I was really disappointed at this year’s Inman Park Festival parade and the Atlanta Pride Festival parade.

Not by the parades themselves, but by the hordes of inconsiderate on-lookers who crowded the streets, crossing barriers, and even blocking the parade routes, so they could take pictures and selfies with their cameras, cell phones, and tablets.

It is unfortunate that these “photographers” have to act in such a way. Their behavior directly impacts how less-casual photographers are viewed. Most photographers will do their best to not be so obvious, to not get in the way of others. We try to be respectful of our surroundings so that everyone can enjoy the events that are unfolding.

It is sad that the proliferation of photographic equipment in so many hands demonstrates how many people are so self-centered and oblivious to others. As if we really needed evidence of those awful traits

I have one of each. Maybe even more than one.

I love taking pictures. If you’ve browsed this site you’ll find the links to my photo albums all tucked away in Google+. Use the Photo Gallery link above to check them out.

I take my devices to parades and other similar public events. I especially like parades. Parades have funny looking characters. They have celebrities. And I want my picture taken with all of them!

The best photo view I get is when I stand in the middle of the street facing the parade head-on. It usually takes me a few moments to compose the perfect shot, but as the parade slows down a bit (since I’m in the way) I can easily get everything into the frame and focused. Thanks guys!

When the celebrities come by, I just barge into the street with my cellphone, grab the celebrity and force them into my selfie-picture-taking position and snap away. I don’t let them go until I’ve taken at least four images..maybe more…just in case one of us was blinking and the picture isn’t that good. Sure, it slows them down a bit, but I’m ahead of all those other people that want to take selfies. And I don’t mind people on the sidewalk taking pictures of me. Who wouldn’t want a picture of me taking a selfie with a celebrity?

At times, I’ll also whip out my 10inch tablet and hold it in front of my face as I take a video or snap a set of pictures. I try to be thoughtful and hold the tablet up high enough so the people behind me can view the parade on my tablet screen. Since I stepped in front of them, they can’t view the parade themselves. I’m thoughtful that way.

Street barriers along the sidewalk are awesome. It’s a good reminder to know where the sidewalk is, because that’s where I don’t want to be. I’ll often create a small crowd with other avid photographers on the street in front of the barricade. It’s the best location, because it’s easier to run up to those celebrities. I would hate to have to jump the barricade every time. I’m not training for the Olympics!