogs in my league who owns D2x's and 1D's. Ok lang di ba? the key is to get good photos with what gear you have and do better with what gear you will be using later in your career. You can't change some things... discrimination is like a cancer in the society!

hello tammy,

most of the photojournalist does'nt own the camera they are using (maybe in cebu only),company issue yan...350d at least you own the camera ...hehehehe!!!!!

EXACTLY! I know company issue yon noh. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanila "At least akin walang sticker na property of" hehehe

I remember attending a practice session of a collegiate basketball team for gatorade, not as a photographer but as an observer (client namin ang gatorade eh). I was "only" equipped then with my D50 while the other "official" photographers were using D2H's and a D2x, with snazzy lenses. While the photographers were really nice, the "mirons" were saying nasty things like: "ah pucha, can't afford etong bata na to. hehehe" and "pare, mukhang newbie, pitsugin yung camera eh." Even a client asked if I were planning to shoot STATIC shots and not action shots. hehehe.

A week later, I received word that my clients liked my shots better than what they paid for, and of course the monetary return is sweeeeet!

Good story chewy. Got 'em indeed. :D By the way, what do "mirons" mean? Sorry for the ignorance....

Awa po ng diyos, hindi pa.

Maybe, because most of the time, I shoot alone. I can't shoot when I am with other photogs. Nanlilliit ako sa mga lente nila. I have nothing against them as mine is purely a release. I don't mind hearing comments, most of the time its true. Creative industry has a lot of it, so hindi na bago. I guess they're part of the motivation which in the end makes us more capable than any well equiped photographer in the world.

In the US, photographers are treated as professionals in line with Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers etc. Here in Indonesia, I get the same respect as a PRO eventhough I'm just a hobbyist. Actually when you mention to them your a photographer their reactions are always "really Wow, I also want to become a photographer someday" You feel like a celebrity. :)

I remember 3 yrs ago, a security in Intramuros forced us to leave the place as we where shooting in the area. We heard a lot of nasty words being blurted to us. Then we saw a bunch of Japanese tourist shooting their cameras. The security just ignored them.

At least we pinoy photographers deserve respect too in our own hometown, but I guess it's far from happening.

ala lang.. :)

ruel


my dear number 1 na mahilig mang discriminate
are FILIPINOS sad to say that