An incident involving a photographer struck by a car during the outdoor racing event Sno*Drift Rally has spurred discussion and criticism over shooting practices in risky situations. Photographer G David LaClair was standing near a corner of the outdoor racing track when a vehicle lost control and spun out, slid into the brush, and directly impacted the photographer.
The collision was captured in a pair of videos, both of which are graphic in nature. In a post shared via a screenshot on Facebook, the photographer LaClair reports that he suffered a lacerated liver and broken scapulas, as well as many bruises. The incident has resulted in many pointing out that better attention to safety would have prevented the collision.
Photographers were reportedly warned not to stand on the outside of a track corner due to the risk of a car losing control
In a Facebook comment left on a video of the accident, photographer Adam Bachi explains that a mandatory safety meeting for media personnel was held before the event. During this safety meeting, photographers were reportedly warned not to stand on the outside of a track corner due to the risk of a car losing control. Whether LaClair was present in that meeting and why he chose to stand in that spot is unclear.
Discussions have focused, in part, on how future incidents like this can be avoided, including potentially having experienced photographers follow inexperienced photographers, posting warning signs in dangerous shooting spots, and having safety personnel monitor dangerous spots to turn away anyone who unwittingly positions themselves there.
Via: Fstoppers
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
