Plane spotters controversy

[Colbytheplaneguy]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

[Mike]

I've no idea what you're asking for, could you be more specific please?

Do you mean 'thought process'?

[reaper493]

Do you perhaps mean thing's that plane spotters do wrong? How far they'll go for that shot/number?

[Malcolm]

NO opinion is wrong.

I'm afraid you are wrong there.

[scousefowler]

Big jet tv

[reaper493]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

Similar topic here: viewtopic.php?f=287&t=205805

But surely the difference is one has a camera, one doesn't?

- One goes with the intention of taking photos
- One goes with the intention of watching a/c and making a log
- I don't think there's a defined line between the two.

[jpickers56]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

Stepladders...

[Stroudy]

..and some go just to watch, with no camera and not taking numbers.

[acsmith117]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

I am both… I love getting the best pictures I can but use the camera and pictures to get the numbers.

[raptor9]

I am like Stroudy.And some are just enthusiasts who just take in the whole scene, everything that flies. [except UAVs]. I used to take video of Museums and shows all over the world. Threw them out last year. It is all in my head, and because of my age, most of my like minded friends are at the big airfield in the sky, so no one to show them to anyway. Does it make be sad??. Not in the slightest. Had a great time.

[steamy]

I'm just here for the show.... unless a specific aircraft is in, that's the only time I'm interested in numbers... nefarious 757's and Dorniers, that don't necessarily carry the correct ones, Nxxx reg'd aircraft with suspicious lumps etc...

I walk my son down to the train station to see the trains sometimes, he loves when they speed by... some other guys like sprinting to the end of the platform where it ramps down to track level, so they can log individual freight wagon serial codes that you can't see up on the platform

each to their own, once nobody is hurt or offended... not my cup of tea though

Photography wise, aircraft could but just someone's subject preference, like some is nature, others cars, others latex bodysuits on hooded males, whatever floats your boat...

Do some mix the two, of course.... do some do it separately, of course.... who cares at the end of the day, there's no right or wrong

I work in telecoms and actually find antenna structures quite and interesting subject, particularly camouflage techniques in usually urban areas.... there's a weird photography subject for you

[Dan214sqn]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

Stepladders...

[Blackcat1]

I call myself both . I like taking photos but I'm also happy to watch them , especially at low level in the hills, for me taking photos limits the excitement , so on occasions when there are low level jets around Im happy just to watch and get the thrill

[Philly1971]

I am with steamy and Blackcat. I love the speed, noise and power of jets, and a merlin engine of course. That goes for trains as well, would always prefer to see a train at speed rather than static. Yes I also take pictures or video, mostly badly, of which I am trying to improve. A question for the real photographers on here, do you take pictures of planes because getting a moving target is more satisfying, or just because you love photographing aviation?

[Nighthawke]

What do you mean by "real photographer"? More controversy looming?

[Mike]

Guys, please be aware that the original poster of this thread edited the entire 1st post and it is now completely different from what it originally was. He only edited it when he got replies enquiring what he was talking about!

[Freeman Lowell]

question:
what defines a plane spotter from a plane photographer?
i personally don't know but would like to!

Dunno. It's all shades of grey now, in this hobby.
Freeman

[big john]

Plane photographers are professionals who sell their pictures for profit. Everyone else is a form of spotter.
Because spotter is used as a derogatory term by some 'people', those who pursue the hobby look for alternative names for what they do.

[Spur 11]

Personally I'm not bothered whether someone takes pictures, numbers, just watches or a mix of all three. What bothers me is poor fencelibe behaviour which will lead to spotting locations being closed or made inaccessible by the local landowners. Sadly it happens at every base. Poor parking, littering and leaning ladders against the fence and more. Sign of the times I guess

[PeteHemsley]

Jamie Hunter..... Photographer
Hesja..... Photographer
COAP team.... Photographers

Pretty much everyone else..... Spotters