Unspoken Rules of Being a Photographer

Photography, like most other hobbies carries with it a certain social element. Inevitably, whether you prefer be a lone-wolf or part of a flock of photogs, you will find yourself in a situation where you and several other photographers are in the same area, trying to photograph the same subject. While this is not a list of how to be a photographer, it is a list on how not to be "that guy" (or gal) who everyone is grumbling in the forums about.

• Watch where you are going:There is nothing more frustrating than having a once-in-a-lifetime shot, or even the shot you've been trying to get all day, ruined by some careless person walking into your frame.

• If it's crowded and no one else is using a tripod, don't deploy yours:
  Just because you've got a $600 Giotto doesn't mean anyone else wants to see it. When it's crowded, tripods take up valuable ground space. Not to mention that tripods can be tripping hazards. 

• Related to above: If it's crowded and your not using your deployed tripod, put it away:
  Unless you are on professional assignment and you are using it to hold your 600mm f/4 bazooka in between shots, you will get no love your way when you waste space with an unused tripod.

• Don't start a comparing cameras because you think yours is better:
  There are a multitude of reasons why a photographer picked the camera that they did. All of which could be very valid. In the end, it is the images that are produced that count, not the specs of the photographic instrument. The best way to embarrass yourself is to start talking up your $2,500 camera to someone who is actually better than you but is shooting with a less expensive model or  another brand. This is doubly true if you never take your camera out of Auto.

• Don't give unsolicited advice:
  Nobody likes a Know-It-All. While photography is about the learning experience, it is irritating when a random stranger walks up to you and starts telling you that you are doing it wrong, or even that you need to shoot the scene at such-and-such setting. If someone is interested in learning what you are doing and how you are doing it, they are already watching you and will likely ask.

• Don't Pester the Professional:
  This is especially true at weddings and events. These people are being paid to do a job and having to divert attention to you, lessens the value of the service that they are providing to their client. Weddings are especially fast-paced and require constant, complete concentration. If there is a question you are dying to ask, wait until the professional is taking a rare breather. Better yet, wait until after the event is over. All the other rules mentioned here apply four-fold when dealing with a professional at work. Let them do their job.

• Follow the Golden Rule:
  Most photographers are generous, friendly people that will be eager to help you out. Every once in a while, you will find a bad apple who makes the experience less than ideal. When photographers break the above rules, it is usually out of inexperience or ignorance. In the end, do your best to treat others the way you would want to be treated and be mindful of your surroundings.

These are just a few of the unspoken rules of being a photographer. Hopefully these can help you out. What other rules that you think I should have included on this list? Post your photographer tips in the comments below.