Just thought of a cool team idea.

[djblingbling1]

I was doing a bit of research on PMC's, and kinda came up with a cool idea for a team. I dunno if its something id do since I dont even have an airsoft gun right now, but wanted to see what people think.

One thing I read was that PMC's are sometimes hired to protect journalists. I was thinking it would be cool to have a PMC team themed around this. Have one or two guys rolling with pistols and cameras, and the rest as PMC guards. It would be a cool way to get great action shots, yet still play in a game.

[RatchetJaw]

Sounds more like a cool in game add on.
I just don't see the point in basing your team around protecting journalist's.
Great Game Idea though.

[djblingbling1]

Thats a good point, mabey it would work better as just an in game team idea. The jist of it is that it would be a cool way to get action shots without sacrificing gametime.

[Darius137]

Or have embedded reporters with teams in the game as a game mechanic. Get photographers dressed up in IBA's and helmets, that say "TV" or "Reporter" on them, though without the bright orange vests they'll get shot more than if they are just moving around as admins.

[djblingbling1]

I really think some OPs need photographers embedded with players. Wearing camo. I can not tell you how many times my position has been f**ked because some cameraman in an orange vest comes up and takes a picture of me.

Thats happened to me a lot too, which is why I think it would be cool to have photographers rolling with teams. Plus its kinda a constant protect the photographer or you wont have cool pics thing, much as we try to protect snipers or heavy gunners.

[Matt]

I always thought it would be cool to form a combat photographer team. You could travel the US (or the world) shooting video and photos at various events. You could be embedded into the action loaded out with full gear so you can shoot footage and also defend yourself and your teammates. You'd probably get to do some really awesome stuff, because whoever is promoting the OP would always want you with the most skilled team - because they'll look impressive on camera.

One reason why photographers wear orange vests is the cost of our gear. When you are snapping photos with a $3000 camera, you don't want the enemy shooting BBs in your direction and confusing you as a combatant. In the real world situations, it doesn't matter because the government bought the camera. Who cares if it gets shot, dirty, dropped, upsidedown up, as long as YOU didn't get shot. If I had a cheap backup DSLR I'd probably do more coverage while embedded into combat units... without the orange vest.

The cheapest decent quality lens is about $100. The most I've ever heard a photographer being paid to shoot an event is HALF that, if they get paid at all.

[djblingbling1]

Thats kind of the one downside, it basically limits a combat photo-journalist type to role to someone with too much money, or a cheaper camera.

[Raging Hormann]

This is a great idea, but Matt speaks the truth. My sister has a friend who is constantly upgrading their photo gear, so maybe if I can get a hold on something that's not super valuable, or is a severely obsolete model I can let you know and we can hve a better shot at making something like this happen.

Plus there's always Ebay!

[Nox]

Well, you could always skip the 3k price tagged camera and roll with a decent 6-10mp canon pocket camera.
Sure it doesnt look as cool, but are all the bells and whistles necessary when taking airsoft shots? A little postwork could be dont on the shots afterwards to give some effects normally provided in the higher end cameras, and you would only have to worry about a $120 pricetag that has a lower profile thus a smaller chance of getting tagged.
I bring a camera to games all the time along with a couple teammates and we've yet to get our pocket cameras whacked in the middle of a firefight.
Just an idea....

[Matt]

I guess, but then you are just another Airsoft player with a point and shoot camera in your pocket. There's plenty of those.

[chapped]

The cheapest decent quality lens is about $100. The most I've ever heard a photographer being paid to shoot an event is HALF that, if they get paid at all.

Aint that the truth!

[No-Name]

Well, you could always skip the 3k price tagged camera and roll with a decent 6-10mp canon pocket camera.
Sure it doesnt look as cool, but are all the bells and whistles necessary when taking airsoft shots? A little postwork could be dont on the shots afterwards to give some effects normally provided in the higher end cameras, and you would only have to worry about a $120 pricetag that has a lower profile thus a smaller chance of getting tagged.

There is a reason they are cheaper though... my 10 mp pocket point and shoot can't even fathom what my 10 mp SLR can do, plus I doubt someone would want to run around taking action shots with a point and shoot. They can be very aggravating when they can't snap the shot you want.... not to mention they suck for action shots where there is motion involved, you would only be able snap pics of stationary people.

[Bigfoot]

The cheapest decent quality lens is about $100. The most I've ever heard a photographer being paid to shoot an event is HALF that, if they get paid at all.

Aint that the truth!

Filming events is just so much fun.

[No-Name]

The cheapest decent quality lens is about $100.

Are those replacement lenses, or lenses to protect the primary lens?

He means like for a lens to put on the body... so not a replacement lens, but one that you use in rough environments where if it breaks or gets cracked it's not the end of the world

[djblingbling1]

It would be cool to make some kind of plexi cover or something, i dunno if that would effect pic quality too much though.