Too Many PhotographersHere comes Ronald Ladao Sunday talk post...
I know I promise Adam W., that I'll make my rant post about convention photography. But I got busy the last two weeks. And then Uriel, asked me about this yesterday. This is what I said to him.
Here's my stance on convention / cosplay photography. I rather take more photos on the hallway floor, than "take my time" doing photoshoots at conventions. The reason being is that.
#1. I think I carry too much stuff for something that might not happen. Carrying 25+ pounds of gear fucking sucks. Yeah, I COULD use a roller bag. But choose NOT to, cause well... I'm like prone to forget about my roller when I'm use to wearing a backpack or satchel. So I rather not do that. Yeah... there could be things I can do without. Cause I learned how to certain things on camera without needing them before.
In the field, I'll just carry my Canon 6D w/ Tamron 24-70 f/2.8. And my Yongnuo store 600exRT flash, and pick out a flash mod that fits the situation / space. and bring in two flash transceivers for just in case wireless flash shooting. As much I would like to duel wield. I haven't got put into a pressure situation where I need to do an instant lens change.
So, it's just my health, and (finance) security reason why I said that.
#2. Here comes my "There's too many (photoshoot) photographer" rant right here. To some, they don't think this is a problem. Yeah many photographers = more field covered. But too many photographers can equal. As listing here
I guess most of my rant is mostly usage space, and "repetitive content". If there's too much photographer in one given space. That's where my mind set is at.
#3. I been doing hallways / event photos before doing photoshoots. I only do photoshoots when asked about it. I'm known mostly as a hallway shooter, and for some reason I can make someone's day better if I can properly ID their character and show enthusiasm for their cosplay. Then hand in my card to know where the picture will be posted at. Showing them that pic will be somewhere, and know where they'll find it. Hell, even though you don't really get paid for doing ths. You're just really promoting yourself into future gigs. You maybe never know when you'll hit your first "4 digit" gig. It may not be at con. But if you do get that gig... Just be damn proud about that. You don't really need to make money at con. You gotta spend money to make that money OUTSIDE of con. So just use the cons to promote yourself.
Anyways. I think that ends my rant talk about my stance of where I'm at. I'm a hallway event candid shooter of cosplay, I'll keep an eye out on the show floor for the cosplay that makes me say DAMN! and LOL WUT!? And I'll do photoshoots when asked, but I'll keep a very limited numbers on this if it's at con. I don't want to make promises that I can't keep. If it's outside away from con, I don't mind if you ask. This is what i do on Sunday just for fun. Cause vidya gmaing makes me sad.
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