Best to handle situations like that ASAP so it doesn't mushroom into something larger.
How do you handle "rude"?
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fairybasslet
Contributor
Kind of related to this subject, I was told my some photogs that if the DM points out a subject, you should take 2-4 shots, and then move on to give the other photogs and divers a chance to see it. If you find something yourself, you can snap as long as you want.
As for the rude videographer, there are just some people who don't have boat manners, above and below the surface. I think approaching them directly, but nicely, is the best thing because most likely, they don't know what they are doing, even though it is obvious to everyone else.
BTW, nice link to Frink.
As for the rude videographer, there are just some people who don't have boat manners, above and below the surface. I think approaching them directly, but nicely, is the best thing because most likely, they don't know what they are doing, even though it is obvious to everyone else.
BTW, nice link to Frink.
Phil TK
Contributor
If you have a video cam on a dive it does to remember the 15 second rule. Basically you don't NEED a longer shot than that on anything. Exceptions are if the subject is moving away, eating something, humping or maybe giving birth, but for 99% of the usual 'not moving much' subjects like a moray in it's hole, or a cuttlefish changing colour -15 seconds is usually enough before the shot gets boring.
Using the above method you'll have more time to move on and shoot other stuff and other divers 'waiting for a look' at a particular subject will get their turn quick enough.
Remember, once you come to edit, a bigger variety of shorter clips makes a much more interesting video than lingering shots, nothing bores people more than a tv screen full of clownfish for 10 minutes.
Mind you, video footage of angry divers knotting an octopus hose around the balls of a selfish videographer would be fantastic
Phil TK
Using the above method you'll have more time to move on and shoot other stuff and other divers 'waiting for a look' at a particular subject will get their turn quick enough.
Remember, once you come to edit, a bigger variety of shorter clips makes a much more interesting video than lingering shots, nothing bores people more than a tv screen full of clownfish for 10 minutes.
Mind you, video footage of angry divers knotting an octopus hose around the balls of a selfish videographer would be fantastic
Phil TK
IwakuniDiver
Contributor
Kinda makes me wonder if the reason that backed off on the following dives was out of his "newfound respect" for other divers or that he got all the footage he wanted on the first dive.
I have to admire your tact in dealing with this situation. I can't honestly say I would have handled the situation with as much grace as you.
I wouldn't have been a jerk by any means, but I have been known to use public humiliation as a weapon for people that are generally dissruptive in public.
And if that didn't work, I would have enjoyed explaining to him why I insist on carrying a dive knife with a sharp edge and an even sharper point. It works great for creating tiny holes in BC's.
(just kidding)
I have to admire your tact in dealing with this situation. I can't honestly say I would have handled the situation with as much grace as you.
I wouldn't have been a jerk by any means, but I have been known to use public humiliation as a weapon for people that are generally dissruptive in public.
And if that didn't work, I would have enjoyed explaining to him why I insist on carrying a dive knife with a sharp edge and an even sharper point. It works great for creating tiny holes in BC's.
(just kidding)
BurBunny
Contributor
I've been known to comment that I find being last in the group helps me to feel better about taking time with a subject... that when I know I'm not keeping others from seeing the neat critters, I'm more relaxed, and I get better shots.
Packhorse
Contributor
Personaly Id go find something else to look at and if he tryed to elbow me out the way id grab his inflater and send him to another level.
Im sure he would keep his distance after that.
Im sure he would keep his distance after that.
I have spoken to the DM in a similar situation to no avail.
In this case I was the photographer; my buddy had the task of insuring I did not bump into anything or anyone.
A family were also on the boat, their underwater behaviour was appalling. The last straw was when I was positioning myself below a soft coral to take a silhouette picture up towards the surface. The mother just swam straight through the picture filling the sea with sediment.
On our return to the boat I spoke to the dm. The only good news I got was that they were leaving in 2 days. After that I explained to the DM that whatever direction that family went in, we were going to go in the opposite. Fortunately BVI has no drift dives and low current so we could go where we liked.
From my experience night dives are the worst for bad behaviour. Often they are done to a time schedule. I now it is more difficult in the dark to insure that, you dont bump or jostle fellow divers, control your buoyancy to avoid silting up the site, keep a comfortable separation to insure your fins are away from masks and regulators.
If everyone takes their time there is plenty to see for all.
In this case I was the photographer; my buddy had the task of insuring I did not bump into anything or anyone.
A family were also on the boat, their underwater behaviour was appalling. The last straw was when I was positioning myself below a soft coral to take a silhouette picture up towards the surface. The mother just swam straight through the picture filling the sea with sediment.
On our return to the boat I spoke to the dm. The only good news I got was that they were leaving in 2 days. After that I explained to the DM that whatever direction that family went in, we were going to go in the opposite. Fortunately BVI has no drift dives and low current so we could go where we liked.
From my experience night dives are the worst for bad behaviour. Often they are done to a time schedule. I now it is more difficult in the dark to insure that, you dont bump or jostle fellow divers, control your buoyancy to avoid silting up the site, keep a comfortable separation to insure your fins are away from masks and regulators.
If everyone takes their time there is plenty to see for all.
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From my extensive experience, usually the 'scene hog' photog is not really aware of what he/she is doing. They are usually inexperienced photogs and very excited, and just rush in not even thinking about anyone else (once the excitement hits, basic human self-centeredness just kicks in). Most of the experienced photogs and videographers with whom I dive are going to make special arrangements to do their work so as to have the 'scene' to themselves and specifically NOT to affect someone else's dive, or else they are extremely solicitous of the other divers (to the point of giving up shots they may have otherwise had). I lean away from confronting someone directly, because that is the provence of the DM/dive op, and I would let it be known asap that I expect something to be done about it/mentioned, whatever. Passive-aggressive joking sometimes works, but most of the time the person is in denial, so you can't count on that. The 'intervention' dynamic works pretty well when on a liveaboard or similar activity where you expect to spend the next X days together. In any case, good humor and a non-aggressive attitude always will bring you further. However, and again, I would leave it to the OP first to take care of your group, after a gentle reminder (if necessary) that 5 x X dollars is 5 times more than 1 x X dollars. The divemaster/instructor is usually going to try to stay clear of confrontation on the boat, so its unlikely anything will be done/said until a return to the dock, but making your concerns/frustrations etc. known is always cool in this situation. Peace!
CN
CN
Guba:
When I'm diving in a large group I pull up the rear. I usually pick a different depth and line than the other divers and dive far enough back that I can see them but I don't have to interact with them.
This is the most relaxed solution if it's logistically possible in terms of getting picked up by the boat etc. The trick is to tell the DM that you're doing this on purpose so he/she doesn't try to corral you along with the rest of the cattle.
Obviously, talking to the diver in question might help but my experience with serious photographers is that many just don't understand your problem and just they're best given a wide berth.
Another possible alternative is to tell the DM that the guy is in the way. A lot of DM's have their own strategy for dealing with photographers..... A nice one is to more or less buddy up the pushy photographer with the DM and have the DM energetically pointing out things that aren't there...... LOL.... that's one way to keep the photographer away from the animals and the other divers.
.... R..
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