Experiences with "professional" photographer on the playa ..

[smilemore]

This past year, while on the playa near LOVE we were approached by a photographer with an enormous zoom lens equipped camera. He introduced himself as Matt Scherzinger. Almost immediately two LEO's walked up (they were obviously watching him to see whom he approached) and very casually asked if everything was cool with us and discreetly verified his camera had been registered. Mr. Scherzinger asked if he could photograph the better looking of the two of us (not me) for future use on Burning Man post cards that he gifts to participants. He gave us a handful of cards from previous burns ... they were quite good. He also noted that he does not sell any of his photos nor does he post any on the web. In the spirit of believing in the inherent good of people and that of "fuck it" and add in a touch of gullibility, we gave him the go ahead. He told us that he would be sending us a package with some of the completed post cards included.

So ... here is the question: Has anyone had any experience with this guy or has anyone heard of him?

A Google search shows one link:

http://www.loupiote.com/photos/3940950172.shtml

Cheers!

[Simon of the Playa]

size matters.

[lucky420]

Oh my god, it's HUGE!

[Elderberry]

YIKES! It's the biggest one I've ever seen!

[smilemore]

Delighted by the responses so far ... how in gods name did I not see it ... dare I say ... coming?

[ygmir]

at least it has (dusty) protection.

[tatonka]

it may be big , but ya got to know how to handle it .

[TT120]

Lens envy.

[Elderberry]

I think you've probably ascertained by now that nobody thinks you did anything foolish in letting him take a few pictures of your friend. First sign is that he asked. Did he ever send you the promised cards?

[Elliot]

Some of the apparent length of that lens is just "hood" -- that is, a shade-device to keep direct sun and other unwanted light off the lens, to prevent glare. And his method of using a very long lens to control the background (and even the perspective of the primary object) is entirely legitimate.

When shooting on location it can be difficult to gather, and safeguard, all contact information. I'm guilty of failing to send photos to a number of race-car and show-car owners over the years. Not that it should be this way, but slip-ups will happen in a hectic shooting environment. I once ruined a whole shirt-pocket-notebook with my own perspiration.

That said.... I often have the thought that nobody should ever have taken photos at The Event at all. But too late for that.

[smilemore]

I think you've probably ascertained by now that nobody thinks you did anything foolish in letting him take a few pictures of your friend. First sign is that he asked. Did he ever send you the promised cards?

No we have not received anything yet ... we did receive his "card" with his email and I have sent two ... well spaced as to not pester ... emails to him with no reply as of yet. He did mention that it takes him several months to process through all of the photos, etc. I was just wondering if he is a known commodity on the playa.

Not too hung up on it all ... it's just that I saw some of his photos (in the viewfinder) during the shoot and they were magnificent ... of course I was, and remain, quite taken with the subject.

[smilemore]

...

I often have the thought that nobody should ever have taken photos at The Event at all. But too late for that.

Yes ... there is something to be said for only recording our memories with our own lenses ... in all their environmentally filtered glory isn't there?

[Elderberry]

Some of the apparent length of that lens is just "hood" --

Didn't you mean to say that it's uncut?

[Elliot]

Don't we have a thread for the pre-teen boys-room humor?

Here is an example that better illustrates the concept of a lens hood. This photographer apparently found himself needing shade on a long lens at a horse race, and improvised it out of some random debris -- maybe some magazine pages, looks like.

[smilemore]

I rarely get so many smiles from unanswered questions as I do here. I love this place!

[Elderberry]

Glad you have a good sense of humor.

[ranger magnum]

Im always leery of anyone calling themselves a professional.....

[smilemore]

Im always leery of anyone calling themselves a professional.....

Not that it matters but "professional" was my choice of word ... He never actually identified himself as such.

[GreyCoyote]

Im always leery of anyone calling themselves a professional.....

Not that it matters but "professional" was my choice of word ... He never actually identified himself as such.

Words are just labels. But I should point out that for someone who Smiles More, your profile pic looks like it needs a big dusty hug..

[smilemore]

... But I should point out that for someone who Smiles More, your profile pic looks like it needs a big dusty hug..

You know as soon as I posted that profile pic mid last year I laughed at the irony of it ... as you described, but at the time I liked the level of anonymity that it captured while still, in my modest opinion, presenting a decent image.

A new year ... a new profile pic ... taken just outside of Reno on our way to the burn.

[lucky420]

And it's a lovely pic!

[gaminwench]

This photographer took photos of us, many years ago (he's an 'official BM photog', whatever that means).
We didn't see them until spring, but they were worth waiting for.

[smilemore]

This photographer took photos of us, many years ago (he's an 'official BM photog', whatever that means).
We didn't see them until spring, but they were worth waiting for.

Now I call that a quality thread drift ... lots of smilin' AND an answer! whoo hoo!

Thanks gaminwench!

[maladroit]

Your fears are confirmed, however...you'll get the photos, but only after they've been thoroughly and obscenely violated, for profit.

[smilemore]

Your fears are confirmed, however...you'll get the photos, but only after they've been thoroughly and obscenely violated, for profit.

what else is new ...

[Simon of the Playa]

speaking of obscene violation...

[Dustdevil]

Matt is indeed a real photographer and he does give away hundreds, if not thousands of his post cards. In past years he has camped with the Pyronauts and now he camps with Brain Freeze / Got Stickers Camp within Black Rock Power COOP. He assists my team with maintaining the power grid on our block. His experience in power is with theatrical lighting and power. He has some very nice camera gear and he has been a valuable asset to our Village. He has camped with us for several years now and is generally a good guy. He has a really cool Yurt that is nicely decorated inside. You can usually find him either at the frozen margarita machine or under our shade structure when he is not taking photographs.

Jack

[smilemore]

Matt is indeed a real photographer and he does give away hundreds, if not thousands of his post cards. In past years he has camped with the Pyronauts and now he camps with Brain Freeze / Got Stickers Camp within Black Rock Power COOP. He assists my team with maintaining the power grid on our block. His experience in power is with theatrical lighting and power. He has some very nice camera gear and he has been a valuable asset to our Village. He has camped with us for several years now and is generally a good guy. He has a really cool Yurt that is nicely decorated inside. You can usually find him either at the frozen margarita machine or under our shade structure when he is not taking photographs.

Jack

Thanks for the note Jack. We did have a comfortable feeling about him ... the impetus for the thread is that we are looking forward to seeing what he has captured ... not so much flattering as revealing ... as is the case often with accomplished photographers.

Cheers

[FlyingMonkey]

For some reason I can't see any of the photos in this thread & let me tell you it's much more entertaining that way. It took me a while to realize you were referring to his well endowed camera.

[some seeing eye]

Stay dusty my friend...


The burning man brand is us and we pay to be spokesmodels.