Photographers, more often than not, are a nuisance at events. Somewhere in the evolution of the culture of photography, it became acceptible for the photographer to have large presence, presumtive and arrogant. During a recent awards show for the Americana Music Association, I watched as photographer after photographer distract and preen by feigning to be invisible just below the stage while the speakers spoke and the singers sang. It was like kids playing GI Joe.

Then, one young man walked to a good spot, took his picture at the right moment, and then left. That proved it for me, there are two different ways to interact with a happening. One way is deaf to the proceedings, the other compliments the proceedings. I prefer the latter.