For as long as I can remember, there’s always been friction between still photographers and videographers. It’s like oil and water. I’ve been a still shooter for most of my adult life, but recently I’ve made the switch to shoot video for our website. It’s given me an opportunity to see life through a new pair of eyes. It turns out the TV guys aren’t as arrogant or nasty as I had thought. Not even close.
Recently, I covered Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment trial in Springfield, shooting along side some veteran TV videographers. I was next to a Fox camera operator and a sound man. Both of them gave me advice and even loaned me a XLR cable so I could connect to the sound system. My cord was too short (insert joke here). Ironically, I found the still photographers to be rather annoying. They were constantly walking into my shots, making too much noise, and even had a photographer knock over my camera while I was shooting the swearing in of Pat Quinn.
The lesson of the day for me is to not judge others before walking in their shoes.
(above photo by Seth Perlman - AP Photos)