Prior to their opening to the public, the auto shows have "press days" where the automakers present their new models to be photographed for the various newspapers, magazines and websites.
In the last little while, I've noticed something that really bugs me: more and more media folk who think they're the only ones at the show, and who make it very difficult for the rest of us to take our pictures. I hate to generalize, but for the most part, they tend to be young and relatively new at the game. Guys, if you want to be considered professionals, you need to remember that - as Red Green says - we're all in this together. So please:
Look around you. See me there, pointing my camera at the car, waiting for you to move away from it? I realize we can't constantly be doing 360-degree sweeps every moment we're near a fender, but use some common sense. Don't stand beside the all-new model to have a conversation with your buddy.
Get your photo, then get out. Don't stand beside the car while you check all 30 photos on your camera screen. Take a couple of steps back out of my frame to do it. The car will still be there if you need to shoot a couple more.
Don't hog the car. I understand that your site needs a lot of detail shots. Still, take a look around. If you're halfway through shooting every nut and bolt, and you see me there waiting to take one quick shot of the whole car, then step back, let me get my picture, and then go back to your work.
Close the car up when you're done. Shut the door or trunk once you've finished inside, so I don't have to do it before I get my shot.
Stay at your place in the scrum. At the unveiling, you'll notice that we've all staked out spots, checked our camera angles, and are waiting for the car to come out. We don't move when it does, and you shouldn't either. Don't stand up, move forward, hold your iPhone over your head or do anything that will put you in front of our lenses when that car comes out. We want a shot of the car, not you.
Think about what you're doing and how it affects others. You may think you're special, but you're not. You're just one of hundreds of journalists who are also trying to get the perfect photo. We all get in each other's way occasionally, but we say "I'm sorry" and we try not to do it again. Trust me: the only way you'll be treated as a professional is if you act like one, and it starts right here.
