What would you risk to get ‘the shot’?
Discussion
This subject came up during a discussion I had with Phil over the weekend. We were debating about going to the Olympic torch relay. I wanted to get some shots of the protesters but Phil was concerned about the consequences. As I would have been using expensive kit (10D had a flat battery), I also didn’t want to risk this being smashed by an overzealous policeman/Chinese security guard. I was still tempted to go as I thought some great shots were possible. However, in the end the combination of the bad weather, a dodgy knee, DIY disasters to sort out and the sheer numbers of security, meant I couldn’t be bothered.
I know photojournalists risk it all to get ‘the shot’, but then it’s their career. I just wondered what others were prepared to risk getting photos that they don't expect to get payment for. I still want to go to the Pamplona Bull Run – although I think I’d better get some protective clothing and good insurance first!
I know photojournalists risk it all to get ‘the shot’, but then it’s their career. I just wondered what others were prepared to risk getting photos that they don't expect to get payment for. I still want to go to the Pamplona Bull Run – although I think I’d better get some protective clothing and good insurance first!
I took quite a big risk getting this shot;
http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/sbm24/pulpit.mov
Looking through a viewfinder, and trying to spin around 6" from a 1000m clear drop was 'interesting'.
My knees didn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes, I really wish I'd had a rope so I could risk leaning over the edge slightly to get a better shot though
http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/sbm24/pulpit.mov
Looking through a viewfinder, and trying to spin around 6" from a 1000m clear drop was 'interesting'.
My knees didn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes, I really wish I'd had a rope so I could risk leaning over the edge slightly to get a better shot though
stuthemong said:
I took quite a big risk getting this shot;
http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/sbm24/pulpit.mov
Looking through a viewfinder, and trying to spin around 6" from a 1000m clear drop was 'interesting'.
My knees didn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes, I really wish I'd had a rope so I could risk leaning over the edge slightly to get a better shot though
hang on a minute!!http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/sbm24/pulpit.mov
Looking through a viewfinder, and trying to spin around 6" from a 1000m clear drop was 'interesting'.
My knees didn't stop shaking for about 30 minutes, I really wish I'd had a rope so I could risk leaning over the edge slightly to get a better shot though
I went to the Wildlife photographer of the year exhibition at the weekend, One of the images that stood out to me (actually most of them were pretty impressive) was this one: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/photo.do?photo=2286&category=3&group=1. This photographer risked their kit to get the shot, and I definitely think it was worth it.
Daisy Duke said:
I wanted to get some shots of the protesters but Phil was concerned about the consequences. As I would have been using expensive kit (10D had a flat battery), I also didn’t want to risk this being smashed by an overzealous policeman/Chinese security guard.
It's my country, not theirs. Any foreigner who tries to tell me what to do in my own country can sod off. Even the Chinese aren't stupid enough to beat up a Brit on home soil in front of the TV cameras.
miniman said:
If I'm not mistaken, this is the view from where you might have ended up 
I'd imagine that shot but with a fair bit of motion blur Simpo Two said:
It's my country, not theirs. Any foreigner who tries to tell me what to do in my own country can sod off. Even the Chinese aren't stupid enough to beat up a Brit on home soil in front of the TV cameras.
Hhmmm but the footage I saw a few people ended up the wrong way up, and not all were playing the new Olymipic 'snuff the flame' game.ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
Hhmmm but the footage I saw a few people ended up the wrong way up, and not all were playing the new Olymipic 'snuff the flame' game.
I didn't see that but if the Chinese heavies were doing that to British citizens on home soil, what was UK Plod doing to protect them? You know, the 'working to make everything safe' angle.Col 666 said:
Standing trackside on the outside of the first corner of a race circuit with virtually no protection is something I do nearly every weekend!
Had some very close calls with loose wheels and flying motorbikes but this is my favourite shot from 2 years ago-
Col.
Thats a brilliant picture. Very well captured Had some very close calls with loose wheels and flying motorbikes but this is my favourite shot from 2 years ago-
Col.
An accident waiting to happen - 18ft Great white shark in Gaansbai, South Africa. Bigger than our 15ft boat and the cage was tied to the boat with a single piece of 5mm rope that came loose at one point, it had to be pulled back with a boat hook 
Had to stand on the edge of this to get.....
....this.
Cairngorms last Jan.
Had to stand on the edge of this to get.....
....this.
Cairngorms last Jan.
custardtart said:
An accident waiting to happen - 18ft Great white shark in Gaansbai, South Africa. Bigger than our 15ft boat and the cage was tied to the boat with a single piece of 5mm rope that came loose at one point, it had to be pulled back with a boat hook
You're gonna need a bigger boat!Once ignored a Hell's Angel's protest in order to get a shot.
Once climbed up onto a wall (covered in ice) to get a good (high) vantage point. Slipped and fell, but didn't cause any lasting damage.
Charging horses (I think they saw me though, well clearly they did as I'm still here)
Pretty insignificant really compared to what many photojournalists face in order to bring us news from around the world.
Once climbed up onto a wall (covered in ice) to get a good (high) vantage point. Slipped and fell, but didn't cause any lasting damage.
Charging horses (I think they saw me though, well clearly they did as I'm still here)
Pretty insignificant really compared to what many photojournalists face in order to bring us news from around the world.
From an e-mail earlier this week,
In Zimbabwe , Africa, Victoria Falls at a height of 128m.
The location is known as 'The Devil's Swimming Pool'.
During the months of September and December, people can swim as close as possible to the edge of the falls without falling over!
These falls are becoming well known amongst the 'radical tourist' industry as more and more people search for the ultimate experience.
In Zimbabwe , Africa, Victoria Falls at a height of 128m.
The location is known as 'The Devil's Swimming Pool'.
During the months of September and December, people can swim as close as possible to the edge of the falls without falling over!
These falls are becoming well known amongst the 'radical tourist' industry as more and more people search for the ultimate experience.
Edited by R&J on Thursday 10th April 20:36
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