If there’s anything that photographers don’t want to be, it’s infamous. Most of us are semi-normal people in a profession that’s extra extraordinary, however there still are some strange characters out there behind a camera lens…
Don’t want to be lumped into that category of weirdos? Then check this list and make sure you’re not “that” photographer.
(Keep in mind I use guy as a general term, I know there are a lot of female photographers out there as well so don’t feel like you’re being left out of the hall of shame.)
1. Direct Flash Guy during a sporting event
Despite the fact that this guy put a couple thousand dollars into his camera, he neglected to realize that it still doesn’t necessarily mean that every gym in America will be shootable. Therefore, instead of investing in some strobes or just merely turning down the shutter speed and going artsy, he decides to plop a flash on the top of his camera and fire away… directly in the eyes of the athletes that he’s shooting.
Usually, you can find him under a large pile of angry parents after their son was reduced to tears after missing his eighth layup because of the direct flash.
2. That cheering on the sidelines guy
You can tell this guy has been shooting his favorite college team for roughly 20 years after the first big play when he goes running out to the middle of the football field to chest bump some of the players. Sometime he likes to jump up and down, right in front of your shot, and takes approximately five shots during the entire game.
He also claims to be shooting for the team even though the PR person is looking for security to escort him out.
3. That Sweatpants Guy
Everyone else gets polo shirts out for an NBA game, this guy comes down with a complete gray sweat suit. You’re not sure exactly if this guy is either a photographer or Richard Simmons’ prodigy.
He often times explains how he’s shooting for a website that he runs from the basement of his mother’s house, and that he didn’t really feel like “getting out of his usual casual attire.”
4. The Sweet Shot Guy
Every other moment of action you can hear him almost from the other sideline.
“Oh Yeah, I got that one.”
“Yes! Yes, that’s the one, oh amazing, good stuff. Sometimes I surprise myself.”
And then once he actually shows you the photo that’s supposedly going to rock the world, you realize that he actually said that about every single photo he took.
“You see the missed field goal here… amazing!”
“You can’t ever see the football”
“But.. but… it’s a key moment of the game, look at the intensity of the holder and longsnapper.”
“The team was up by 20 points…”
5. The Conversation Guy
He wants to talk about his divorce, mortgage and theory on life while all you want to do is shoot a high school football game. The real kicker is that you’ve never seen him ever before.
6. The Follower Guy
He follows you in the stands when you try to take a crowd shot, he follows you all up and down the sideline, and then he follows you in the bathroom.
If you like your privacy, you’ll stay away from this guy.
7. The take photos of the cheerleaders throughout the entire game Guy
You really give us a bad name, creep.
8. The Bigfoot Guy
At first you think the Yetti is sitting next to you, but then you realize there’s a person in all that hair and that he actually just hasn’t shaved since the Nixon Administration. Despite being hairy and possibly a little stinky, he usually does have a granola bar on him if you get hungry.
9. The one inch from somebody’s face guy
Interestingly enough, ever photo he takes of his subjects turn out the same, with the person in the photo looking like they’ve just been attacked by a Cougar. And what’s funny is when this guy gets tackled on the field by security after trying to shoot what’s going on in the huddle.
10. The Jeff Corwin Guy
Still trying to figure out what posses some people to wear light brown safari shorts and hiking boots. I’m also trying to figure out why a lot of photographers also like this look.
