I have to be honest. I don’t remember where I found that particular photograph (or I would give the photographer credit), but it’s not mine. It just illustrated the concept so perfectly . . . .

I suspect that just about all of us have seen this little bit of social behavior at work – either as the photographer attracting the swarm of folks hoping to capture the same shot, or as members of the swarm!

I can relate to your reaction of refusing to go along. I cope with it in three ways depending upon the situation. Sometimes if I see a lot of people stopping to photograph some subject I just keep going. At other times I’ll stop and think about what I’m seeing and then make a point of producing a photograph that focuses on some element of the scene that is not obvious, perhaps some detail that could become a photograph itself. On occasion, I’ll admit that I just have to give in though. On some rare occasions there is a reason why everyone is stopping and it is worth joining the throng.

By the way, I love the photo you included to illustrate your piece. There’s more going on in that image than might initially meet the eye.

Take care,

Dan

Angie