Energizer Crankworx photo contest...

[skifreak]

Originally Posted by fergs

The advent of cheap prosumer dslr's and lots of marketing has turned a lot of people into wanna-be photogs willing to do anything to get something published...

Can't wait for Faithless to chime in on this one...

[Midas]

Lets start placing bets on how many joey shooters that got pocket wizards for christmas and are stoked on their new XTI and submit to that contest and fuck the industry raw no vaslene even more.

[C.C.]

Yep. So true. Weddings are a one day take, with no room for screw ups...well for some, more than one take.

Hiring professional photographers with a proven portfolio is the ticket. I've had friends pony up quite a bit just to have the peace of mind that their wedding photos were going to be top notch. For the most part, they got what they paid for....great photos and a serious chunk taken from the bank account.

Originally Posted by fergs

Likewise with wedding photogs. Most people don't like to risk having their wedding day photos shitty or screwed up, so I think they generally prefer spending some money on a real photog rather than giving the job to uncle mike and his spanky new dslr. Some couples don't care and are happy to use uncle mike. They probably wouldn't have hired a pro anyway.

I'm curious how many pros are really affected.

[Sideshow]

its a great opp. for an amateur photog. Photo published worldwide+Energizer on a client list.

quit acting like bitchy little haters and see the positive in things. If you dont like the contest, dont enter, and move on.

The photogs are the ones cutting each others throats, not the buyers.

[Couch_Surfer]

Originally Posted by SIDESHOW

its a great opp. for an amateur photog. Photo published worldwide+Energizer on a client list.

quit acting like bitchy little haters and see the positive in things. If you dont like the contest, dont enter, and move on.

The photogs are the ones cutting each others throats, not the buyers.

I always chuckle when I see eye to eye with Sideshow.

[GeoffG]

Originally Posted by SIDESHOW

its a great opp. for an amateur photog. Photo published worldwide+Energizer on a client list.

I would be embarrassed to say that I gave Energizer a photo for free and got nothing for it. A company of that size should at least give me a fucking box of batteries.

[GeoffG]

Originally Posted by fergs

Likewise with wedding photogs. Most people don't like to risk having their wedding day photos shitty or screwed up, so I think they generally prefer spending some money on a real photog rather than giving the job to uncle mike and his spanky new dslr. Some couples don't care and are happy to use uncle mike. They probably wouldn't have hired a pro anyway.

I'm curious how many pros are really affected.

Shooting mountain biking, and shooting weddings are completely different, though. For an event like Crankworx, you have around 66 (25 riders, two runs each and finals ... etc.) chances to take a good picture. You can take 1000 photos, but you'll be lucky if you get five bangers that turn out good enough to be published. You can take all those photos and never show anyone and not have anyone say otherwise.
Hell, Im not saying Im a pro photographer or anything, but out of all of the photos I took for the slopestyle, I really only like 4 or 5. Two of which I would even consider sending to a magazine. But shooting events like that can be an art. You can never know exactly what will be thrown down by anybody on any stunt. And by picking one spot, you're taking the chance of missing something elsewhere on the course.
But with wedding photography, you can't take 1000 photos, get paid thousands of dollars and if you only give your client 5 photos, you've got a fucked reference. You need to be able to take good photos and know what you're doing if you're going to be paid that much. And that's a lot of pressure. Your business relies on good references and being referred to by previous clients.

So honestly, will this affect the industry? Probably not that much. It will affect the industry if every company decides to do this now. The people that will complain the most about this are the photographers that went to school, have a diploma/degree/certificate, and are too lazy to find their own work. They would much rather complain about companies like Energizer and the folks submitting photos ruining the industry. I originally made this thread to just point out the wrong-doings of this contest. Photography is not my job, Im not complaining about people taking my job or work away from me. I do it as a hobby and I spend time reading and looking at different photographers and ultimately, it keeps me in a sport that I cannot compete in.
/rant over.

[fergs]

Originally Posted by GeoffG

Shooting mountain biking, and shooting weddings are completely different, though. For an event like Crankworx, you have around 66 (25 riders, two runs each and finals ... etc.) chances to take a good picture. You can take 1000 photos, but you'll be lucky if you get five bangers that turn out good enough to be published. You can take all those photos and never show anyone and not have anyone say otherwise.
Hell, Im not saying Im a pro photographer or anything, but out of all of the photos I took for the slopestyle, I really only like 4 or 5. Two of which I would even consider sending to a magazine. But shooting events like that can be an art. You can never know exactly what will be thrown down by anybody on any stunt. And by picking one spot, you're taking the chance of missing something elsewhere on the course.

Another factor to consider is why you're shooting an event like crankworx. If you're there because you've got one or two assignments for a couple of specific riders, then chances are you'll know ahead of time what they're going to do and where, allowing for setting up etc., and in general it makes life a little easier. I have a responsibility to NSMB to shoot the whole thing - every rider on every run doing something sweet. Usually that means standing in one area for maximum coverage and snapping 5 or 6 shots per rider as they cruise down the course. It also means a lot duplicate compositions, which sucks. But I'd rather have that than miss a rider because I was trying to setup somewhere else. I'd love to be able to go for just one or two super banger shots, but that would never work for the article. I end up sending Cam 50 or 60 shots from which he selects a bunch that suit the story. Where am I going with this? I have no idea

You're right about weddings - you only get one shot and you can't afford to mess it up. Crankworx can be stressful, but it's nothing compared to shooting weddings. There's no way in hell I'd hire an amateur to shoot my wedding.

As for energizer? Simply getting an image published isn't enough. They should be throwing down some cash too. Cheap bastards.

[shirk]

Originally Posted by SIDESHOW

The photogs are the ones cutting each others throats, not the buyers.

Care to explain this further?

From my knowledge on this topic I'd say it's the ametures and semi-pros that are cutting throats by working for free or just parts.

[Sideshow]

no I dont. Its been happening for years, and will for many more.

[smyrly]

It happens all the time in almost every industry, some people grossly undercharge for their product just to get recognition. It drives down the overall value the product. But, it's up to the others in the industry to show that what they have to offer is better than the cheaper (or free) alternative. If it isn't, then they should change industries. Just as big business isn't allowed to collude to maximize profits, nor can small business, including independent photographers. The fact that people are worried that these free alternatives are ruining the industry means that they recognize themselves that they are overcharging for their product.

[Faithless]

Originally Posted by skifreak

Can't wait for Faithless to chime in on this one...

If I posted what i have been doing the last 6 months, you would *deleted - infraction given*.

[GeoffG]

Originally Posted by Faithless

If I posted what i have been doing the last 6 months, you would STFU.

Now you've got us all curious.

[wa90]

I've had a pic of mine in a bike catalogue in exchange for a frame (ace!), and in a couple of small non-bike industry magazines after people asked nicely if they could use them.

Each time I've been stoked to see my work in print and still have copies.

I shall chop my hands off for my evilness, and direct people to their destitute local wedding photographer next time anyone asks.

[freerider guy]

Originally Posted by Faithless

If I posted what i have been doing the last 6 months, you would STFU.

Words only mean so much. How about you back up what you just said or you *no stfu on nsmb*

infraction given.