Friday, May 4, 2012

Debate - Photography and Videography Ethics (Railwatch)

With the Q025 video now in the YouTube spotlight, I offered my simple two cents about how I felt being stepped onto that day.



Here are the viewpoints and personal considerations.

First consideration: I have of course seen railfans go in front to some extent. Had it with Q453, had it with Q037 (Rudy/Matt), had it with N152 (Matt). Was I mad? Not really. With this, there was some feeling or suspicion that it was done with some intention and with stern rudeness. I would've treated it like most others but a few things have pissed me right off.

The people seen cutting in front have not said any word. They have not apologized for me having been set off like that. When I posted a screencap with the sarcastic message "Thanks for blocking my shot" on the Facebook page Ultimate Railfan Group, they LIKED it. They found it FUNNY and AMUSING to come in front of my shot!

This answers when Paul, Danny, and Troy have said that I am new to the experience. That is true, but I have had no problem with people in the shots. It just was this one that had hit me personally for some reason. They look and see me and still set up in front.


Second consideration: Austin on Floridarailroading said that I knew they were coming and moved as a result. The Lincoln came in the way, prompting me to move forward. I could have obviously moved forward, but CSX police was enforcing a no trespassing ordinance. Trying not to risk a pricy fine, I stood by there and let them be portrayed for their stepping on to CSX property. I know they were on an ATCS session inside the Fire Dept. building, and indeed have no problem with their bursting but they have committed what I consider one of the biggest disrespects nonetheless.

 IT IS POSSIBLE FOR EVERYBODY TO HAVE THE SHOT, AND THEY HAVE NOT ASSISTED IN IT.

Earl on Floridarailroading who was on my side, rather the common sense side, said that they were also inconsiderate (which as a matter of fact was the word I was looking for). But yet, the 'photo line' in Folkston had not been followed properly.

Ted Marshall in my Spring Break video (which us 4; Ted, Tim, Victor, and I were all together at Railwatch) was recorded to say "Get on a horizontal plane so nobody steps on to each other's video". What you clearly see is NOT A HORIZONTAL PLANE. Aaron and somebody else just had to get that shot. If everybody was set up parallel to the tracks I would have been happy, but this GREEDINESS takes the character out of a railfan. I admit for my personal taste I might as well move forward a little bit but that would not help considering everyone kept moving forward to snap a photo of a couple of crappy GE engines.

Bottom line. When you set up, you should look around and see who else is, so that you do not block their shots. This is etiquette as other people are there trying to get the same recording you are getting. They have not even regarded how they felt when they got their shots blocked by someone in Winter Watch. Imagine if something actually worth the shot is running; they would NOT like to see someone come in front of their shots now would they? Wait until someone does it TO THEM in the wake of Ferromex, Norfolk Southern, or BNSF power, then they will be sorry for this foolish, egotistic behavior. In Folkston, it's inevitable, there are people, but they can control themselves and their "urges".

Watching Tim's video which actually he set up behind Rudy and I, probably seeking ambiance shots, I remembered how they were threatening my shot of Q457 too*. I tried waving my hand to tell them to STOP where they were and of course, they do not take signals. They have to get the shot. They have to have an unobstructed view while I suffer. To them the train is the end of the world. For crying out loud...

The way the people in the picture have taken my response to this situation is immature and irresponsible. I understand this is passé and in the future hopefully something will get in their thick skulls that consideration is key but they have not apologized, pardoned, nor nothing. They stood their ground like greedy foamers, foaming for a lousy AC4400CW. I ask one thing now that this is over, IN THE FUTURE PLEASE DO FORM A HORIZONTAL PLANE PARALLEL TO THE TRACKS SO NO ONE STEPS ON TO EACH OTHER. 

--

*I kind of feel bad that I was quite on a couple of Tim's shots but it does not seem like he minded it that much. I am just standing my ground with this entry as a normal railfan. These things happen but the attitude THESE RAILFANS have shown me leaves me a sour taste. As Earl said, in the past 53 years he has only seen this shape up recently. 

PS: When Rudy gave the O.K. for them to stand by *WHICH I DOUBT THEY WERE LISTENING!* I was angered.  



No comments:

Post a Comment