The animal event photography world is very very small. You can choose to be a good guy and work WITH people or you can choose to get a bad name and have people bristle when they hear it.

I am a nobody, so it is irrelevant *at this point*. What DeeDee did is exactly what one does to make good relations and long term allies.

I don't get bent out shape in general. I would if I saw someone shooting professionally and handing out cards. The free photos are problematic too, but they are less sinister than someone who is willfully taking your business.

There is a newish photographer that is doing some events and due to their EXTREMELY low pricing, I will never try and shoot those events. Their photography is decent, they basically give it away though. $2 for a full res image. Maybe volume makes up for it!

Having worked in sales my whole life, I have learned it is best not to try and force my way into anything. I can stand on my own merits.