
Originally Posted by
genesis04
My point of view...
It may be true that we, the registered photographers, did pay P650 to enable us access to cordoned areas and get near the dancers but that does not give us the right to swarm the dancers, especially the festival queens, nor did it give us the right to disrupt their routines by being in their midst while they are dancing. Just because we paid, and the spectators did not does not give us the right to act as if we can do whatever we want to do inside the cordoned area. It also is not right to pass the blame to the police/marshalls since they already had their hands full managing the crowds. It is one's integrity to act accordingly when there i s no authority around. Alangan man sad maghuwat pa ka badlungon for you to behave.
While it may be true that not all of us acted like this, unfortunately, we will get generalized for the acts of others, whether we want to or not. It should be incumbent upon us, the photographers, whether amatuers, hobbyists or professionals, to act with enough professionalism so as not to damage the PRIVILEGE, not RIGHT, being given to us to document the event.
It was my first time to shoot the Sinulog Grand Parade as a registered photographer. My initial comment during the first 5 minutes of my shoot was "grabe ka daghan og piranha!" They would simply swarm the contingent, esp the queen, and point their God-forsaken cams and lenses right in the face of the dancers, even blocking their way from moving forward. Some, no...a lot of photographers would not even leave their spot in front of the contingent even if they have already taken their shots. Ako ra ika.ingon...mga BAGA JUD OG NAWNG!
If the spectators didnt enjoy the Sinulog because of the photographers, then, I, as a registered photographer for Sinulog, also did not enjoy as much taking photographs because of these stupid photographers who does not have the delicadeza to stand aside after taking their shots.
Even mga well-known photographers, professional at that, behave this way. And if it simply because of the urge to win a photography contest, I can only wonder what other morals, principles and our integrity are we willing to throw out the window when the stakes are much higher than just a simple photography contest.
If you were one of these, then I apologize for my choice of words...but that is simply how I feel, and my view of you! My suggestion would be to let photographers who want to take part of Sinulog as a registered one, undergo a 1-2 hour briefing on how to act and behave during the Grand Parade before they are allowed to register. It may be a lot of hassle but if that's what it takes to improve the Sinulog, then that is what it takes.
***There might be some violent reactions to these post. FYI, I will not react to any of the violent reactions to avoid getting this thread closed. Again, this is just my two cents..thank you!