A Very Brief Friday Update
Hi Gang:
It’s 1:49 am, and I’m up working on my seminar presentation tomorrow in Orlando, but I’ve about hit the wall (so I’ll hitting the sack), I just wanted to say a quick thank you now, because I’ll be at the seminar all day tomorrow.
First, thanks to everyone who posted here, or who contacted me yesterday with a kind word and offers to help our contest winner Alex. By 7:30 am yesterday morning I had already received emails from SIDs at a number of University’s offering to let Alex shoot on their sidelines, and I had offers of everything from major rock band concert shoots for him, to free software and gear loaners for Alex (read this post from Matt Lange for example). I heard from everybody from software developers, camera companies, accessory companies, to some of the biggest name photographers in our industry—-you name it. It was an amazing day!
So gang, don’t spend another day focusing on the all bitterness. Instead, lets celebrate the great things that happened, like first-class act Scott Bourne, at PhotoFocus.com who contacted me and is sending a gift box to Alex, which includes:
- The entire Nik Software plug-in suite (Brand new in a box),
- A Think Tank Photo Rotation 360 in the box,
- and a brand new Expo Disk from Expo Imaging.
Scott didn’t want any exposure or credit whatsoever for sending these to Alex. Too bad—-he did a kick-butt thing and I want everyone to know!!!!
Anyway gang, don’t worry—-with all the offers I got yesterday, Alex will be on the sidelines very soon (also don’t worry—–I won’t mention it until he’s done it, so he doesn’t get torpedoed once again).
Also, I want to thank my buddy Mike Olivella for being such a stand-up guy, and I think a lot of people really recognized and appreciated that. That’s a rare trait these days and I’m prouder than ever to call him my friend.
I hope everybody, including all the sports photographers on both sides of this issue, have their best weekend ever, and next week let’s put this silly stuff behind us, and move on to stuff that really matters (like who the Bucs are going to choose for their starting Quarterback). Just kidding! Have a great one!!!
Yay! Seems things are working out even better than before
Great news! It’s no surprise that the photography community stepped up in such regal fashion. This is going to end up being an even better prize, and the big winner will be hanging out with a higher caliber crowd! (Oops….didn’t mean to stir the pot…)
President Obama invites you to the white house for a beer…
Two sites that I visit daily SportShooter.com and ScottKelby.com Being a long time NAPP member and a future (hopefully) Sports Shooter Member this has been a painful week. I have been lurking (free to all) at SportsShooter.com for several years and have learned much about shooting sports (still learning), equipment, etiquette, etc. The members range from some very famous names to new interns at your local daily paper. A high percentage are photojournalists that shoot just about everything including sports. Often I am reminded of the early days of the Internet and even Compuserve Forums before that. Veterans side by side with newbies. Members often get answers from very famous and not so famous veteran shooters to real world situations. User helping User. I believe the site is invaluable if you have any interest in shooting sports at any level. Teaching / Sharing / Training Workshops – information is the cornerstone of the site.
ScottKelby.com – Teaching / Sharing / Training and more. Photoshop, Photography, Printing, Seminars. The recent West Coast photo seminar was well worth the time and expense to visit the Bay Area. Thanks again and again. We may just take the sports portrait market by storm… Books, Books, Books – I have more than a few on my bookshelf and many are often listed / recommended on SportsShooter.com. I am sure more than a few of us live vicariously through your/Scott’s travels. Teaching in the islands, off to the next NFL game, Horse Race, NL Baseball game, Nascar event, etc. Not normal faire for most of us but we get to go along. Suggest a seminar in Bonaire with a photo walk in Curacao. I am available to assist.
I see a huge overlap of interests for myself and others from both SS.com and SK.com. The recent namecalling and fingerpointing has been painful. I think those that make blanket statements with a wide brush should take a step back. Not healthy for anyone… Golden Rule? Karma? Your choice.
Sidenote: I would pay serious money for a book from the sports veterans and their memorable and not so memorable behind the scene moments. Fully illustrated of course.(Scott are you listening? (g)).
Doug
Doesn’t this restore one’s faith in human nature? (Not that my faith in human nature was dented one bit!)
Enjoy the goodies Alex!
admittedly, I am one of the pot stirrers. I am so lad to see that there are good people out there who are willing to step up and make things right where others have failed. As for SS and the people over there. I am sure there are many good people over there, but it seems that the vocal minority have taken over. I would hope that this incident causes people to speak out against this kind of classless behavior.
In the end, I am glad to see this work out for Alex. Mike is a great man for taking this standing up and Scott, keep up the good work.
I hope what is learned from this is that protectionism always backfires. I am so sorry for the photogs out there that are having a hard time putting together enough money to pay the bills. Frankly, we are all suffering from this bad economy. But we live in America, if someone else is willing to do the job for less money, and the client is willing to take the quality, then we have business. Sorry, it is better to work together to increase value rather than shut people out for them to offer insanely low prices just to get in the door.
And remember, keep it classy SS, keep is classy.
Honestly, I don’t think any of the vocal minority over there was any worse than the ones on this site. Hopefully this issue will just go away at this point and a lesson can be learned by all.
Well done – I had a sneaky suspicion that things would turn out fine.
Cheers for the good guys — all of you.
Great news, nice outcome.
Well done, everybody!
I will post it here too. I stood up on SS and supported the concept of this idea (my feeling about the winning photo versus others not withstanding). I support cultivating talent. Maybe I am lost and can’t find it, but my original post relaying the abhorrent email I received from a supporter from this forum should not go uncommented……here it is.
—————–
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———————-
So Scott Kelby, do you stand by this “supporter”?
I don’t think it is with good faith that you are putting oil on this fire to continue the war. And I don’t think anyone should comment or take account for one’s words except the person in question.
How am I “putting oil on the fire”? I SUPPORTED THIS CONCEPT! But I got attacked by someone else who supported it. Think about it.
Sorry, I misunderstood your last sentence, thinking it was said to challenge Scott by asking him to take the blame for the way his “supporter” behaved.
By re-reading it, I understand what you meant now. Sorry!
Hey Scott:
I found one of those posts and hashed out the email. Bogus or not, you’re totally cool with sharing your own email address – but we’re really making it a point not to get into the pattern of letting people ‘out’ other people’s email. The comments are on both of the posts that were made, and werent deleted.
That, and also reading the email.. it just sounds like a troll trying to keep the flamewar going.. I doubt this person has a position one way or another and is just trying to get people’s goat.
Scott’s the author of the post.. but i’m making it a point of keeping up on these so that conversations and arguments dont go off the rails. If you have any questions about it, direct it to me.
rc (at) photoshopuser -dot- com
RC
Way to go Scott! I knew you would find something for Alex and I’m glad to see that a lot of people in the community reacted so quickly and in such a good way!
Alex, enjoy the sidelines, you’ve earned them, big time!
What a great outcome for everyone! This is what makes the photographic community so great. yes there are the detractors, but overall there are people willing to help and go over the top for their fellow photographers!
It’s going to be Leftwich, although I was tempted to suggest you hold a contest to find a quarterback.
Sounds like the whole FSU/Kelby Scandal is going to work out in Alex’s favor. Good will always triumph in the long run.
Thanks for the great blog Scott!
Hi All,
Glad to hear it all worked out one way or the other. It is surprising how many persons / pros feel threatened when an amateur comes to shoot. Problem is, they fail to realize they were once an amateur as well. Everyone needs a break, it just takes real professionals to offer that break.
Glenn N
Interesting week on this site, covering the range of human nature/interaction.
1. The SportShooter incident – elitist, close ranks, exclusion.
2. Jeremy Cowart, and Help-Portrait – egalitarian, open doors, inclusion.
Quite a week.
Bob
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. I have had some real bad things happen to me throughout my life. Every time I looked back at those situations it was a springboard for something even better to happen. Things have a way of working out for the best in the long run even though the trip includes a rocky road.
I applaud Mike Olivella for standing up and admitting a mistake and taking the heat without any blame game what so ever. I am sure this has been very time consuming for him costing him lost revenue. Mike this world need more people like you!
Scott, I have learned a lot from you the rest of the NAPP group over years. Keep doing what you are doing!
I really appreciate everyone in the photographic community that has made offers to help make this situation right. With these offers out there, Could the original prize be awarded to Alex? It may not be that particular FSU game, but a collage game of equal standing. It is the right thing to do!
God Bless you all!
Gary
Scott,
I must admit I got stirred up, and when I am honest with myself, I went over the edge….Thanks for reminding me, a sometimes “blowhard”, this photo shoot is but a fly on wind shield of my life.
Thanks to all of your friends who offered their help Alex and you.
I heard a story from my pastor. He said, “He saw a church (members) that had become embittered, resentful, angry, and just plain hateful over an “issue” in the church. This hostility resulted in a church split and division. He noticed a year later, that God went with both groups. So that help me keep it simple.
May grace and mercy find us all today
Ken in KY
I’m very happy to hear this. I was actually hoping that people “with the power” would step up and offer to have Alex shoot at one of their games instead, and I’m glad to see that I was right. I can’t wait to see how this turns out, and can’t wait to hear about Alex’s experiences. And to Scott Bourne – very very cool.
Just one of the reasons I follow Scott Bourne too. Not for all of his incredible give-aways (which I never win), but for his willingness to share his expertise. I’m so glad that this mess is going to be cleaned up by true professionals!
I’m not a photographer by any means but i have been following this story after i first read about it on Matt Lange’s blog. I’m so happy that the true professionals have stepped up to make this a positive experience for Alex.
Can’t wait to see the outcome from your future shoots Alex.
- Johnathon in Baton Rouge, LA
I am so happy to hear this. The truth is there are way more nice, generous, giving, successful people out there then their are lame, greedy, hateful people out there. I absolutely love the fact that what the haters that posted at sportsshooter and that called the athletic department at FSU to protest accomplished was to only OPEN MORE DOORS to amateurs.
I guess we really should be thanking the haters at sportsshooter for doing this
I decided to discuss this more on my blog. Yesterday’s post was quick. I wanted to go more into it. It really bugs me still.
http://blog.mattlange.com/
I really hope all of this works out for Alex. Such a lame situation initially.
You sir, ROCK!
I just read your post on your blog. It is so nice to see people who want to help others and use their influence for something good. After a week like this with a lot of negativity, it is good to know there are still people who care about other people.
Have a great weekend Matt!
That’s great…I’m so glad so many upstanding and thoughtful people stepped up to help make this up to Alex. So glad he will get his day to shine. Have a great time Alex!
Great news. I knew something if not many good things would come out of this.
I used to shoot for a university paper (I was photo editor Massachusetts Daily Collegian in the mid 90s). I think the only sport we needed a pass for was basketball.
Granted all sports at Umass amherst are free to attend, and when on sports assignments I’d just show up with my camera and shoot from the sidelines, not passes needed. I shot many sports like this (baseball, football, field hockey, soccer, lacross, waterpolo and hockey, gymnastics). I likely sent people with less experience than the contest winner to shoot games I couldn’t get too.
Sports was becoming a “business” when I was there as the basketball team was getting good (Division I NCAA tournament). FSU is big time college football, but its still College football.
I wonder if they give the university paper photo passes?
Glad everyone is sticking up for what is right.
Congrats to Alex for a fine, contest winning, photograph. A tip of the hat to those SIDs who stepped up to give him alternative opportunities. I have confidence that this will work out even better for Alex, Mike, and Scott. One of the joys of photography is the chance to learn and share with colleagues of different skill levels. The unintended consequence of this ‘hubub’ is to remind us all of that.
I’m just glad Scott took a look at one of my photo’s. Maybe some newspaper or publishing will put one of Alex’s photos in print after he shoots incognito!
Hey, Scott – I’m not surprised that some good folks stepped up to help. What goes around, comes around. Most of us who’ve lived a few years know that “pay it forward” is the best way to live. And Mike Olivella — a real standup guy — thanks to both of you for trying to do the right thing and make opportunities happen.
I’m really happy with the outcome. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to see some of the nasty photogs even hotter about this now.
Thanks Scott! This is why you – and those that are close to you – will always be ahead of the curve and continue to help change the rules for the better.
I’m so happy for that contest winner. It goes to show that all pro photographers aren’t at all like the majority of the “elite” group of sports shooters. I read the full thread and there are plenty that didn’t agree with the ones who complained. I just want to set the record straight to prove there are some of us that don’t think we’re above amateurs.
Thank you, Scott, for following through.
Considering all that has happened over the past few days, I think a little levity is in order as we head into the weekend. It’s time for the Photo Contest Academy Awards, aka the Kelbys.
Best Drama – SportsShooter.com message board, for providing the world a glimpse of what it is like to be a legend in one’s mind, sanctimonious, irrational, jealous, bitter, acerbic, small minded, acrimonious, disngenuous and petty in the face of the changing landscape of photography;
Best Actor in a Dramatic Role – Alex Walker, who throughout this whole thing was the victim and shone in the role of the protagonist, modest and humble all the while;
Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Role – The Academy was torn between Scott Kelby and Mike Olivella, but in the end, we had to go with Olivella for throwing himself on the hand grenade repeatedly, rising to the top and admitting a mistake in front of hundreds of people, Scott Kelby, FSU and who knows how many others at the risk of great humiliation;
Best Picture – Alex Walker’s photo of his son
Best Actor in a Comedy – The SportsShooter guy who said that the sidelines are reserved for only working media on assignment and that other than those people, no one should be allowed to infringe upon his “office”. This individual said this with a straight face, despite the fact that the sidelienes are not his “office” as he is a photographer, not the owner of the stadium, and as such is in no position to dictate to any institution who should be credentialed and who shouldn’t.
Best Comedy Ensemble – The 6-7 guys at SportsShooter.com who claim to be working photographers but who apparently have nothing to do as they live on the message board trying to intimidate anyone who dares to differ with their view of the world. Then, taking a look at their portfolios, one realizes that they are a joke (this is where the real comedy comes into play) as photographers, posting photos of the Watermelon Festival and picketers at a political rally (imagine the challenege and skill it takes to fire off these shots…) as their shining example of cutting edge photography.
Just my 3 cents as we put this behind us and look forward to next week.
I think that you missed a major supporting actor as well. Don’t forget Scott Bourne for stepping up with a great gift package for Alex!
LOL! Tony’s award ceremony FTW! Loved it!
I am a sportsshooter member who did not leave a post on the message boards regarding this subject. I wanted to but the SS administrators blocked me because I marked someone inappropriate. Talk about censorship. Any way. All of this hubub reminds me of spoiled athletes. That’s all.
I really don’t think you people get it. Nothing personal, but on the sidelines, it is crowded and to have someone who is not really working there, can cause problems. How would you like to have a bunch of people come into the work place and get in the way. I don’t think you would like it very much. Let the guy get a job, as a professional photographer and he can go to all the games he wants
I don’t think you got it either. If alex isn’t there, someone else will be in is place since he was supposed to get the assistant pass.
Bottom line wether it’s Alex or Joe Noname, an assistant will be there. Period. So where’s the difference?
I respect you comment, like everyone in this fragile economy you tend to protect your job. This guy isn’t there to get a job. Just a nice few pictures and an invaluable experience.
I’m sure you had to start somewhere? You weren’t suddenly a pro over a day? You too were an amateur someday and if you really love what you are doing, if you would’ve had the same chance back then you would have taken it. No?
Anyway. All those universities suddenly offering Scott and Alex a pass reminds us that the university owns the field and decides who gets on the field and when, not the photographers (well maybe it’s not the case for FSU apparently…).
Cheers to Scott and Mike for a job well done, every single day.
…and also cheers also to all the Sports photogs out there for taking such amazing pictures in such crowded areas. I totally understand your point about the crazyness on the sidelines.
But as I said before, you have the privilege to be there, not the right to be there.
start at high school games
get real dude
“Dude”, when the day comes and you (Dante) are in charge of deciding who can go where, you’ll have a point. But, you’re not in charge and you never will be. That’s what you don’t get and probably never will, until you’re bypassed by others who do get “it”.
And why should he start with high school games? Again, it’s not up to you to decide how anyone should pursue a given path.
Dude.
Scott,
I’m glad things work out for good people. Keep up trying to do good things for people and good things will come in return. Witness others in the industry willing to step up and help out. That says more than anything else.
It was an amazing thing to behold.
One thing I’ve learned in visiting your blog, and those of guys like Moose Peterson, Joe McNally and others, is how good you guys really are. Your willingness to share helps me to be a better photographer, but it certainly does not foster any illusion that I could go out and do the same thing you do. Nevertheless, your guidance helps me get better, and I really appreciate that. Needless to say, I was stunned by the insecurity of the pro shooters who complained so loudly. I can understand their frustration and concern at having an obstacle put in their way as they earn their living, but this was certainly nothing like that. I’m glad to see that others in the pro photo community understand the difference between us amateurs, regardless of how passionate we are, and the accomplishments of the true professional.
Scott … thanks for another great seminar! Fantastic as usual. Corey … you’re a sick Photoshop 3D beast! Also cheers to the real pros for coming to the defense of Scott, Mike and Alex. You guys are what it’s all about.
Just tell Scott to tell Ashton to get Nikon to pony up a D3 for this guy. Win,Win,Win for all three.
Great to hear the result of this Scott. I’m glad so many folks are being kind and supportive. There’s apparently some insecurity out there and it’s why I appreciate what you do, what NAPP does, what Moose does, what McNally does – none of it is, you can’t possibly do what we do, it’s of course you can and here’s all sorts of information that will help you do it better; talent varies, but that’s true in any area. RC and Moose even have a great title for a course: “You can do it”. Dennis Reggie and others in the wedding photography world are also similarly supportive. Now, of course that’s a business model as well, but it’s nice that sharing has it’s rewards too.
I don’t buy this person’s an amateur and this persons a professional and each has their place. The “amateur” may have shot more games at the high school or local college, may be the better photographer and may also practice internal medicine as a primary means of income (for example) or is an actor (yes, I’m thinking of Drew Carey http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=20696). There are folks who are very serious about photography, who have worked for years, or decades on their craft and are very competent. The notion that unless you’re a full time sports photographer you have no place on the sidelines seems off the wall… and would even keep Scott off the field.
But I digress and didn’t intend to. I’m glad there’s a happy ending.
Wow! I haven’t read Scott’s blog for a week or so and didn’t realize all this had hit the fan.
Tony said it all, but my 2 cents worth — congratulations to Mike for arrangements for the contest; to Alex for winning; to Scott Bourne, a true pro, for his gracious contribution; to Scott Kelby for keeping us informed and up to date on this odd controversy. As for Dante and the colleagues he represents — I, for one, can think of a good solution for the crowding on the sideline.
As a University of Florida Gator fan…..That just sounds like FSU…Lets get to a Gator game to really shoot some action!!!