Re: No Snowshoes, No Drones, No "Double-Dipping" . . .

Given the constraints.....that all patrons must shoot from the highway, and all must ride a bus, I think that it will be incumbent on everyone to pack light. Anything you cannot hold on your lap or place under a seat or in the overhead bin is probably too much stuff. I have a small camera bag that holds 2 bodies and 3 lenses. That's what I intend to bring. Since this will be a daytime operation, I won't be bringing a tripod.

How to handle "things that can get in the way" such as tripods and drones, will be a key problem that the organizers need to solve. Most still photographers like to move around and shoot multiple angles. They usually work pretty well together because they can shoot quick, then give their spot to someone else. Videographers, on the other hand, tend to plunk down a tripod and hold a spot for long periods of time. Not a problem for a charter than can do multiple run-bys. It could be more of a conflict at an event like this, where there is a large crowd, and there are no do-overs. You can't un-plow snow.

Drones can also be a problem. Most of them have primitive cameras that shoot only wide angle. To get close-ups, they have to fly close to the subject. Doing that puts them in everyone else's photos and videos. Many charters have developed drone rules, essentially designating specific run-bys during which drone flights will be permitted. Again, with an event like a rotary run, where a particular moment could be a critical shot for everyone.....and you cannot re-do it, a drone in the wrong spot could really cause some problems. I have personally seen some people, who were actual charter participants, do some very ill-advised things like fly a drone right square into a photoline shot.

So......I'm glad I'm not running this event. Keeping 30-40 people happy is tough enough. Trying to keep 150 people happy.....well, let's try to solve world hunger first. That will be easier.

/Kevin Madore