As many photographers, when I first started out I had big hopes and dreams. I thought I was a good photographer, decent at least. I started my Facebook fan page, and started networking with other photographers and prop shops. Doing so, I got very discouraged, seeing how beautiful and crisp other photog's photo's were, mine just didn't stand up next to them. I booked my first Wedding, it was a long time friend of mines wedding, and that's when I got even more discouraged. A more established photographer who I had met and worked with personally (that is all I will say) wanted to book the wedding as well, and got very upset when she told him she was going with me. He then went on to post on Facebook
"Pisses me off that these Brides book a photographer who has absolutely no talent, when there is talent sitting right in front of their face".
When I read his post, I knew it was about me. At the time, I was jealous of his work, and though he may have a reason to be saying the things he was. I had been getting more Portrait sessions, reading more books, watching more tutorials, and growing every shoot. I knew it, and I was happy with my work, even though I still had room to grow. But then again he writes
"I don't understand all these people are booking sessions with her, she has no talent".
By that time, I was out to prove something. I was out to prove that I was talented. At first, I wanted to "show him", but at the end of the day, it was for myself. I stopped looking at other people work who had already developed their skill and wishing I could be that good. I started looking at myself and seeing what I could improve, what I wasn't getting. I took a couple workshops on posing and practiced with my camera, natural lighting techniques and studio lights whenever possible. I ordered new books on editing, and spent hours on YouTube.com watching tutorials. I did my homework. I upgraded my equipment (for me, it really helped) and I am happy at the place I am at. Not trying to be cocky, but I actually blow his images out of the water now, and he has completely stopped talking to me. Truthfully, it makes me feel good, but it inst important, I would like to see him grow as well, just loose the attitude in the mean time.
I guess, the main lesson of this story is, don't listen to others that put you down. Also, don't put others down that you think aren't as good as you. Encourage them, if it bothers you that they are that bad and you think you are so much better, help them! At the end of the day all that matters is that you believe in yourself. Do not compare yourself to others, find inspiration from them to nurture your inner talent. One day, those photographers may be taking inspiration from you. You don't get that far ahead being jealous, you dig yourself into a rut! AND, no matter how good you get, you can always get better, so no giving up!
I know that I still have lessons and techniques to learn, but I am better then I was a year ago, and next year, I will be even better! I know that I have an eye for photography, but I still have more skills to learn (photography is ever growing, new techniques and lessons are to be learned everyday)
Now, here are some shots from when I first started out, over 2 years ago......
Here are some shots about a year ago....
And, here is my work today.....
As you can see, anyone can grow, you just have to believe in yourself and do your homework! I am excited to grow more over the next year!
I'm glad you posted this! This has been on my mind lately...What if you were encouraging, helping, teaching someone, and they took some of your work and put their name on it? Started acting competitive even though it was only friendship at first? What if you said something about it and the person didn't take it so well? I'm sure this happens with a lot of people, especially now that anyone who owns a camera is a photographer, or anyone who can pick up a paintbrush is an artist, or anyone with a computer and mixer is a DJ...
ReplyDeleteI had the same thing happen to me Diana. My last wedding assistant. At the end of the day, I take all of their images, and edit them, and have to put my name on them, thats why they are my assistant, they are helping me with the wedding, i even edit them. They still get theirs back, and get to edit them themselves, and use them for their own websites. I trusted my old assistant to come by the day after the wedding to give me her images. When she was copying them to my computer, she was also stealing mine. She then went on to edit and post the shots I had taken on her website, and started trying to undercut me. In this case, I asked her to take them down, because that was illegal, she didn't. I sued her for copyright infringement and won. The case was so cut and dry it didn't even go to court. I know yours inst that legal, but same story at least. My last means was taking her to court. It does happen, and it does suck. It also does make you feel bad about helping. But at the end of the day, you were the better person for trying to help. Don't let it ruin your spirit, and dont let it make you not want to help someone again!
DeleteDon't listen to the Man who thinks he has all that. He is just sore he did not get the gig. You have done some awesome pics,and I think you should not let simpleminded men worry you . You are making your mark and In my opinion are doing well at it !!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat was the whole point of this blog, not to let people bring you down. Thank you so much for the kind words!
DeleteI love this blog. I needed this. I had someone close to me cut me down pretty bad at first I was discouraged but I am now taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible and grow in everyway I can :)! It's nice to see I am not the only one who has felt this way!
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
DeleteI know you think I cut you down because of your work, but that was not the issue. You are a beginner photographer, so your work is fine for your stage. The issue was that on a number of occasions I saw photos I shot with my camera and edited on my own being posted on YOUR websites. No one knew they were mine though because you had put your watermark over them. It offended me, until I realized I should be flattered that you looked up to me and liked my work and my style. I would have preferred it if you weren't rude when I asked that you take them down. Continue learning as will I, but please, please don't steal. I know you think Art is Not Theft....but it can be, and what you did was. A friend should not EVER steal from a friend no matter what it is they are stealing. Every photographer I have told this situation to has agreed with me as well, you should have only posted YOUR stuff. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by asking you to take my work off your page, but try to remember you hurt mine by what you did and how you treated me. Hopefully this is civilized, not trying to argue, but my purpose was not to cut you down, but to protect myself and what I've worked for. If I became an architect, you wouldn't want me to steal your job offer by using one of your designs, would you? That was my ONLY point I originally wanted to make.
I can understand why some photographers get upset. I am new myself (just started about a year ago). Photographers work hard to build a clientele and when new photogs come in charging way less than what should be charged, it hurts everyone. Not just the photogs that have been around for a while. Not only that, it seems that everyone is a photographer! lol. In my small town alone, I have met 13 other photographers that have just started out. My town has one high school for the 4 counties around here (just to give you an example of how small we are). Never the less, people should not be rude or negative about the new photographers. Especially those that take the time to learn and improve.
ReplyDelete