Took a couple of days to decide to put this in writing, in the hope that I can have your views about this topic.
Was given an assignment by a corporation a couple of days ago. Never liked working alone. Almost always work with at least one of my photographer friend. This particular photographer's skills are good. Some would say better than mine. He definitely think so himself. And as a result of that, there were some uncomfortable moments on issues that I will definitely spell out to anyone whom I invite to work with me in future.
Let me get to the point.
First, if someone, let's say, A, has an assignment and invites me to participate as a photographer, these are a few caveats that I observe:
- no marketing. ie no personal business card to be given. Any request or questions with regards to contact, pricing, etc, will be directed to A
- no showing off. I will direct any unique requirements as request by client to A. I will not pander to client's request without first getting clearance from A.
- no act of sabotage. e.g. not turning up at client's place or shooting location without A. I will normally meet up with A and proceed to client's place, even though the rendezvous may only be 50 metres away.
- always in the 'assist' A mode. I will not tell A that I am independently shooting some scenes/objects after discussion with client. I will always tell client to discuss together with A if he/she wants to add some special flavour to the photographs they want.
This photographer friend of mine wanted to be at site, probably earlier than I. Prevented that.
Showed client some of the images taken (on the camera screen), but reluctant to show me. (Bad).
Wanted him to take a shot from a different position. He ignored my request. (Bad)
Wanted him to shoot a scene he was preparing. He disrespectfully told me that he has set up his tripod for another scene. (Bad)
Was moving studio lights into position. He just sat there. (Bad)
Am I too demanding? Well, I hope to invite comments from you.
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Never having worked as a photog before, I don't know much about work ethics in this industry but from what I can see, your friend is completely out of line. He was very unprofessional, irrespective of how qualified he was. He was invited by you to participate and hence it is understood that you should be the primary photographer, and he is assisting you. Regardless of what arrangements you both had with each other, it is only right that you both present yourselves as a united front or team infront of the client. He should never have by-passed you and gone straight to the client, nor ignored your work requests. You secured the job, so I think it is clear that you would be the project leader. I don't think you're being demanding at all. It is just about being professional with good work ethics. Your friend has none of that!
ReplyDeleteGlad that you, too, feel the same as I do. With the various technologically advanced camera in the market, there are just too many photographers who can advance very fast in taking pictures, but lack the EQ to make viable partnership work. Rather unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like a really uncouth fella. Is his name by any chance Ah Kau or Ah Ngau? LOL. If I was ever invited to be an assistant photog, I'd be ever so grateful for the experience n in full 100% assist n learn mode. Certainly no Ah Ngau attitude from me. LOL. Some people are just too desperate for money and think too much about money I guess. Pity them.......
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