Scott, regarding the sharing of locations or, "my personal spots" on public lands, I tend to side on personal liberty. I've been photographing out in the field for over 40 years and have run into all types of people. I've never once considered any place, "my spot." I may share some locations with people and I may not. There are many variables that go into this decision. All in all in these 40+ years the good experiences far out weigh the few negative - for me. I appreciate you and your channel. All the best.
Hal, spot on. However, I am a little selective about who I chose to share my locations with, and I sense that many photographers take this approach. If I feel that the photographer will be ethical (through demonstration of course) then they are more likely to hear about my spots. Personal liberty is the key to a thriving society, so I take this very seriously. Scott makes some good points, but there is one thing missing. More and more people are joining the ranks of wildlife photographers and I think it's inevitable that more people will discover good locations when they do their homework. Scott is a great guy and I think his heart is in the right place in general. After all, he is sharing his knowledge about many other topics without reservation.
@@brucewilliamsstudio4932 Since the original post, I've changed/hardened my stance a bit - meaning I no longer share my location after having photographed two rare species this spring. Most people don't grow in their photographic ethics as fast as they do (if ever) than then do in the photographic talent. Best to you!
Fantastic and very informative video Scott! Your point about expectations is spot on. I went on a 5-day workshop that included a stay at a cabin. Although the photography component of the workshop was good, the accommodations were an “overpromise, underdeliver” situation. In short, the rooming/sleeping conditions were not good. In the advertising for the workshop, some key statements should have been included about the rooming situation, which would have made my expectations more realistic. It is absolutely critical to describe the workshop conditions and expectations in a realistic way or otherwise, your clients can become very dissatisfied. Would be great for you to have a follow-up video on extended workshops that include travel from both the client and workshop leader perspective.
I was really, really glad you spent the time to talk about ethics. So, so important. You probably know Melissa Groo that really promotes ethics. There are simply people who want the photo at all cost and will be pissed if not allowed to step over bounds. One story (could give many). When there was a Black-throated Gray Warbler in Berks County, there were birders that would walk all over the land owners property to see the bird even though it was visible from the road. A friend became cop trying to keep people from not walking in the yard. People even swore at her. One person from Western Pennsylvania said he was a serious birder and had every right to walk where he wanted. Hope he tried that in Texas! That was before the bird photography craze, so could just imagine what that would be like today. Excellent video.
I took a friend once to see barn owls, then found he was taking other and charging them, no prob. But after a few years of me trying to see a rare bide at different location. My friend had a great photo of one, when I asked him about it, he just said private land
Scott, great comprehensive coverage of the topic. I think following the information from the other videos, I feel certain that I have no idea to host a wildlife photography seminar. My skills are just too underdeveloped at this point. I have led birdwatching trips locally with Audubon, so feel comfortable in those settings but when you would be required to produce like a birding guide, no thank you. Too much pressure. And....like you, some places are best left to low foot traffic and for me only.
at 18:00 you ask if you missed anything obvious. For me, the biggest barrier to overcome when considering doing workshops is procuring permits from the agency or department that owns the land. I mean, if I want to host a workshop in State Forest land, then I need to get a permit from that particular State Forest to conduct business on their land. Ditto for State Park land, National Forest land, National Recreation Area land, etc. Ditto also for any land administered over by conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, etc. Basically any land at all that is open to the public, you need a permit to conduct any type of business, especially so if you bring clients onto the property where there are potential liability issues. I actually thought that discussing this permit issue would be the biggest talking point in this video. And I'm surprised it wasn't even brought up. This is the one thing I really need advice on - advice that comes from experience. I could really use your insights in this part of the business end of hosting photography workshops.
Great point and they locations I personally use do not require permitting. Since I do one on one in remote areas, I doubt anyone would suspect any activity was even a business. That said I know of people that were running workshops on state land in NJ and they needed to get permits to use. Usually under 50dollars.
A great conversation about a what could lead to you as a host feeling uncomfortable regarding ethics and expectations as well as the scenario you mentioned that someone says this is my spot, you are intruding even though it is public space. Regarding costs, many don't really look at the intangibles, how many people say "Well that Carpenter want's way to much to build my deck" not thinking he has to have Workmans compensation for his/her employees as well as liability insurance or providing general insurance etc., so they decide to have a friend help them build the deck and the friend gets hurt, guess who is not your friend anymore if their insurance refuses to pay the bill, is it worth it? For me having taught classes for skills relative to my former employers needs, I would maybe do classroom instruction and seminars vs field work, might have to get liability if someone gets a paper cut, maybe.🙂 Great topic, excellent as usual.- Jeff
This was really informative. I've considered participating in wildlife photography workshops. I like that you point out the ethical side of wildlife photography as well.
Great video, Scott. I always have a problem with timelines to be an expert. There is the 10,000 hour rule that was based on the study of musicians. Your four rule really bothered me. I have owned my camera for fours but from new my shutter count is only 1,800. So I am no expert. Yet there is a young guy who has a shutter count of 149,000 and basically wore out a body in a year. His pictures are fantastic. He has taught me a lot. I think shutter count like hours for a musician should be the gauge for expert status.
I agree. I think I tried to make a point that the 4-5 years means regularly consistent part time shooting. Thousands of hours seems about right for developing most skills.
I live in a very historic area. I seriously thought about offering a workshop and even scouted out the best locations. Then all the things you mentioned started coming up in my plan and I just had to reconsider and end my plan. I also had an issue with a guy that showed up to his fishing spot, but that’s another story.
Public land. Interesting conversation. Back in my hunting days, which happened to be when I had little money, I hunted almost primarily on public lands. One of the things that you accepted was that any good spot was open to anyone. No matter how often you came or even when you made modifications to make it easier, it was still public land. Occasionally, I would run into people who believed they owned that section of public land. When dealing with someone carrying a gun instead of a camera, you must exercise common sense and caution. In your case, I’d have to sit and have a conversation with the gentleman, and he would need to articulate a good reason why I should leave. If he presented a convincing reason, I’d honor his wishes. If not, we’d most likely have a problem. Larry from Texas
You nailed it. Those are many of the reasons why I have not wanted to do guiding and/or workshops.. I will say, I had never thought about someone getting hurt and me being held responsible for it. Just add that to my list of why I don't want to do it.. If I were to ever do it when I "retire" I would do it like you're doing it. No general public, no locals etc... I could guide and do workshops in the sax-zim bog, MN, as that area has been my stomping grounds for 35 years. Its my seasonal back yard. But yeah, the ethics issue, the locations issue, id have to sell out as well to do it. The location thing is a big deal to me. Im mostly a private, soak it in, solo photographer and I know what it feels like to have a "honey hole" found out and overran and I don't want to do it to others. That is one of the biggest reasons I don't share a lot of my "good" images to social media. Photographer "friends"/ acquaintances know my general areas and its not a big deal because Im not sharing anything with a wow factor.. But when they see good or stunning images coming out of me, they'll all start figuring it out, Ill start getting "hey buddy" messages, and the places will get overrun. Seems like a lot of the newer generation of photographers tend to not like to explore, experience nature and learn the animals... They just wanna go from shared pin to shared pin and be spoon fed. I literally watched a guy have a minor meltdown and throw a fit a few weeks ago because he felt the trail to where great grey owl juveniles were, was impassable. There was nothing wrong with the trail 😂 He must have not wanted to get brushed with branches and weeds, or walk on boggy ground or go over or under deadfalls or something...at first he was so mad when he pulled up and found out he couldn't see them from the road, then really blew when he was told theres a trail leading back to them but then trail was not to his expectations 🤷♂️
Scott, I'm not where near ever offering any type of workshop, but I greatly appreciate you sharing this information from your perspective. My question though is about the insurance that you mentioned. Would it not be possible to simply require a waiver to release you from any liability in case of accident or injury, primarily from the perspective that you are out in the natural world? Perhaps this wouldn't absolve the need for insurance, but would need to go in tandem. I'm just curious that you didn't address this. Thanks.
Waivers are helpful but doesn't not exclude anyone from trying to sue you. Civil matters can be tough and while waivers can provide some assurance but they aren't full proof when it comes to things like negligence
I applaud your ethics. I had a friend take me to a spot for a rare to our local area species and posted a few images. I had people I know and trust inquire the location. I told them I am not in control of that information. I know many folks would and do share locations to boost their own egos. I learned long ago to not put much time into worrying about things I can do nothing about. I do find solace in knowing people that take short cuts and not in it for the long haul in short order move on to something else and stop being a problem. All we can do is do our best and know that so much is beyond our control.
I know I’m not a pro because I don’t have “secret” spots. I know which parks typically have certain species, I know where turkey virtues gather by the dozens, and I know a place where blue herons nest. I also know where some species, like osprey, hunt. But the odds of me being close enough to their fishing at the right time is pretty low. But, for the most part, I would not likely be alone at any of these places. I’ve got a long way to go.
An interesting topic. I have tried leading workshops in the past and all of the cons are why I won't do it again. But, I do like participating, so I applaud you that do lead these! As for protecting a secret spot, particularly for birds, with the popularity of birding, bird photography and the use of Ebird, it is nearly impossible to protect a spot. And then the unethical stuff starts in. Ugh.
Great information - I personally wouldn't run a workshop or participate, pay for one. Part of the fun is the "HUNT" for the Wildlife you're out to get a mug shot of. You learn so much more about animal behavior, what that particular species likes to eat, their travel patterns, etc. - I'd just miss out. I'm a lifelong outdoorsman, hunter and Wildlife Photography for me is just hunting with a different weapon, and we all get to go home alive. - I've been on guided hunts, but only because it was a state or federal requirement, like designated Wilderness areas. And your right, just because it's "PUBLIC LAND" doesn't mean it needs to be over ran, plus you're the one that has put all the leg work into finding the "HONE-HOLE" - My Elk hunting spot in Colorado is just the type of place, public but I'm not privately sharing it with anyone. Lastly, a workshop I would think would be the quickest way to destroy your hobby, I too dealt with the public every day during my professional career - I'm not taking them with me during my Photography outings, I have very good friends that also greatly enjoy Wildlife Photography, and it's rare we share spots with each other, and I'd trust these guys not to ever go back without me, and we will share migration species in some locations, but only after we've gotten our own fill. The best spots aren't always off the beaten path, they can be right under our noses, ya just got to look.
Hi Scott, Location sharing roughly translates to guiding for free and the people who ask for locations will be the first to poach, litter or disturb the wildlife. Even if we trust the person asking it doesn’t mean I trust who they trust. Once, I shared the location of an owl only to find it dead from a small rifle shot. It’s a hard and unapologetic no & never from me.
Oh man this reminds me of a remote fly-in fishing trip we did to a Ontario Provincial park. A couple of the guys found a small river flowing into the next lake where they were reeling in fish with every cast. The next day we all went back to that spot and we’re just slaughtering them. I couple guys came from out of nowhere and walked thru our group of 8 eyeing everyone with dirty stares then disappeared back into the woods. Was that ever strange. We were dropped by float plane and miles from the nearest road or settlement and on federal land. The next day a couple of the guys went back again and sure enough had visitors from out of thin air intimidating them into leaving. Most likely indigenous locals not wanting to share their fishing hot spot with foreigners. When you hear banjos like in Deliverance it’s time to cut bait.
How do you know you’re infringing on someone’s spot? Not even talking about workshops, but what if someone somehow finds “your spot” because they also are putting in the time and work and want pictures of animals and time away from people? Like is there any tell tail signs where I can be sure I’m not laying down on the side of a lake right where a more experienced photographer would be, or that I am not getting to my spot when someone else is there too and I may ruin their day?
I think if you find any spot on your own, you are safe. My real issue is when people start posting specific locations like, "this place is amazing" even worse when the person is a casual shooter, posts a more private location, and then just really blows it for people that have enjoyed that area more isolated.
Scott, very informative video. Being one that has considered doing landscape photography workshops I learned a lot from part one and part two of your video on workshops. On the subject of insurance could a waiver form of some sort substitute for liability insurance in the field?
Thanks for saying it, experience is the absolute must. What are you actually offering to someone? If you don't have skill, communication ability and knowledge of the subject you just don't have a programme to offer. Just having people come and stand around looking at the same thing isn't going to cut it as an experience for people. Liability is real, people think I'll book a safari on the cheap with someone, and then they come to realize there is an issue and they can't make it...then what? If the leader doesn't have the appropriate coverage you're screwed. Really great video. BTW to haven't lived until you had someone ask if they can get out and walk closer to lions as they eat. A compelling thought heh.
I’ve been asked many times if I offer workshops, and my answer has always been “no”. I guess it was the fact that I was self-employed for 30 years that I understood that making your hobby a job is a sure-fire way to lose the enjoyment of said hobby.
Some interesting ethical considerations. Unfortunately with "Monetization" of virtually anything sensitive compromises tend to be made. No easy solutions. With say endangered species in national parks, there should a Govt frame work set up. A lot of people will be unhappy but at least the framework cant be disputed. With other public locations no real answer. Sometimes Monetization of an area helps protect it, since revenue is generated. All about the so called balance that never seems to work for the wildlife involved. I have heard that some African game parks would not exist if no Monetization. Myself I am glad I dont have to make such decisions
Just because an area is open to the public, it doesn't mean the public will respect it. Go to any beach in Summer and see what can happen.. I would keep quiet about special locations .... Charge your clients $1,000 to visit a speciual location and they won't tell anybody where it is !! They won't give sonething away for free when it cost them $1,000 !!
i like your channel and you seem nice, but i dont agree with your secret locations, if its public space, like non private, i think its selfish, we as comunity need to hold together to be better, and if they are paying your fee, i understand your fear but i dont agree with that, we need to be better together
Scott, regarding the sharing of locations or, "my personal spots" on public lands, I tend to side on personal liberty. I've been photographing out in the field for over 40 years and have run into all types of people. I've never once considered any place, "my spot." I may share some locations with people and I may not. There are many variables that go into this decision. All in all in these 40+ years the good experiences far out weigh the few negative - for me. I appreciate you and your channel. All the best.
Hal, spot on. However, I am a little selective about who I chose to share my locations with, and I sense that many photographers take this approach. If I feel that the photographer will be ethical (through demonstration of course) then they are more likely to hear about my spots. Personal liberty is the key to a thriving society, so I take this very seriously. Scott makes some good points, but there is one thing missing. More and more people are joining the ranks of wildlife photographers and I think it's inevitable that more people will discover good locations when they do their homework. Scott is a great guy and I think his heart is in the right place in general. After all, he is sharing his knowledge about many other topics without reservation.
@@brucewilliamsstudio4932 Since the original post, I've changed/hardened my stance a bit - meaning I no longer share my location after having photographed two rare species this spring. Most people don't grow in their photographic ethics as fast as they do (if ever) than then do in the photographic talent. Best to you!
@@HalMoran Hal, that makes total sense with rare or endangered species. Like most things in life, there are exceptions.
Fantastic and very informative video Scott! Your point about expectations is spot on. I went on a 5-day workshop that included a stay at a cabin. Although the photography component of the workshop was good, the accommodations were an “overpromise, underdeliver” situation. In short, the rooming/sleeping conditions were not good. In the advertising for the workshop, some key statements should have been included about the rooming situation, which would have made my expectations more realistic. It is absolutely critical to describe the workshop conditions and expectations in a realistic way or otherwise, your clients can become very dissatisfied. Would be great for you to have a follow-up video on extended workshops that include travel from both the client and workshop leader perspective.
Good to see you doing well with what is a hobby, or in our case a passion. Regards Peter.
Thanks Peter, good to hear from you!
I was really, really glad you spent the time to talk about ethics. So, so important. You probably know Melissa Groo that really promotes ethics. There are simply people who want the photo at all cost and will be pissed if not allowed to step over bounds.
One story (could give many). When there was a Black-throated Gray Warbler in Berks County, there were birders that would walk all over the land owners property to see the bird even though it was visible from the road. A friend became cop trying to keep people from not walking in the yard. People even swore at her. One person from Western Pennsylvania said he was a serious birder and had every right to walk where he wanted. Hope he tried that in Texas! That was before the bird photography craze, so could just imagine what that would be like today.
Excellent video.
I took a friend once to see barn owls, then found he was taking other and charging them, no prob. But after a few years of me trying to see a rare bide at different location. My friend had a great photo of one, when I asked him about it, he just said private land
Scott, every video you put out is excellent and this is no exception. Thanks so much for providing such interesting content!
Scott, great comprehensive coverage of the topic. I think following the information from the other videos, I feel certain that I have no idea to host a wildlife photography seminar. My skills are just too underdeveloped at this point. I have led birdwatching trips locally with Audubon, so feel comfortable in those settings but when you would be required to produce like a birding guide, no thank you. Too much pressure. And....like you, some places are best left to low foot traffic and for me only.
Great footage. You are giving a lot of information to think about.
I just love your content. The honestly is refreshing just awesome to hear such a commitment
at 18:00 you ask if you missed anything obvious. For me, the biggest barrier to overcome when considering doing workshops is procuring permits from the agency or department that owns the land. I mean, if I want to host a workshop in State Forest land, then I need to get a permit from that particular State Forest to conduct business on their land. Ditto for State Park land, National Forest land, National Recreation Area land, etc. Ditto also for any land administered over by conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, etc. Basically any land at all that is open to the public, you need a permit to conduct any type of business, especially so if you bring clients onto the property where there are potential liability issues.
I actually thought that discussing this permit issue would be the biggest talking point in this video. And I'm surprised it wasn't even brought up. This is the one thing I really need advice on - advice that comes from experience. I could really use your insights in this part of the business end of hosting photography workshops.
Great point and they locations I personally use do not require permitting. Since I do one on one in remote areas, I doubt anyone would suspect any activity was even a business. That said I know of people that were running workshops on state land in NJ and they needed to get permits to use. Usually under 50dollars.
@@WildlifeInspired "I know people running workshops on state land in New Jersey ...." ..... sounds like Ray
A great conversation about a what could lead to you as a host feeling uncomfortable regarding ethics and expectations as well as the scenario you mentioned that someone says this is my spot, you are intruding even though it is public space. Regarding costs, many don't really look at the intangibles, how many people say "Well that Carpenter want's way to much to build my deck" not thinking he has to have Workmans compensation for his/her employees as well as liability insurance or providing general insurance etc., so they decide to have a friend help them build the deck and the friend gets hurt, guess who is not your friend anymore if their insurance refuses to pay the bill, is it worth it? For me having taught classes for skills relative to my former employers needs, I would maybe do classroom instruction and seminars vs field work, might have to get liability if someone gets a paper cut, maybe.🙂 Great topic, excellent as usual.- Jeff
This was really informative. I've considered participating in wildlife photography workshops. I like that you point out the ethical side of wildlife photography as well.
Great video, Scott. I always have a problem with timelines to be an expert. There is the 10,000 hour rule that was based on the study of musicians. Your four rule really bothered me. I have owned my camera for fours but from new my shutter count is only 1,800. So I am no expert. Yet there is a young guy who has a shutter count of 149,000 and basically wore out a body in a year. His pictures are fantastic. He has taught me a lot. I think shutter count like hours for a musician should be the gauge for expert status.
I agree. I think I tried to make a point that the 4-5 years means regularly consistent part time shooting. Thousands of hours seems about right for developing most skills.
I live in a very historic area. I seriously thought about offering a workshop and even scouted out the best locations. Then all the things you mentioned started coming up in my plan and I just had to reconsider and end my plan. I also had an issue with a guy that showed up to his fishing spot, but that’s another story.
😁 3x 3😂😂😂😢😂❤😂😂
Public land. Interesting conversation. Back in my hunting days, which happened to be when I had little money, I hunted almost primarily on public lands. One of the things that you accepted was that any good spot was open to anyone. No matter how often you came or even when you made modifications to make it easier, it was still public land.
Occasionally, I would run into people who believed they owned that section of public land. When dealing with someone carrying a gun instead of a camera, you must exercise common sense and caution.
In your case, I’d have to sit and have a conversation with the gentleman, and he would need to articulate a good reason why I should leave. If he presented a convincing reason, I’d honor his wishes. If not, we’d most likely have a problem.
Larry from Texas
You nailed it. Those are many of the reasons why I have not wanted to do guiding and/or workshops.. I will say, I had never thought about someone getting hurt and me being held responsible for it. Just add that to my list of why I don't want to do it.. If I were to ever do it when I "retire" I would do it like you're doing it. No general public, no locals etc...
I could guide and do workshops in the sax-zim bog, MN, as that area has been my stomping grounds for 35 years. Its my seasonal back yard. But yeah, the ethics issue, the locations issue, id have to sell out as well to do it.
The location thing is a big deal to me. Im mostly a private, soak it in, solo photographer and I know what it feels like to have a "honey hole" found out and overran and I don't want to do it to others.
That is one of the biggest reasons I don't share a lot of my "good" images to social media.
Photographer "friends"/ acquaintances know my general areas and its not a big deal because Im not sharing anything with a wow factor.. But when they see good or stunning images coming out of me, they'll all start figuring it out, Ill start getting "hey buddy" messages, and the places will get overrun.
Seems like a lot of the newer generation of photographers tend to not like to explore, experience nature and learn the animals... They just wanna go from shared pin to shared pin and be spoon fed.
I literally watched a guy have a minor meltdown and throw a fit a few weeks ago because he felt the trail to where great grey owl juveniles were, was impassable. There was nothing wrong with the trail 😂 He must have not wanted to get brushed with branches and weeds, or walk on boggy ground or go over or under deadfalls or something...at first he was so mad when he pulled up and found out he couldn't see them from the road, then really blew when he was told theres a trail leading back to them but then trail was not to his expectations 🤷♂️
Scott, I'm not where near ever offering any type of workshop, but I greatly appreciate you sharing this information from your perspective. My question though is about the insurance that you mentioned. Would it not be possible to simply require a waiver to release you from any liability in case of accident or injury, primarily from the perspective that you are out in the natural world? Perhaps this wouldn't absolve the need for insurance, but would need to go in tandem. I'm just curious that you didn't address this. Thanks.
Waivers are helpful but doesn't not exclude anyone from trying to sue you. Civil matters can be tough and while waivers can provide some assurance but they aren't full proof when it comes to things like negligence
I applaud your ethics. I had a friend take me to a spot for a rare to our local area species and posted a few images. I had people I know and trust inquire the location. I told them I am not in control of that information. I know many folks would and do share locations to boost their own egos. I learned long ago to not put much time into worrying about things I can do nothing about. I do find solace in knowing people that take short cuts and not in it for the long haul in short order move on to something else and stop being a problem. All we can do is do our best and know that so much is beyond our control.
I know I’m not a pro because I don’t have “secret” spots. I know which parks typically have certain species, I know where turkey virtues gather by the dozens, and I know a place where blue herons nest. I also know where some species, like osprey, hunt. But the odds of me being close enough to their fishing at the right time is pretty low. But, for the most part, I would not likely be alone at any of these places. I’ve got a long way to go.
An interesting topic. I have tried leading workshops in the past and all of the cons are why I won't do it again. But, I do like participating, so I applaud you that do lead these! As for protecting a secret spot, particularly for birds, with the popularity of birding, bird photography and the use of Ebird, it is nearly impossible to protect a spot. And then the unethical stuff starts in. Ugh.
Great information - I personally wouldn't run a workshop or participate, pay for one. Part of the fun is the "HUNT" for the Wildlife you're out to get a mug shot of. You learn so much more about animal behavior, what that particular species likes to eat, their travel patterns, etc. - I'd just miss out. I'm a lifelong outdoorsman, hunter and Wildlife Photography for me is just hunting with a different weapon, and we all get to go home alive. - I've been on guided hunts, but only because it was a state or federal requirement, like designated Wilderness areas. And your right, just because it's "PUBLIC LAND" doesn't mean it needs to be over ran, plus you're the one that has put all the leg work into finding the "HONE-HOLE" - My Elk hunting spot in Colorado is just the type of place, public but I'm not privately sharing it with anyone. Lastly, a workshop I would think would be the quickest way to destroy your hobby, I too dealt with the public every day during my professional career - I'm not taking them with me during my Photography outings, I have very good friends that also greatly enjoy Wildlife Photography, and it's rare we share spots with each other, and I'd trust these guys not to ever go back without me, and we will share migration species in some locations, but only after we've gotten our own fill. The best spots aren't always off the beaten path, they can be right under our noses, ya just got to look.
Missing your episodes with Ray Hennessey, !! Wonder if you guys have the intention to work together again!!.
Guessing that's a no
Hi Scott,
Location sharing roughly translates to guiding for free and the people who ask for locations will be the first to poach, litter or disturb the wildlife. Even if we trust the person asking it doesn’t mean I trust who they trust.
Once, I shared the location of an owl only to find it dead from a small rifle shot.
It’s a hard and unapologetic no & never from me.
Money comes,ethics go !! A big big problem with photographers!.
Oh man this reminds me of a remote fly-in fishing trip we did to a Ontario Provincial park. A couple of the guys found a small river flowing into the next lake where they were reeling in fish with every cast. The next day we all went back to that spot and we’re just slaughtering them. I couple guys came from out of nowhere and walked thru our group of 8 eyeing everyone with dirty stares then disappeared back into the woods. Was that ever strange. We were dropped by float plane and miles from the nearest road or settlement and on federal land. The next day a couple of the guys went back again and sure enough had visitors from out of thin air intimidating them into leaving. Most likely indigenous locals not wanting to share their fishing hot spot with foreigners. When you hear banjos like in Deliverance it’s time to cut bait.
How do you know you’re infringing on someone’s spot? Not even talking about workshops, but what if someone somehow finds “your spot” because they also are putting in the time and work and want pictures of animals and time away from people? Like is there any tell tail signs where I can be sure I’m not laying down on the side of a lake right where a more experienced photographer would be, or that I am not getting to my spot when someone else is there too and I may ruin their day?
I think if you find any spot on your own, you are safe. My real issue is when people start posting specific locations like, "this place is amazing" even worse when the person is a casual shooter, posts a more private location, and then just really blows it for people that have enjoyed that area more isolated.
@@WildlifeInspired thanks. That helps.
Scott, very informative video. Being one that has considered doing landscape photography workshops I learned a lot from part one and part two of your video on workshops.
On the subject of insurance could a waiver form of some sort substitute for liability insurance in the field?
Thanks for saying it, experience is the absolute must. What are you actually offering to someone? If you don't have skill, communication ability and knowledge of the subject you just don't have a programme to offer. Just having people come and stand around looking at the same thing isn't going to cut it as an experience for people. Liability is real, people think I'll book a safari on the cheap with someone, and then they come to realize there is an issue and they can't make it...then what? If the leader doesn't have the appropriate coverage you're screwed. Really great video. BTW to haven't lived until you had someone ask if they can get out and walk closer to lions as they eat. A compelling thought heh.
Yikes !
I’ve been asked many times if I offer workshops, and my answer has always been “no”. I guess it was the fact that I was self-employed for 30 years that I understood that making your hobby a job is a sure-fire way to lose the enjoyment of said hobby.
Some interesting ethical considerations.
Unfortunately with "Monetization" of virtually anything sensitive compromises tend to be made. No easy solutions.
With say endangered species in national parks, there should a Govt frame work set up.
A lot of people will be unhappy but at least the framework cant be disputed.
With other public locations no real answer.
Sometimes Monetization of an area helps protect it, since revenue is generated.
All about the so called balance that never seems to work for the wildlife involved.
I have heard that some African game parks would not exist if no Monetization.
Myself I am glad I dont have to make such decisions
Just because an area is open to the public, it doesn't mean the public will respect it.
Go to any beach in Summer and see what can happen.. I would keep quiet about special locations ....
Charge your clients $1,000 to visit a speciual location and they won't tell anybody where it is !!
They won't give sonething away for free when it cost them $1,000 !!
i like your channel and you seem nice, but i dont agree with your secret locations, if its public space, like non private, i think its selfish, we as comunity need to hold together to be better, and if they are paying your fee, i understand your fear but i dont agree with that, we need to be better together