first impressions of other photographers
Discussion
has anyone else noticed this behaviour...
when I am introduced to someone and told they are a phoographer, or that they take photos, I always assume that they are no good, until either someone I trust tells me their provenance, or I can tell from talking to them, or I see some of their work. I know this is pretty stupid and arrogant, but it's like being told someone can sing, often they go to a kareoke bar at the weekend.
i also know that it's not just me that does it, as I have been very aware of being on the receiving end of things on quite a few occasions. this doesn't really bother me too much, and sometimes it's amusing, but i do occasionally wish the person i'm talking to to take me a bit more seriously. one time during the summer I was in the company of quite a few car mag snappers, one of whom had his new d2x to play with. we had a brief chat in which I told him I wasn't a fan of the camera, for various reasons. To say he wasn't impressed would be an understaement! :hehe:
Is this an affliction only amongst the "Pros"?
when I am introduced to someone and told they are a phoographer, or that they take photos, I always assume that they are no good, until either someone I trust tells me their provenance, or I can tell from talking to them, or I see some of their work. I know this is pretty stupid and arrogant, but it's like being told someone can sing, often they go to a kareoke bar at the weekend.
i also know that it's not just me that does it, as I have been very aware of being on the receiving end of things on quite a few occasions. this doesn't really bother me too much, and sometimes it's amusing, but i do occasionally wish the person i'm talking to to take me a bit more seriously. one time during the summer I was in the company of quite a few car mag snappers, one of whom had his new d2x to play with. we had a brief chat in which I told him I wasn't a fan of the camera, for various reasons. To say he wasn't impressed would be an understaement! :hehe:
Is this an affliction only amongst the "Pros"?
Dunno. I know that I've bounded up to a few people at places like Virginia Waters to find out what camera they're using and ask about this, that or the other. It's not until afterwards that I've thought "maybe they haven't got a clue what they're doing after all"!!!! So, if anything, I'm the opposite!!!
Tend to do the same with TVRs. I usually realise a bit later that maybe the poor owner doesn't want some "nutter" come traipsing up asking questions
As a 'semi-pro' - in that companies/people pay me to take photos but it's certainly not a living, more a good hobby that's evolved to pay a few hundred pounds now and then - I feel like a small fish in a big pond. So if I'm dealing with a (truly) professional photographer I'm happy to listen because I'm well aware of my place in the big scheme of things.
We are all 'photographers', but one acid test I think is if people will pay you to do it. That means you can't be too bad
>> Edited by simpo two on Friday 30th September 23:34
We are all 'photographers', but one acid test I think is if people will pay you to do it. That means you can't be too bad
>> Edited by simpo two on Friday 30th September 23:34
You know what, I'm like that. Not that I'm a wonderful photographer myself, but at least I have a one or two keepers to my name.
You're right - I always assume that any "photographer" I'm told about (unless it is from a photographer who I have deemed to be of a sufficient standard) is always crap. Or at least until proven otherwise.
I guess it stems from the proliferation of digital cameras and the modern "everyone can be a photographer" syndrome. I guess at the end of the day if anyone practices any ounce of creative thought behind any of the pictures they take, they are photographers. You don't need to have a DSLR, or know about arpetures and shutter speeds to take good pictures.
This is frankly bad behaviour, and now that you've pointed it out and I realise I'm like that, I'm going to try and stop it. It's terrible.
Thanks.
You're right - I always assume that any "photographer" I'm told about (unless it is from a photographer who I have deemed to be of a sufficient standard) is always crap. Or at least until proven otherwise.
I guess it stems from the proliferation of digital cameras and the modern "everyone can be a photographer" syndrome. I guess at the end of the day if anyone practices any ounce of creative thought behind any of the pictures they take, they are photographers. You don't need to have a DSLR, or know about arpetures and shutter speeds to take good pictures.
This is frankly bad behaviour, and now that you've pointed it out and I realise I'm like that, I'm going to try and stop it. It's terrible.
Thanks.
One can go through life in one of two ways:
Assuming that the glass if half full, that people will do what they say they will do, that people can do what they say they can and that everyone you meet will have something of interest to say.
Or
Assuming that the glass is half empty, that people will say they will do something and will not, that people will say they can do something and cannot and that everyone new you meet will be a bore.
Its just so much more pleasant believing the former and being occasionally dissappointed.
Assuming that the glass if half full, that people will do what they say they will do, that people can do what they say they can and that everyone you meet will have something of interest to say.
Or
Assuming that the glass is half empty, that people will say they will do something and will not, that people will say they can do something and cannot and that everyone new you meet will be a bore.
Its just so much more pleasant believing the former and being occasionally dissappointed.
simpo two said:
I feel like a small fish in a big pond & I am aware of my place in the big scheme of things.
Don't sell yourself short, John, the only difference between you and them is they've bitten the bullit and diched thier full time job. There are a lot of 'pro' photographers out there that are good at one discipline, say weddings or studio portraits, and are rubbish at everything else. You could teach them a lot, so who's to say that if one is a 'pro photographer' you must be better than all those who aren't?
Martin
V6GTO said:
I feel like a small fish in a big pond & I am aware of my place in the big scheme of things.
Don't sell yourself short, John, the only difference between you and them is they've bitten the bullit and diched thier full time job. There are a lot of 'pro' photographers out there that are good at one discipline, say weddings or studio portraits, and are rubbish at everything else. You could teach them a lot, so who's to say that if one is a 'pro photographer' you must be better than all those who aren't?
Martin
of course - the term Pro doesn't infer skill
When introduced to someone who is a photographer I assume that they are rather good. I guess it is because it is a highly competative business so you have to be a half way decent photographer or a very good businessman/woman to stay afloat.
My first question is usually, "What sort of photography do you do?"
My first question is usually, "What sort of photography do you do?"
I start off when I meet all people the same, (or at least I hope I do), in that they are in the middle of a ladder. The things they do and say dictates wether they go up or down.
I find that most people interested in photography are either very honest in thier ability, or are verry modest. If someone tells me they're crap at taking pictures can mean just that, but at the same time it can mean they're OK at it or bl**dy good. I like to think it doesn't matter, they can be nice and a crap photographer (like me!)
Martin.
I find that most people interested in photography are either very honest in thier ability, or are verry modest. If someone tells me they're crap at taking pictures can mean just that, but at the same time it can mean they're OK at it or bl**dy good. I like to think it doesn't matter, they can be nice and a crap photographer (like me!
) Martin.
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