Originally Posted by
Kirk Gittings
Most of the problems I have had were people wanting to talk to me while I'm concentrating on a shot. Once while on assignment for New Mexico Magazine some people approached me. There was a small gap in the clouds right at the horizon which would give me killer light on the building-but very briefly. I had to concentrate on the image and my tight deadline. I was shooting 4x5 chrome and needed to nail it-no time for a polaroid or to bracket. I tried at first to explain the situation and that I would be happy to talk with them after the sun went down, but they wouldn't friken shut up. Yak yak yak. We've been here and there and tomorrow were going over there......... I finally told them very bluntly to be quite please so I could concentrate. They got very upset and called the art director at NMM the next day. She got a good laugh out of it and loved the shot. She thought they were total narcissists from their telephone call. I have often encountered tourists with an amazing sense of entitlement like I am their taking pictures for their entertainment. It makes me realize why so many of my native American friends hate tourists.