Update: Please Don’t Blame FSU
Hi gang:
As I’m reading this, I can see some of you are blaming FSU for pulling his pass, but you need to read Mike Olivella’s comment from this morning (which he posted this morning here as a comment, and I’m reprinting below), which explains the issue in better detail.
I had never intended to point any blame at FSU whatsoever, but Mike does a better job of explaining it than I can, so please take a few moments and read Mike’s response below.
Mike Olivella says:
This is not FSU’s fault. Please do not misdirect your venom at FSU or its staff. This was all my fault for not having thought that it would be necessary for me to get approval from the Athletic Department to use my assitant’s credentials as a prize for the contest winner.
I receive 2 sets of credentials for each FSU home game. I am allowed to pick whoever I wish to fill the role. FSU has always trusted me to pick a responsible individual and so I did not think I needed to obtain approval from certain folks at FSU. I thought that by limiting the contest to folks 21 and over, and by picking someone who knew his or her way around photography, they would make a suitable assistant that would make the selection process irrelevant.
The problem is that the SportsShooter guys were fed a bunch of inaccurate info as to what the winner would be doing. They were not told that the winner would not be taking anyone else’s place on the sidelines, i.e. that regardless of whether I picked my assistant through the contest or through my normal means, I would have an assistant with me. They were also not told that the winner would be working, heling me shoot the game by carrying some of my gear and staying by my side.
Because they were not given all the info, and becasue I am not a member of SportsShooter, the SportsShooter guys assumed the worse and went off. With the pressure exerted by some of them, FSU asked me to pull the plug and I had no choice. Had it been properly vetted by me through the chain of command at FSU, they would have been prepared for the possible firestorm and not been caught unaware.
If you want to blame anyone, blame me. I dropped the ball.
So, I tried to work with Scott so as to create a wonderful opportunity for somone to experience something they might never have a chance to do. In return, I have been embarrassed in Scott’s eyes for starting something and then not being able to deliver; I have embarrassed myself in front of all of you, who entered the contest assuming I would deliver; I have embarrassed myself in front of FSU and have apologized to every member of the Sports Information Department and other Departments for having caused them unnecessaru grief. I received countless hate e-mails from Sportshooter members and was called every name in the book (and told by some that they would “look me up” on their next visit to Tallahassee).
It hasn’t been a good last couple of weeks. But it starts and ends with me, not FSU. My humble apologies to all of you for my having let you down.
Mike standing up and taking it on the chin is a class act. Bravo.
Here’s an idea that just popped into mind and would make a GREAT prize. Instead of flying Alex to shoot with Mike fly Mike to shoot with Alex! This way Mike could spent more time working being Alex’s assistance and offering tips. (Not that Alex needs much help since he did win the bloody contest to begin with).
Think about it. This whole mess could still turn into something good.
That sounds like a great idea! I think taking in a few home town games w/ a pro at your side would be really cool
It would be quite fun indeed…
Sure it wouldn’t be a big game and everything, but I still think the experience that can be passed on by Mike & Scott is worth enough to be taken into account. I entered this contest to meet the guys before I did it to shoot the game. They could have told us we were going to shoot ping-pong for all I know, I would have been as pleased
Every one of those pro sports shooters was an amateur who was allowed on the sidelines to learn how to shoot a game. There rational that it would be dangerous is just plain stupid. The real reason they got mad is that they do not want to suffer the thought, that a first time shooter might get a better shot than they do. On every football sideline from pewee football to the pros, there are always going to be people on the sideline that really do not have a clue how to avoid becoming part of a sideline pile up. The funny thing about this is that most sideline spectator player pile ups usually involve a pro photographer not moving out of the way. As a teacher and retired journalism teacher’s son I say thanks to you for offering someone a chance to chase their dream. Do not be surprised if some other major sports venue gives you the chance for Alex to chance the dream.
Well said Rusty, additionally if these guys were real pro’s, they would have done a little research before flying off the handle. What’s that old saying? What goes around comes around!
As a Gator fan….I would love to see my school, University of Florida come forth with an offer him a pass for the sidelines to photograph a REAL Florida game. Shame on you, FSU, for caving in…..
this guy has bottle
Could be worse. And this is a bit off topic, but the SEC, which includes the University of Florida) has banned blogs and anybody making money on photographs this season. That means no legitimate photographer can go in there and photograph the games and post content to their Web sites. What if Warchant couldn’t post content? That would be horrible. This includes video as well.
Thanks for taking the blame Mike but it’s not your fault either. It’s the jerk photographers whose egos are too big they can’t realize the true talent that Alex has. It’s really a shame. If only they had some class…
These “photographers” are afraid of being out gunned!
You are good to take the blame, but the blame is on FSU for caving in to pressure. I am glad I chose UF for my education.
Mike, kuddos for taking the blame, but they still shouldn’t be pissed at you like that. You legitimately created the contest and ran into issues.
Mike you should have picked me as your assistant. At 6’4” 250lbs I would welcome anyone to “look you up”. How childish! You and Scott tried to do something way cool for those of us looking to get into the field (pardon the pun). Way to man up and take the heat on this one but you nor Scott did anything wrong. God Bless both of you for what you tried to do and also for what you ARE doing.
Lee, I’m 5′9″ and weigh 175 lbs soaking wet, but even at age 55, I can still do a jump back side kick that breaks 6 boards and a punch that shatters a cinder block. When you also consider that I was forced to leave Cuba after me and my family were threatened, arrested, and held at gunpoint on countless occasions, the last thing I am afraid of are a bunch of anonymous out of towners who talk.
The “pros” showed what kind of people they are by the way they spit on this poor guy, then threatning Mike.
Mike and Scott showed what kind of classy guys they are by doing a selfless contest, Mike owning up (more than necessary) and the respectable the way they have responded.
Mike & Scott, the world needs more guys like you not like the “pros”.
One thing I have learned in all my years (that not being too many yet) is that everyone is a heck of a lot tougher over the internet. I would bet that not a single one of them would do more than fantasize about “looking him up”. When it all comes down to the wire, they are just a bunch of immature idiots who feel like Mike stole their ice cream and they are lashing out like children. Their true colors have been shown. Simply write down their names and make sure you never ever buy anything from any of them or any organization that represents them.
Mike, Your actions to create the contest and provide a nice opportunity for a capable and talented photographer has been admirable. Unfortunate that it turned out this way, but those who are in the middle of it have learned and will now handle things in appropriate fashion going forward. I’m sure things will turn out well for you! Thanks for all that you do to help us other aspiring photographers. Your guest blog post earlier still gives me encouragement to pursue shooting similar events ‘from the sidelines’. I hope to be able to shoot a UAB or Samford University game locally and then make it to the ‘big time’ game at Alabama one day! Thanks!
My father always said, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” The guys wanted to have a contest and wanted a prize they were not authorized to provide by the Florida State Athletic Dept. Many of these schools state on the back of the credential that it cannot be sold, given as a promotion and must be used by an authorized news media outlet or with permission from the athletic department. It appears none of those conditions were met.
JWS, I’m told by a friend who is credentialed by FSU that there are no such restrictions on FSU’s credentials. Nice try.
Mike – you are a standup guy. Hopefully someone will be able to arrange another opportunity for the winner. It is a shame the the Sportshooter members brought about shame on their organization. What goes around comes around…just wait.
I can’t BELIEVE these guys at Sportshooter.com. What clowns. They’re complaining that this contest was only for the “glory of it all”. You idiots, of FREAKING COURSE it is for the glory. It’s a dream for an amateur to shoot a game like this. Hey old grisled tired hate-your-job PRO sportshooters, I got news for you, to those amateurs who don’t have to live under the shrinking pressure you do, shooting a game would be once in a lifetime FUN. What’s wrong with that? No one is taking your damn job. No one is standing in front of you blocking your shot. This would have been a nice guy getting a chance to do a fun, great thing. I read the sportsshooter.com forums often but now I see what a bunch of little people they are. I used to be sad for them as the “man” would make their lives harder. Now I’m going to smile. Jerks.
Mike,
Sorry to hear this end the way it did. I still feel it was a good contest even if some members of Sportsshooter.com got all bent out of shape. Please everybody lets not lump all members of sportsshooter into the same pile. I am a member and I’m one of the few who spoke out in favor of what Mike and Scott had going. I tell everybody that I have the best job in the world.
I shoot everything from peewee football to NFL.
Like I said in a post about this contest on that site is that the attitude displayed by members there scared me. I don’t ever want to be that guy that we saw out of a bunch of the sportsshooter members.
So everybody have fun and shoot.
Mike,
Several of the posters on sportsshooter stated that they would be willing to (paraphrasing) “show a new kid the ropes” when they’re not “working”. I wonder if FSU would give a group of “old pros” and a new kid access to practice, or some other event. The pros would have a chance to give someone the benefit of their years of experience without the pressure of them having to “make a living”.
I like the idea of a practice because they would run the same play over and over, thus allowing everyone to practice until they got it right.
Working together with the sportsshooter group and FSU for a solution to a bad situation would make peace, and I think everyone would win.
Maybe the sportsshooter people have a few better ideas on how to turn this around.
What a great idea and compromise.
Frankly, I like Kelby’s books but this fiasco makes his blog look like a circus. Scott, you need to reign in the nonsense.
I was considering applying for membership in Sportsshooter.com — I’m reconsidering that now.
I’m also upset with how government entities such as colleges and universities trying to keep people from exercising their first amendment rights and keeping the free market from operating.
Technically they are not government entities even as public schools. And how does pulling someones credentials revoke their first amendment rights? No one has the right to be there… it is a privilege. Don’t get me wrong, I think all the SS guys are immature children and really screwed up a good thing… but we should still be realistic about what is happening.
I’d be happy with leaving the camera behind and just being Mike’s assistant!
Scott, what about y’all two shooting a local high school game with the winner?
The biggest part of the contest, in my opinion, is the experience with y’all two. You can still do all the same procedures that you would in the college game.
I’m sure the lucky high school and school district would love the positive attention your contest would bring!
Ditto , Creighton !
Mike , you put on a great contest. Please don’t feel embarrassed or feel the need to apologize to me at all. I thought about it, and I would have done the same as you had. Keep the chin up . And for what it’s worth I think YOU ROCK !
I blame society
Sorry this had to happen to you. You were wonderfully gracious about it all.
It is an unfortunate situation but it certainly shines a bright light on the good character & attitudes of a few of the actors in this drama.
Envy shoots at others and wounds itself
Hi Mike, I’m impressed with the apology. That can be the hardest thing to do, especially when you have little to apologize for.
Personally, I think this is SportsShooter’s and FSU’s fault. FSU gave Mike an assistant pass, which in the past they allowed him to use with an assistant of his choice. Instead of an interview, he had a contest, and it really shouldn’t matter what he calls his ‘hiring’ process. The only difference here was that FSU got a little extra publicity, which was really caused by SportsShooter members.
If FSU wants to regulate who is chosen as an assistant, fine, create some rules that tell photographers how many years of experience their assistants must have or what the interview process must involve.
FSU might still come around and do the right thing, but my guess is that writing to FSU will just cause trouble for Mike. If FSU doesn’t come around, there are some other good suggestions posted here. Good luck!
At the end of the day, isn’t an interview really just a contest?
Try contacting UF and I am sure they would appreciate this chance to get national press at besting UF and helping the underdog.
Mike, kudos to you and Scott, wow…shame shame shame..on those sportshooters! I bet you this turns around to something bigger and Better! I do not think you have ANYthing to worry about Scott. He is a class act as well! Great letter..things sometimes can all be planned for. Looking forward to hearing a positive ending!
Dave
You guys sure F’ed that up – and If I ever had aspirations of trying to break into the semi-bigs of shooting college games – well forget it – the way is obvioulsy blocked by the SportsShooters, whoever the hell they are. Are they a trade association, are they a union representing someone or are they just a petty vigilante group who gets to decide who comes on the field. And FSU isn’t responsible – like hell – its their field, its their program and you were within their agreed-to guidelines. Nobody has any balls in any of this and you all caved to a bunch of selfish rice-bowl guarding nincompoops who are only in it for themselves and the heck with new talent in the field. You all f’ed up.
What a bunch of knuckleheads. I know you say otherwise – but I am disappointed in the folks at FSU nonetheless. A little leadership here would have gone a long way.
I am amazed, and appalled, that anyone would send you hate emails or threaten to “look you up.” Whether they agree or disagree with your contest, that kind of behavior is not only unprofessional, but even more so is simply morally wrong. If the administrators of sportsshooter.com have any moral compass, they will publicly disavow such behavior and its perpetrators.
Thank you, Mike and Scott, for trying to create an opportunity that very few photographers (including pros) will ever have. The contrast between folks like yourselves and others who give so much, so freely, to the rest of us in the photographic community, and those who think of photography as a secret cult inaccessible to mere mortals has been brought into sharp relief.
Scott, I can get Alex a pass to shoot with me at Louisiana Tech vs Boise St or Hawaii. It’s not Florida State but it’s big time college football and I’m pretty sure they are both on national tv. Myself and the other photographers on the sideline would be more than happy to walk the sidelines and give some pointers. I even blogged this to you at my blog, blog.mattlange.com. Let me know, and I’ll set it up.
I’m not a pro but I was able to get permission to a university. I’m not going to say which one because they may come after me but I asked one of the biggest donors to the school and he got me permission no problem! I’ve got the equipment so they won’t even know the difference. I’ve shot several “big” games in my life and I don’t think it takes a genius to shoot a game. I bet 90% of Kelby followers could do just fine. By the way I will be with Tigers (that narrows it down to a hand full of schools).
Mike, you’re a great guy for taking the fall, but my opinion of FSU hasn’t gotten any better. They heard the BS from the SportsShooters group, and I’m sure you told them that those concerns were misguided. Nonetheless, FSU caved, pure and simple. Shame on them. For an academic institution to allow mindless rumor to take the day is a political decision, and doesn’t say much for FSU as a university. Other than their reputation in football, I didn’t know much about FSU. This certainly doesn’t say anything positive about the institution.
While you made a very valiant apology and attempted to direct flak away from FSU – the issue is transparent enough that it shows a lack of appropriate leadership at FSU. It would have taken nothing more then a phone call for this to be cleared up – which is that you were still providing a vetted assistant – regardless of the method you used to find and ‘hire’.
There is no way to bronze over the the fact they knee jerked under the situation and resorted to a scolding for lack of communication. They had no reason to assume you would provide anything other then a qualified assistant and do your job as well as you ever have before.
While you may not be blameless for the situation, this has left nothing but a streak of negativity across both the Sportsshooter community and FSU. Definitely a situation in which cooler heads would have prevailed.
Hate to break it to the sports shooters but it’s incredibly easy to get onto the sidelines at FSU. I walked in with the alumni marching band during homecoming and just stayed on the field.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/airogos/sets/72157602752463397/
What was even more surprising to me was the amount of people with press passes who had tiny point and shoot cameras.
And FSU deserves some blame. Having been at the film school there for 3 years, it would be like pulling tooth and nail to get anyone to go out of their normal routine to help out their own students, so good luck getting them to help out someone like Alex, who is far more deserving than Mr. Point-and-shoot guy with a press pass.
As a Sportsshooter member, I actually support the concept and wrote so. I didn’t agree with the photo choice, but I agree with the concept. Still, this is the email I received from a follower of this group. I work hard to do what I can do to cultivate photographers. One of the photographers in the “finalists” actually makes images for my photo agency now. No matter where you stand on this matter, emails of this sort are uncalled for and only detract from your cause. It angered me for sure. Here is the email from someone claiming to be #######@####.com (a bad email address) ——————————————————–
another loooser. scott earns more money in one month then
you do in 10 years. Go shoots a few horses and earn
$24,000 a year. Any idiot graduating from a good school like
USC with a D3 can replace you. Technology isa bout to make
you obsolete.
another looooser afraid of someone on the sidelines. I have
taken my D3 and my 600 to many D1 games. all because I
have the money and connections. Stick that in your pipe and
smoke it looser. We all suport Scott and his crew. you
looosers are go bye bye
Dear Mr. Sports shooter.
Please don’t think that the email you posted is indicative of this group.
I can’t believe that someone sent you such an email. How childish and terrible that is on many levels.
As a matter of fact, that email is so awful, I laughed my head off at the ridiculousness of it when I read it!
Anyway, take it easy and have a good everning!
Hey Scott: I’d bet the farm that that’s just a troll wanting to keep fanning the flamewar. The best thing to do: Do Not Feed The Trolls. I wrote a blog on it: http://www.layersmagazine.com/a-psa-dnftt-dw-tutorial-contest-winner.html
-RC
Well, as the old sports phrase goes, “You win some, you lose some and some get rained out.”
Time to give the winner a fake ID and have him work the game anyways… You still need an assistant, right?
No one will ever know…
An awesome, if unethical, idea!
If the guys at sportsshooter had half the talent they claim to have … they would not be constantly threatened by “weekend warriors” . That group is as poor an example of professional photographers as one could ever hope to assemble . If they want to make the sidelines less crowded I suggest they leave their massive egos at home . The way these guys talk about themselves , it is as if they think they are doing the same kind of work as someone like James Nachtwey . You photograph GAMES for a living guys …. it is not that hard and it is not that important . Get over yourselves already .
Strangely, Canon sponsered a similar contest here in Denver last year. All you had to to is enter, you didn’t even have to be a photographer, and they gave away a camera, and opportuniity to shoot on the sidelines with a pro at each of the Broncos home games. I don’t remember anybody complaining about it. I didn’t win, but I just can’t understand why a pro would be upset by this.
OK, we’ll let FSU have a 6-5 record.
I’m still not sure they don’t have some blame to bear since they caved in to the egoist pros. Good communications on BOTH sides (don’t absorb all the blame Mike) would have helped. Too often we react to bad information without checking things out. Maybe I’d better back FSU after all.
It took some guts to stand up and take that one on the chin Mike (even though I don’t think it’s your fault). Good man.
sportsshooter “pro’s”
So now I see how pro’s are supposed to act… got it. Great example guys.
Great intent, great idea, great guy for taking responsibility, even though like everyone else say’s, this one ain’t on you pal.
tailwinds~
Yes, we should blame FSU. We should because “they” have someone making decisions that can’t or won’t see the bigger picture than FSU. If there are photographers that don’t want Alex there, than they don’t need to show up for this game.
Scott, we do need the big organizations, such as FSU to bigger than themselves. The world is in the hurt it is because “big” people or organizations don’t step up and see and act with the bigger picture.
Paul
Mike you are not to be blamed. Those so called professionals are so scared of being out shot. They are not concerned about anyone’s safety. It amazes me how my industry is acting these days. 20 years ago, when I started out, most of the pros were true inspiration and were eager to help anyone new. It really is a shame. If you have confidence in your work, you don’t care who is standing next to you at any event whether it is sports or at a press conference. FSU should have trusted your judgment and not the photographers who were complaining.
I like how some people will talk about how SS are more upstanding than people here while just a few posts above and below, they call Scott a cult leader.
Yes this sportsshooter sounds very upstanding and professional doesn’t he ….
Luke Sharrett, Student/Intern
Forest | VA | United States | Posted: 8:34 PM Yesterday
->> I just received a nice little nasty email from someone with a fake email address. Their IP address is 69.181.203.84. I did a little research and traced them to 261 Topaz St. Redwood City, CA. So William Johnstone (or Julie Dachauer), if you’re reading this, I know who you are, where you live, and how many beds/baths your house has. I also know that you enjoy barbershop quartet music. Next time you wish to insult me, please do so to my face. Thanks!
Mike & Scott
As I always expected, you two are dealing with this in an up-right and honest manner. It is a shame that you cannot select a qualified assistant in a manner you see fit.
Having been on the sideline shooting a Big 10 Game, I was blown away to see the “media” people with point & shoot cameras with the flash going off on a play 30 yards away – during daytime! Why don’t the SportsShooters complain about them?
I love the idea going and shooting a local high school game – great idea!
I have shot photography all over the world. By-and-large, you would be hard pressed to find a bigger group of A-holes than “professional” sports photogs. The few I have met sharing a sideline have been the least courteous, rudest people I have ever come across. Yes, I am sure there are exceptions, but that is my experience.
Hmm.. seems there’s a big difference between being “professional” and shooting pictures for money..
Well said.
A gutsy apology from Mike, who is taking a ridiculous amount of heat for trying to do a good thing…
What a sad situation. I go to church with an older, professional wedding and portrait photographer who is always happy to mentor me. He has told me on more than one occasion that “real, professional” photographers should always be willing to help advise and assist.
I’m just surprised that these pros are apparently so insecure.
Well, there are always pros and THE PROS. the firs ones will help you out how ever they can, and the other ones are so hung up on their big lenses, big cameras and not so big abilities that they feel threatened by anyone and anything.
Even though some self-protection has to be imposed, since this “give a photopass to a fan-girl” thing has gone a bit out of hand (especially with concerts), there has to be a limit. Also, when you’re young and unexperienced, you shouldn’t be intimidated by those PROS. If you stand your ground, they usually decide it’s better to simply shut up.
For example, even though I’m working pro for a news web-site here in Croatia, I’m still working with a Canon 400D, Sigma 55-200 4.0-5.6 and that grade of equipment. So we go to shoot U2 and as we’re going into the stadium, a guy from the biggest agency in Croatia says (without anyone even talking to him) “You guys with small cameras just don’t get in the way much”, so I respond “You guys with big egos just don’t be too anoying. Money doesn’t buy manners, you should know best”. So he tries to get away with something like “Don’t worry, your company will get to buy my pics if you screw up”, but everyone’s already laughing like hell so he just shuts up for the rest of the evening.
I hope Alex gets his pass for some other pass in the end, and shows these other guys how the cookie crumbles.
What a bunch of babies! These pro sports photographers are insane to think they are so important that they should force somebody out of that opportunity. They should have been flattered. Unbelievable.
Juat saw this. People are funny. It will blow over.
Well it has not blown over yet . Even when one of the more sane members of SS.com trys to put an end to the whining going on over there . Check out a couple of the “look at me and how hard I work and how great I am” posts in this all new thread . In a way I am glad that this whole thing has gone down the way it has . It has exposed the members of SS for being the insecure , petty egotists that they are . Well done boys …. you have done a great job at showing your true selves .
http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=33938
Bravo, what phrase…, an excellent idea
I’d love to meet every single one of those photographers that ended that wonderful opportunity for a great man.
Too many keyboard warriors in this world.