An amateur photographer who was told to put her 'professional' camera away at the recent annual Crufts dog show because she didn't have a press pass, should not have been dealt with that way, according James Skinner of the Crufts press office.

The photographer, Sharon, was attempting to use a professional category Olympus Zuiko Digital 90-250mm f/2.8 lens at the show, which she had rented for the occasion from the [URL="http://e-group.uk.net/hire"]hire[/URL] service on our sibling [URL="http://e-group.uk.net"]Olympus UK E-System User Group[/URL] website. The 90-250 is a large and heavy lens that you would associate with sports photographers and the paparazzi. Sharon didn't have a press pass and an official told her to stop using it for this reason.

On Sharon's behalf we contacted the Crufts press office to get justification for her treatment. The welcome response was that she should not have been told she couldn't use the lens, instead she should have been directed to the press office to obtain permission to take photographs and to sign documentation limiting commercial and other uses of the her photographs.

Sharon was delighted at the news and now looks forward to next year's show with less trepidation. If you are planning to visit Crufts in future, and wish to use a professional-looking camera, it's advised that you consult the Crufts press office before you go.