Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Since watching an interview with George Pimentel on television several years back, I have developed a strong admiration for what he does. Yes, he is a celebrity photographer but when he isn't out on the town with his gear, he works with his father in a studio in Little Portugal. I'm sure that it is possible to get a passport photo done by one of the Pimentel men or to get a formal family portrait done.

Here is a story that ran in today's Star. I think that what makes him successful and star-friendly is his respect for the subject, something woefully missing in today's hunt for the money shot.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/ti ... cle/693000

I have always had an interest in what he does. I think he has a cool job.

While he always maintains he is celeb friendly (I see this in every media piece on him), I have heard from many other photographers that he isn't all that friendly to others.

I got the chance to go to an event this year where he was shooting. I was watching him lots and he is very, very aggressive. He acts like he owns the entire carpet.

Also, last year at TIFF, I went to Roy Thomson Hall almost every day after work to shoot from across the street. He always had lots of territory and hogged the best spots.

I guess he's earned his rep by working very hard and smart.

True.

You have to be aggressive in this business to survive and deliver good photos. That doesn't mean you need to be rude. Just firm and strict.
It's like in my field. A ton of Uncle Bobs with cameras at every wedding. Florists that think they are the next pro and keep running in front of you, trying to take a photo of the couple with their flowers.
If they are in on my way, I don't have a problem telling them to put the camera in their bag and keep it there... Last thing you would want to do is make excuses to your client about why you couldn't take a shot.
And let me tell you...not every uncle Bob wants to listen to you. Chances are they may even tell their friends how rude I was by not allowing them to take pictures. As we all know, there is always another side to the story.

Cheers,
Dmitri

There is a documentary made by the National Film Board about Pimentel and his father. It's worth watching, especially for the scene where his father says that he is not too certain about his son's profession.

Great photography documentary and father-son story.

I think personally his an okay guy.

Professionally, I hear he's a jerk.

I can understand that if you are a wedding photog how upset you can get when other photogs get in your way as you are the only paid photog there. But at an event, when most of the accredited photogs are paid to get the shot and you have this guy walking all over it is a different story.

Rumor is, when Getty took over Wireimage, George was on the out as many of the Getty people did not like him. Which is most likely why he was not given credentials at this years Cannes Film Festival.

From personal experience, that isn't true at all.

Maybe in a venue where he has to battle with other photogs to get the money shot, I can see that happening; but then again in those cases, it's everyone for themselves anyway so I can understand.