So this was my first TIFF press conference. It was held at the prestigious Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Don't mind me if I focus on what I believe was a lesson that I didn't get the first time around. But, I more than understand this time around. Just a little too late though.
I'll begin by stating that this was my second red carpet event with photographer status. The lesson didn't begin until the end of the event when there was an announcement made about a group shot that needed to take place on the red carpet. At any and every red carpet event there is one photographer that takes the leadership roll on the inside of the red rope. All of the other photographers can be waiting patiently for ten minutes to half an hour. Then in walks THAT photographer. At TIFF I was on the wrong side of that red rope. The lady beside me with a camera literally got shoved back a few feet so that THE photographer could get his shot. Me. … What was I doing? Yelling over the "special" photographers shoulder telling him he needs to layer the people more by getting some of the attendees to kneel down in the front. He turned back to me and said "This is the best your gong to get." (I probably should have taken that as a warning.) Yet there were late comers that eventually knelt down in the front showman style. In addition, I was trying to calm the photographer beside me as she was visibly upset that this guy had just waltzed in, pushed her back, foot shoved her camera bag, and stole her shot. I thought that the red carpeted photographer would hold the shot after he got his pics and remove himself from ours.. I thought my suggestion of layering the people would have garnered me some good will at least. NOPE! He got his five or six shots. Said thank you to the people that gathered for the group shot. He didn't say hold for a sec for the other photographers. I was stunned. The woman beside me was taking a flustered peak at her camera to see if she got a decent photograph over his shoulder. They were either crooked or didn't include the full group in the shot. Ok... Lesson learned. Next time I will not give up my status as a photographer at any event. I will make sure that those that wait for the shots have the opportunity to get them. It's not fair to those of us who waited patiently. We can see the perfect shot formulated in our mind. Then we have to go home empty handed. From now on, at invitation only media events,, my mindset is "What red rope? I don't see any rope.". I'll make sure that other photographers can see through that red rope too. I am confident that the people that invite me out to take pictures at these red carpet events expect me to get my shot. Especially, at a press conference. They want everyone to go home happy.
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By now everyone has heard of the tragedy that has happened on the Danforth. One shooter. Two people dead. Several others sent to hospital. A community left reeling. It is heartwarming to watch as the people of this community come together in as positive a frame of mind as humanly possible. There has been a memorial set up at the Alexander the Great Parkette in Greektown. People wander through, and gather around, the tiny corner park made smaller by the many flowers, candles, signs, and stuffed animals that people have contributed. The message is clear LOVE FOR ALL HATRED FROM NONE On Tuesday July 31rst, 2018 in Withrow Park a block south of the Danforth at the 416 Light Up The Night event organized by Steve Mann and Geraldine Ronan, co-hosted by Colin Mochrie and Aurora Isabelle the message was written all over a sea of white shirts. Love. Peace. Compassion
The entertainers that appeared on the stage between Colin and Aurora's comical banter (Sean Jones, Alana Bridgewater, Sharon Hampson [of Sharon. Lois, and Bram fame] and Tynomi Banks) all gave respectful performances in honour of the fact that this was a family friendly event. |