Soooo many “photographers”
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And so little talent. I know I’m a johnny come lately in the photography world myself but I’m not actively trying to sell my works and I don’t market myself as a “photographer”. I’m working on my craft and if the opportunity comes to sell, I’ll do it. Till then I’m just having a great time.
It’s just frustrating to see all these folks marketing themselves as photographers with “ART” for sale and when you look at their blurry images you can see they don’t yet have even the basics down. Craigslist is FULL of these folks.
If I were to ever put an ad in CL the title would be “You probably can’t afford me photography” just to separate myself from all the cheap photography clowns on there. It’s outa control!
How much of this do you think are people who are not really serious about selling their work, but want to have the pretense of a business for tax purposes?
Last paragraph located here:
http://www.jaymorr.com/blog/?page_id=2The way I look at it, the digital revolution has made it affordable for anyone to get in the game. A new “tog” sprouts up every day.
Have fun, study the game, and be a professional. The rest will take care of itself and the imagery will set itself a part from the masses.
Your imagery is too good Mike to worry about what everyone else is doing or charging. I have been there and done that 😉
Focus on your style and your craft and it won’t bother you. In fact it will give you a little bit of a smile.
The people in the know….they know and see the difference and that is all that matters.
Continue to rip it!
Thanks Jay. I guess I just get a little disgusted sometimes though it’s more at myself for not putting enough effort into taking the next step and being too harsh on my own work.
Define the following.
1)Art
2)Photographer/photography
3)Success/successful
4) ProfessionalPersonally I don’t know that you can.
1)One persons “junk” is another person Art.
2) What makes a person a “photographer”? Is it strictly the ability to take “technically” correct images? So at what point do move from being a hack to a “photographer”
3) How do you define success? Is it strictly $$ earned?
4) At what point do you move from being a hack..amateur..to a “pro”Personallly much as “art” is subjective, I think many people can find their own definitions to the above.
I have my own measure of “success” that has nothing to do with how much I earn (or don’t) in any given year. Has more to do with how competitive it is and knowing that Im growing, getting consistant “business/growth”I don’t consider myself a Pro in the classical sense, others tell me I am..
To me…The definition of Professional Photographer/Writer is 75% how you conduct yourself and your “business”. The other 25% is the quality/consistancy of your work. Anyone can score a golden BB these days due the “hardware” that earns them a full page, a cover and enlarged print sale………
Can you go out tomorrow no matter the situation, lighting, conditions, time constraits and shoot something to spec and have the buyer happy enough that you continue that business….grow that relationship such that the thousands of others trying for that peice dont pull the rug out from under you?
Jay and I have talked about it a bit.
As Jay said.
If your doing your own thing, working at your “craft” always trying to learn something new, better something….and concerning yourself with just yourself…..grow, learn, at your own pace which ever that happens to be……………………………What others do/dont do, charge/dont charge, think/dont think……….
http://laurencekim.com/2011/04/28/the-photography-business-and-the-american-dream/
Interesting article on photography business in general. It hits on a few of the things you discuessed.
Good to hear from you John, it’s been awhile. Hope things are going well.
That was great Eric! Thanks.
I would definitely fall into the rushed/inexperienced category, although I am not selling my stuff per se, I am trying to get it used in online pubs and mags etc. I know that there are tons of people who have a lot more time int his deal and i feel lucky to have gotten as much attention as
CB as touched on earlier.
Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks….good or bad…The reality is the “photography” market has changed drastically in the past 5 years. Started maybe 10 years ago.
I know for a lot of Professionals (One definition is those who make a living and it’s their only/main source of income) it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
I can’t find any fault in that. Fact of the matter is, I to am one of “those” guys. People like me…you…everyone.. came along and changed the market place.Am I any less a “Professional”?
Yes in some ways, No in others.Everyone has to start somewhere. Inlcuding those very same Professionals who at one time in their lives were “those people”.
How you conduct yourself is all that really matters (imo).Act like a “Professional” in all ways, in all business dealings, in personal and “Professional” growth…..
Those that do will “succeed” on some level.
Those that don’t won’tWhile they are certainly far fewer there are still many “buyers” out there that see and recognize the value that a “professional” brings to the table vs a hack and versus someone to whom Photography is a hobby with some potential gravy.
When I started some 5-7 years ago way too many people (virtually everyone with only the rare exception) said
You can’t make it as a photographer anymore.
Maybe Im thick skinned and thick headed but Im glad I didn’t listen to them.I heeded their advice, but I was determined to prove them wrong. Not for them, not for anyone….But for myself
Does it pay me enough to put my kids through college, pay their orthodontic bills 🙂 Good god no 🙂
But in an insanely competitive market place where everyone is a “photographer” and thats true whether your in the “Outdoor” editorial market, the wedding/portrait market, the commercial market, the Pet portrait calendar market, the sports shooter market.
I am doing exceedingly well “relatively” speaking.and thats all that concerns me…That I am successful by my own measurements.
Why?
There are thousands and thousands of “shooters” trying to do the same (in every market)…some, most equally as “capable” with the end product (imagery) and some better….So what sets one person apart from the next?Take care of yourself, worry only about yourself. Not about what others think, not about the legions trying to do the same.
Be a professional. Don’t dream it. If/ when you are (not everyone want to devote that energy and thats perfectly ok to) what the thousands of others think/do/whatever won’t matter to you one iota
http://youarenotaphotographer.com/
For your amusement…
And so little talent. I know I’m a johnny come lately in the photography world myself but I’m not actively trying to sell my works and I don’t market myself as a “photographer”. I’m working on my craft and if the opportunity comes to sell, I’ll do it. Till then I’m just having a great time.
It’s just frustrating to see all these folks marketing themselves as photographers with “ART” for sale and when you look at their blurry images you can see they don’t yet have even the basics down. Craigslist is FULL of these folks.
If I were to ever put an ad in CL the title would be “You probably can’t afford me photography” just to separate myself from all the cheap photography clowns on there. It’s outa control!
I think this is a good thing. This raises the bar very high and like said somewhere above the guys who have talent will stand out above the rest of us.
A topic like this on a other forum made me look into some older film work by some of the ( on the other forum complaining) photogs and actually that work would not make it to any mag or even website now or even should not back then. So in my opinion people calling themselves a pro is not a new thing and also not only happening in photography.Great comments. I think a few things have helped me.
1. Have fun. Either love what you do or do not do it at all. The passion you put into your work is reflected in your portraits and with your clients.
2. Study the game. I mean truly study techniques, lighting, articles, reviews, workshops, practice…practice more (the more you shoot the better you get).
3. Proper planning. Take time to create and plan various shots so when the opportunities come up, you are ready.
4. Stop worrying about the competition. Instead, embrace it and find ways to be different. STYLE IS NOT BORN….it is developed!
5. DON’T BE A DICK! Stay humble and be cordial to those that are trying to become better. (I know how I have felt when it has been me on the receiving end of being snubbed by someone in the industry).
6. Look for marketing opportunities. Local events, donating work or shoots for worthy causes, facebook and social media outlets, fly fishing clubs, blogging, etc.
7. Work smarter. It is ok to turn down work. Defining the value of your photography will help you work smarter and not spread yourself to thin. Realize that everyone wants a discount on work. Establishing proper price points with your clients will save you both a lot of time and money in the long run. Most people do not enjoy working for free.
8. Set small goals and reward yourself when they are achieved. (I once had a goal to land a cover shot. It was a lot of fun and a memorable experience.)
9. When discouragement sets in look back on your progression, pick up the camera and find subjects to shoot.
10. Refine your workflow. Look for better ways to shoot and process your imagery. This goes back to #2 on the list. Most often the simple things can save huge amounts of time from shoot to post production.These 10 things were on a list I made for myself. Hopefully it helps you out and keeps you motivated to continue doing and seeking all that you want from photography.
I have found that everyone is driven by something. Some togs are driven by money, others by seeing their work in print, the challenge or innovation. I can honestly say that I have been driven by all of them….what propels me right now is the happiness I feel when I am behind a lens and working with others. The money can be great, print is fun and the people I usually meet are all rewarding.
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