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June 08, 2007
Denver's most annoying photographer
Before last night's Hi-Dive show I thought I was going to see BrakesBrakesBrakes, Pela, and Electric Soft Parade. During the show I realized an unannounced sideshow would include a terribly intrusive and aggressive photographer.
I have been to countless shows in my life, everything from tiny dingy bars and gigantic festivals and everything in between. Never in my life have I witnessed anyone with the gumption that this particular photo hound displayed.
Dude would lean into the stage to get inches away from the bands so he could attack them with a barrage of flashes. Before I’m accused of being a finicky music dork, I should tell you that the guitarist of Electric Soft Parade yelled at the guy after a particularly vicious strobe of hits. Perturbed and at wits end he yelled directly at him, “Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!”
Between songs he turned his focus to the crowd. Looking for candid reactions from people not thrown off by the massive camera eye in their face I guess. The spectacle was terribly distracting. Unfortunately we didn’t have a microphone to yell into so instead I took pictures of him and am now blogging it. Jot it down as a modern-era passive aggressive response.
It got worse when he removed the flash and raised it in the air, blocking viewing angles at the small club. When finished snapping he rested his ass against the stage while the smug look on his face screamed, “I got called in for this?” I think he could do much better in a paparazzi crew. Those dudes don't care about anything.
I never claimed to be an expert on photographer etiquette, but is this acceptable behavior? The flash removing thing was especially infuriating. My only regret is that I didn't get more in his face with my flimsy digi-Canon.
[My own dispatch and M.S. non-obtrusive photographs coming shortly.]
Posted by Merry Swankster at June 8, 2007 04:30 PM
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Comments
He was mega annoying. Had I been just one row up on front row I would have kneed that guy in the jewels...probably would have received a round of applause from the also obviously annoyed crowd.
Posted by: Kelli Douglas at June 8, 2007 04:37 PM
I feel another battle brewing reminiscent of Merryswankster's legendary battle with ushers overly concerned about dancing in the aisles.
Posted by: Yonah at June 8, 2007 05:38 PM
This gallery is the funniest thing I've seen all day...
Posted by: Koren Zailckas at June 8, 2007 06:08 PM
That guy is an asshat. I WAS in the front row (at least for Pela and Brakes) and SHOULD have kneed him in the jewels.
Posted by: Bridget at June 8, 2007 09:08 PM
that's soooo frustrating - i've shared similar experiences with annoying photographers... one time though the asshole got his just desserts as everyone in the front row got mad at him and pushed him to the back!
then again (curse my strong powers of empathy), poor guy is just doing his job... as well as he can?
thnx for coming out you guys and hope the next time is more enjoyable :)
Posted by: su at June 13, 2007 08:46 AM
Oh it was still enjoyable. I won't let silly dudes like that ruin a show..
Posted by: Sebastian at June 13, 2007 12:00 PM
