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8 Basic Rules Of Photography Etiquette

Just because you have a digital camera does not mean you can do whatever you want with it.

Lexi Link

Oct 31, 2018

The University of Alabama

134

Lexi Link

Photography is up and on the rise these days and with phone cameras becoming more and more elaborate and digital cameras becoming cheaper everyone thinks they can buy a camera and be an amazing photographer. That may be the case sometimes. You may have a natural talent for it and if you do that is great but most people starting out have no idea how to act. Just because you have a digital camera does not mean you can do whatever you want with it.

Most people will read this and think oh this is common sense but you would be surprised how many people don't know any of these things. So please if you are just starting out as a photographer or maybe you have been one for years make sure you are being respectful and know these 8 basic rules.

Permission: Get it!

One of the traps that many photographers fall into — especially amateurs just starting out — is that they believe having a digital camera is some sort of license to just take everyone's picture. Well, guess what? It's not. Asking permission can be awkward, yes, but it protects you legally and the people you are shooting.

Respect people and their surroundings

Respect people, respect property. Respecting people is about agreeing to their wishes. If they do not want to be photographed, then put the camera away and find another subject. No means No it's not that complicated.

Be discrete

No-one likes a loud mouth or a show-off. Whether it is yelling about the amazing image you have just taken or carry far more expensive gear around your neck than you really need, being indiscrete wins you no friends. More than likely the event isn't about you so don't make it.

Have an understanding of your environment

Understand the culture of both the people and place that you are shooting. Research any place you are going and truly understand how they are going to react to you, not only as a photographer but also as a person. Make sure you know the rules what you can and can't photograph, make sure you are being respectful of other people and their culture.

Be considerate of other photographers

This is common sense but you would be surprised how many times I have seen other photographers get in the way of each other or try to shoot over each other. Don't be that guy, you will make enemies real quick. If you are not the paid photographer at an event or are not there as a part of the press do NOT shoot over other photographers or try to get in their way just because you have a digital camera too. People hire certain photographers for a reason don't be disrespectful to them.

Give warning

This not only helps the people around you but you as well. Giving warning to the people around you not only is showing them respect for what they may be doing but it also lets them know what you are doing so they are careful not to disturb you. No one likes being disturbed while they are working so make sure to give other's the same respect you would want them to give you.

Dress appropriately

I think this one is self-explanatory, but just in case, dress appropriately for what you are shooting. If you are shooting a wedding don't dress as a guest but dress professionally. If you are shooting in a foreign country make sure to respect their dress code and their culture.

Not every event is a marketing opportunity

We have all been to an event and thought wait let me get my camera this would look great in my portfolio but not every event needs to be like that. When you are attending something as a guest or a spectator then leave the camera at home and enjoy the event yourself. You don't need to have your camera for everything, besides I doubt you have asked for permission to shoot there too.

Take this tips into consideration before exploring the world with your camera! I promise that if you follow these you will not have any difficulty shooting at different places.

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

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Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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Recommended for you

8 Basic Rules Of Photography Etiquette

Just because you have a digital camera does not mean you can do whatever you want with it.

Permission: Get it!

Respect people and their surroundings

Be discrete

Have an understanding of your environment

Be considerate of other photographers

Give warning

Dress appropriately

Not every event is a marketing opportunity

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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