How Not to be an Asshole Photographer

Part three of the How Not to be an Asshole at Conventions is dedicated to that ever-present convention attendee: the photographer. Whether you're trying to get stills on your point-and-shoot to post on Facebook or you've got one of those monster SLRs and want to add some portraits to your portfolio-- there are still some ground rules that it'd be nice for you to try and follow.

Etiquette with the Cosplayer

First, always ASK before taking a photo.

I make two exceptions to this rule: if the cosplayer is already posing for other photographers, and if I'm going for a candid shot, in which case I show the subjects the photo and get their OK immediately afterwards (and usually apologize and look flustered...I don't do a lot of candids for exactly this reason). Be aware that the cosplayer may be on their way somewhere in a hurry or just tired, so if they say no photo, respect that and don't make a fuss.
 

Then, Take a Photo You'll BOTH Like

Once you've got the OK to take a photo-- it's perfectly fine to request that the cosplayer pose a certain way or in a certain location (especially if you're suggesting moving out of the way of people trying to get around you)...within reason. If a cosplayer says no, don't push, beg, or plead, even if you're just kidding. And obviously, don't ask for anything pervy unless you actually, y'know, already know the cosplayer and that s/he'd be okay with it.
 

And Don't Be a Slowpoke

Even if that cosplayer stopped, she or he might be in a rush, or in an awkward pose. I'm not saying you have to rush every shot, but if you want to really take your time, ask the cosplayer for a little mini-session, if and when they have time.
In other words, just remember that the cosplayer is the subject of your photo and deserves YOUR focus, not just the camera's. Make sure they're as happy with the photo as you (or more).

Etiquette with Bystanders

Where NOT to take photographs:

- On or at the bottom of stairs.
- At the top or bottom of escalators.
- In the middle of an aisle or hallway.
- Bathrooms.
- ATMs. (People are paranoid.)
- Doorways.

Are you sensing a theme here? Do your absolute best NOT to take your photos somewhere that you'll be in the way of other people trying to get to a panel, the exhibit hall, or anywhere else. Be aware of any bags or equipment you set down and/or carry so you don't hit or trip anyone. All that good stuff.
 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

This means, among other things: if you're taking up space that others may want to use, try not to take too much time. Be aware of your equipment so people don't trip on it, you don't thwack people with it (BACKPACKS!), etc. And be aware of where people are...that means that when you see something you must get a photo of while you're walking, you don't make a sudden, dramatic stop, causing a ten-geek pileup in the hall. Being aware of what's around you will also help you avoid getting bumped, which could ruin a perfect shot. However...
 

If Someone Ruins Your Shot

I've only seen this happen once or twice, but I have seen it nonetheless: someone blissfully unaware walks into a shot or bumps into a photographer, ruins his shot, and the photographer gets angry. Once I've even seen someone go semi-ballistic. It's not pretty.
 
Just remember that everyone is at the convention to have a good time, not to ensure that your photos are perfect. Ask the cosplayer if you can try again if it took you a while to set that shot up, and try for it. Who knows? You might wind up with an even better shot as the result. Stay calm, stay cool, and don't be an asshole.

Etiquette with Other Photographers

There's not a lot in this section, but I did want to address the one issue I'm less sure about: what happens when you come upon a photographer and a cosplayer who have taken themselves aside to a more secluded area to take a photo, the photographer's posing, maybe setting up light reflectors and all that good stuff.

My personal instinct is that they are going for a very special, very specific shot, and it'd be rude to sneak in and take a shot when they're going to those lengths. But I'm not a photographer myself, so if there are any pro/semi-pro photogs reading this, feel free to chime in on this point.

Other than that, just be polite as you would want them to be with you.
 

The End!

So, that ends the third and final planned How Not to be an Asshole at Cons feature presentation!  Here are links to the other two, if you missed 'em:
- How Not to be an Asshole at Q&A Sessions
- How Not to be an Asshole in the Exhibit Hall
 
That said, I totally reserve the right to do more for as long as people continue to be assholes at conventions. And/or until someone pulls my festering corpse away from my computer. Whatever comes first.