A Great Day For Sports Photography?
I guess it depends on how you look at it.
(NOTE: before you post a comment; please read Mike’s comments in the next post below, which explains what happened, and why FSU is absolutely not to blame).
You all know that on Monday we announced the winner for our “Shoot on The Sidelines with Scott & Mike,” contest, and Alex Walker, a really talented amateur sports photographer from Virginia won with an incredible shot of his son taken during a soccer (football) match.
You probably also know that a very vocal group of sports photographers were outraged at the fact that we did this contest in the first place. They didn’t feel an amateur, no matter how talented, had any place in “their world.” They were very bitter, angry, and made it very clear in online forums that having the winner on the sidelines was absolutely unacceptable.
But they didn’t stop there.
We just got word that these photographers were so upset that some of them contacted Florida State University directly, and told them they were making a mistake by letting an amateur “run amok” on the sidelines. This was dangerous. It’s not a good decision. This “amateur” has no business on the sidelines, and they should pull his sidelines pass!
Apparently, these angry sports photographers were very convincing. Florida State felt they had no choice but to rescind his pass Now, Alex will not get to shoot on the sidelines at the Florida State game.
Congratulations. You were able to steal Alex’s dream of shooting a big time game from the sidelines.
Yesterday I called Alex and told him the news. As you might imagine, he was very disappointed, but as good a photographer as Alex is, he’s even more of a gentleman and took the news like a pro.
He was already aware of the angry, hateful comments posted by some of these photographers, but I don’t think he ever thought it would come to this. Nevertheless, he was still grateful to have his photo chosen, and I’m sending him a bunch of cool goodies to, in some small way, take the sting out of losing out on such a wonderful opportunity, but obviously it won’t replace what was taken from him.
So, I guess these sports photographers felt it was really important for them to keep Alex off the sidelines, even though doing so:
- Wouldn’t put a dime in their pockets
- Wouldn’t in any way help their careers
- And wouldn’t impact their livelihood in any way
But they did manage to take a lifelong dream away from a very kind, talented dad, who just loves taking shots of his son.
My congratulations to this group of sports shooters on being able to convince Florida State University to change their mind. You should be very proud, and celebrate this great day for sports photography.
Hey – it’s the BEGINNING of the 2009 college football season – why not give Alex another chance? Mistakes were made and acknowledged. Go for it. Post a great photo on this website and make Alex’s son proud. Even those who have expressed angst – he won the contest to “feel like a pro” not “take your job from a pro”. FSU was caught surprised. Not surprised now – several games to go – why not this season? another college team – division III? It’s only just begun. Kids need great examples – what better than dad getting a chance to be super photographer dad – just for the day? Here’s something to think about…when dad (Alex) lost his opportunity to shoot a major college football team “like a pro’s” so did his kid lose the opportunity to be proud of his dad. Life is short..get a grip.
I don’t know what anyone else wrote, but after reading this, I felt compelled to comment. What do these “elitists” think?!?!? Were they born out of the womb with a camera in one hand and a “professional” stamp on their asses?!?!?! What a bunch of whining ninnies! Get off your high horse and get over yourselves!!!!! Every single “pro” photographer was an amateur photographer at one point in their lives……..
What a bunch of whiners, those “professional” SportsShooters!!! I entered the contest with a rodeo shot of a bronc rider that nearly came over the fence at me. (The wild bronc, not the rider) So, I, personally have had experience getting out of the way of much more dangerous action than a “mere 300 pound linebacker” As far as “safety” is concerned, I think that is an excuse the sour grapes guys used out of jealousy. Every one of them once had a “break” to get into the position they are in now.
Here in Hawaii, there is also an unfortunate attitude arising among a small group of photographers that think they own the rights to a certain genre of photography unique to Hawaii and have been bickering and even sabotaging other photographers that they feel is some ill conceived threat to their livelihood. Let’s just all “get over it” and get along. Life is too short to fabricate misery when there is already more than enough in the world to go around. and kudos to all the companies and sports groups that offered donations and opportunities to the contest winner. Now, there is an attitude to emulate !! Jock (yeah, that’s my real name, not a sports moniker)
As a photography/graphic design instructor at a local Technical College I am appalled at the attitude of these so-called professionals. Every year, I take my photography classes to a local collegiate football to allow them get experience shooting live sports events and to better appreciate what professional sports photographers deal with. My kids always have a blast doing this and always come away with a few really amazing shots. What professional photographer forgets where he or she came from? It make me shake my head in embarrassment for the employers of these idiots and I frown upon the entire industry. Booooooooooooo.
was it the ball ,the player, or did he go for snacks,
photography equipment rental
i think its a matter of digital tornado at work, great practicality ,was the camera yours?
nice post,
reduce the carbon footprints
wouldnt it be great if someone shot these guys (with a camera!) and posted their pics on the internet to so what pathetic excuse for human beings they are!!!
I work at Wabash College and am extending an invitation for Scott, Mike, and Alex to come to Indiana and shoot the Monon Bell Game in November (14th). The game is between Wabash College and DePauw University and is one of the oldest and longest running college rivalries around. HDNet televises live and this game has been shot by photographers at Sports Illustrated at least twice in recent history – among many other local and national newspaper and media outlets. There are few football fans as dedicated as Wabash football fans. We welcome you with open arms and would love to treat you to a sideline experience like no other!
I really don’t know why this pro sports photographer doesn’t accept the fact that they are not great as what they expect to win this contest to shoot at the sideline. You can buy an expensive gear for your everyday use but just only a few bucks of prices you protest the decision of the judges. Why don’t you buy your own tickets and get a pass to watch & shoot the events in FSU.
Don’t be jealous & selfish to yourself because you’re not the only photographer in this world! Be a sportsmanship for what they decide who won in this contest.
Protesting sometimes is good in a right situation but in this situation it is obviously that a lot of fake or claiming that they are an amateur photographer are the one who’s protesting this contest. Look if you’re an amateur photographer you don’t protest but if you’re a Pro Photographer you will protest because you don’t want to turn down your EGO as well as your capability to be a sports photographer! You’re only showing us how stupid & unprofessional you are in this kind of contest!
Stealing someone’s dream is a bad & unprofessional habit & only uneducated photographer can do that!
I think someone is worried about giving an amateur the opportunity to shoot at the sidelines to show them IT CAN BE DONE! I think they feel threatened by that. You see them at the games grumbling into their viewfinders and snacking on hard gums. A new wave of photography is coming along with their retirement plans. Disgusting behaviour from so-called professionals and shame on you FSU for allowing a bunch of old farts to ruin someone’s dream. ALEX please use this positively to take your photography to the next level. Your shot was FAB.
Rick.
They are probably scared of the fact that an amateur photographer can take better pics with a body & a single lens, when our “pro” sports photographer has 50 different lenses&bodies..
I shoot local youth sports mostly due to the fact the local “Pros” either didn’t show or did a lousy job when hired. Enough Parents came to me and convinced me to become the new “Pro”. I guess Alex shoots for the same reason most of us do, we LOVE IT! Perhaps some NFL team would welcome him to their sidelines. Perhaps a call to the local paper to publish his story then send it off to his fav team and perhaps he can have the last laugh. It pains me to hear how far out of their way some people are willing to go just to be rotten. I hope Alex gets an SI cover!!!
Nice to watch this game: Manchester v Liverpool
oh man, this is awful… but i’m not surprised..i shoot many big events and most of the sports photographers are idiots.. most of them don’t even know what they do.. because they own a MarkIII and a 500/600mm doesn’t make them a photographer… If your winner is in Toronto next summer, i can bring him with me on the court to shoot Federer and Nadal… or international acrobatic ski here in Quebec.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/michelroy/2703245476/in/set-72157601964953744/
If a field pass is what these “professionals” need to ascertain their “professionalism”, then they probably don’t have a lot to offer in terms of photography. If they feel threatened by the thought that an amateur might steal their thunder – then there wasn’t a lot of thunder there to begin with.
As long as everyone on the sidelines behaves the way they’re supposed to, I don’t care who the person is and what “level” of photographer they are. I’ve seen plenty of well accredited pro’s step in the wrong place at the wrong time (yes, there are other uses for a monopod
. I’m sure that whoever gave Alex the pass in the first place took the time to explain what is expected of a field pass holder. All the BS about liability is just that – BS. Pathetic.
why not give Alex another chance? Mistakes were made and acknowledged. Go for it. Post a great photo on this website and make Alex’s son proud keep going Alex.
Canvas Printing
Scott, i’m totally agree with marie’s comment. Life is really short. Im young, but every day i trying to improve my skills. I’m not photographer, but i know how hard is it. And i think Alex could have another chance… imho
By their very actions they are all but admitting that a beginner photographer can take as good as or better pictures. Otherwise they wouldn’t feel threatened.
You said Alex “Took it like a Pro”, I would contend he took like anything but a “Pro”!!!! Gentleman & class act – most definately; “Pro”, not based on it being the “Pros” who were too gutless, petty and selfish to let a mere “amateur” share their space!!!
I fail to see why these so called “professionals” were so worried about an amateur on the sidelines. I could understand their concern if it was an 8 year old kid with a point and shoot, C’mon Man ! Wasn’t the amateur going to be hanging with TWO professionals to help him along the way ?
I don’t know what’s worse, the crybaby photographers or Florida State University for actually listening to their stupid whining. I say……pull your skirts up ladies, uh hmm…I mean professionals.