10/28/2026
Please don’t be this person…
With photographers, videographers, and content creators becoming a part of almost every race, I feel like this needs to be said!
There is a difference between reaching out, communicating with the people already contracted to cover an event, and getting permission beforehand versus simply showing up, pulling out a camera, and posting content as if you have every right to be there.
Those of us who do this professionally work hard to build relationships, earn contracts, and establish ourselves in this industry. There is a lot of time, money, and effort that goes into getting these opportunities, and we don’t just show up expecting to be handed access to an event.
When an event has already hired official photographers, videographers, and content creators, showing up and capturing content to post or sell without permission is disrespectful to the people who have put in the work to be there.
The influx of people thinking they can just show up to any event with a camera and start shooting without permission is getting out of hand. Just because you’re hired to manage someone’s social media or create content for a brand, business, or individual does not automatically give you the right to show up to events and start shooting when there are already photographers and videographers contracted to be there. It takes two seconds to reach out, communicate with us, and ask permission. A little professional courtesy goes a long way.
If you know me, you know I LOVE helping others. I love teaching, sharing what I’ve learned, and helping people get their foot in the door. I will be the biggest cheerleader for someone who is trying to grow, learn, and build something for themselves. I genuinely want to see other people succeed in this industry. But there is a right way to go about it, and that starts with communication and respect for the people who are already working hard to make this their career. Being supportive of others and protecting the work we’ve put into our own businesses can absolutely coexist.
This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about professionalism, communication, and respect. Most of us are more than happy to communicate and work with others when approached the right way, but there is a difference between asking for an opportunity and assuming you’re entitled to one.
Please respect your media teams!
