Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/11/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Bill Magness wrote: >>Another pet peave I have when I shoot football games, besides the guys who only stand, is when did it become OK to use flash. I cover high school and the 'pros' from the local AP and papers all use flash with their D-1's. Don't they concern themselves with the athletes? <<<<<< Also: >>I believe it to be extremely bad manners to pop a flash in someone's face when they are trying to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it be sports or theater. Our job is not so important that we should interfere.<<<<< Hi Bill, Given I've shot Olympics, Pan American, the World's and many other amateur and pro sports I've never heard an athlete complain about "flash in the face." And particularly football, a usually played outdoor in afternoon light. Even though the IOC have a rule "No flash during competition - indoors and outdoors," it's a misguided rule today. It originated from the early days of mega size flash bulbs and photographers allowed to shoot very close to the athletes. And yes in those days there probably was a distraction. The only place I'm aware of flash being a major problem is when hearing impaired athletes use flash signal in lieu of hearing the start gun indicating the race start. But in reality strobe with healthy athletes, the flash is so quick and athletes concentrating so hard, they really aren't effected. It's just "old time officials who think they are." I'm sure your guys shooting digi cameras using flash are only a distraction to you and no one else.Or if you're concerned, you might consider asking the ball players if it's a problem and if it is, then point it out to the Pro's. However, don't hold your breath waiting for them to stop. >>I believe it to be extremely bad manners to pop a flash in someones face when they are trying to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it be sports or theater.<<< Absolutely bad manners! However, it depends on where the flash in the face is occurring. If it's during a theatre presentation then the photographer should be thrown out....... unless it happens to be a "photo call" for publicity pictures. If it's a bad guy outside court ... who cares, flash 'em in the face! Unless! Inside the court house is out of bounds for photographs. However, outside everyone is fair game. It's interesting flash should be of concern these days, as they flash so quickly and during the day it's only a "twinkie light blink" for fill, that unless you're looking at them, in many cases one is hardly aware they've fired. ted Ted Grant Photography Limited www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html