Last week, Atlanta-based music photographer and noted blogger Zack Arias posted a partly sobering and partially hilarious blog post that has received a great deal of attention (all of Zack’s posts should receive a great deal of attention). Zack described a moment of apprehension and anxiety similar to those that we all deal with as small business people, that moment when a day job sounds like a good idea and the stresses of running our own businesses can really creep up on us. Thankfully, Zack also made it very clear that he had no intention of leaving photography and that this was merely a momentary reaction to stress. We all have that little voice somewhere in the back of our head that wants to undermine our desires and prevent us from taking chances. That unevolved chunk of animal brain cells that craves survival and an absence of risks is always telling us to play it safe. We need to make a conscious effort to stifle this ingrained self-sabotage impulse and push ourselves to be more than a mere creature concerned with nothing besides its immediate survival. The second and more entertaining part of Zack’s post was a rather comical but poignant rant about the abject pointlessness of generic “Top Ten Ways to Become a Pro Photographer” lists. Zack’s primary complaint, and agreeably so, is that these lists tend to offer advice that is so below the “should not need to be said” as to be insulting and useless. Tips like “breath”, “get a portfolio” and “think about getting some business cards” don’t really provide any benefit and are, as Zack says, an exercise in making more noise than signal.
It is true that some things do go without saying. Sadly, it is also true that some thing should go without saying. These lists of very obvious and very trite suggestions on how to better your career leave a lot to be desired in terms of usable content, but what about a list of common behaviors that can hurt you? It goes without saying that these ideas are just as basic and simple as their counterparts that angered Zack Arias so much last week, and they too should go without saying, but sadly these patterns of behavior are still exhibited by so many that they call for their own top ten list.
10. Fear Technology, Dread Change
“Once a new technology rolls over you, if you’re not part of the steamroller, you’re part of the road.” -Stewart Brand
The ongoing evolution of technology is a constant. In fact, the rate at which technology advances is ever quickening in pace. Ray Kurzweil’s predicated technological singularity becomes more and more of a certainty with every year that goes by and every oncoming advancement of technology. Despite the saturation of technology that betters both our personal and creative lives, there are still those resistant to any type of change, warily viewing new ideas and technologies as possible threats, or outright defaming them as a cancerous blight on the industry and their old guard view of what they perceive the industry “should” be. When digital photography started to gain widespread popularity there was a division between the camps that embraced it and those who decried it as the downfall of the photographic industry, a debate that almost seems absurd now, as even those who still choose to shoot film do so as an aesthetic choice, and with an intelligent understanding of digital technology. Later, the rise of digital distribution and social media made waves with photographers to whom these concepts were foreign and frightening, while for others it was a beneficial new catalyst to creating interaction. There is no room for the reactionary Luddite in this technological world. New ideas and technologies, even if ultimately rejected, should still be examined and their beneficial content acknowledged or reworked into a form that better serves your needs. But an outright fear of change is becoming such a handicap as to be a major detriment to the industry that these purists claim to defend. Ultimately, technology is a tool, and we should be leveraging and implementing these tools to the best of our abilities. Not everyone needs to be an early adopter, but we need to let go of these fears and embrace the fact that new technology is beneficial.
9. Don’t Edit Your Work
“There is but one art, to omit.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Too often I have seen artists whose portfolios sadly contain page after page of filler or suffer from Flickr syndrome, that is, ten pages showing every single frame from a single production. The art of editing is one that has somewhat suffered from the digital revolution. The changes brought about by the digital era have led to a changing view of quantity vs content. Because we are generally no longer working with physical or cost constraints there is a tendency to over publish. 12-36 frames on a roll of film has leapt up to 32 GB memory cards that can hold hundreds of images, the physical restrictions, and page counts of a traditional book have been replaced by websites with nearly unlimited abilities to store and display images. These technological capabilities, when taken on their own merit, are nothing short of awesome and revolutionary when held against the limitations of the past. But it all comes back to the old adage “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Yes, the ability to show every frame from your latest shoot is a technological marvel, but it is the ability to hone in on that one perfect frame that perfectly expresses the story you are trying to tell or the concept you are trying to illustrate that can set you apart from all the noise out there. Showing too much work dilutes your message, especially when that work does not support your vision or stand up to the rest of your book. The need to overpopulate your portfolio shows a lack of confidence in your own work. In the world of literature there are three-line haiku’s that have just as much profound insight and validity as a novel or epic poem, a book is not better just because it has more pages. Always strive to show amazing work, not impress people with your page count.
8. Only Make Images for Other People
“We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves to be like other people.” -Arthur Schopenhauer
How can you enjoy your successes if you don’t enjoy what you do? Success can be measured in more than just dollar signs, so never let go of the passions that drove you to become a photographer (or any other discipline of creative, for that matter) in the first place. Make sure that you always bring something of yourself to your work. Care about what you create, feed your passion into it, show your drive to excel, prove your unique vision, and make yourself an integral part of what you make. If your main niche of photography lacks a lot of creative involvement then go out and shoot personal work for yourself. Photography is a difficult career path to choose. The ones that excel are the ones with the love and desire to do this so badly that even when it seems impossible they keep moving forward and loving the act of creating images. They keep growing and learning and getting better at what they do because they care so much. If you lose your love of what you do, what you are left with is just a job you hate, and I can think of better paying jobs to hate than photography. If you don’t like the types of assignments you are getting from clients then go and shoot a new body of work for yourself, work that showcases your interests and talents, work that you can show to prospective clients to start getting the type of assignments you want to be doing.
7. Put More Importance On Your Gear Than Your Work
“A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop. ” -Robert Hughes
If I have to read one more forum exchange on why Canon is better than Nikon or see another discussion about a great emotionally charged image where the first question is “what camera was this shot with? What f/stop was this shot at?” I will be forced to scream until my vocal cords go on strike. We cannot afford to be mere technicians. The knowledge and ability to become a great technical photographer is easily accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort to learn it. When you reduce a creative endeavor to a purely technical exercise you remove all the magic and emotion from it. Technique is important but often needs to be secondary to the intangibles of photography. Those personal creative choices that we make within each image are what makes our work stand out, these unique visions and opinions are what sets us apart from other photographers. Our creative abilities and outlooks are the true value we bring to our clients, more than being able to produce a technically perfect, but lifeless, image.
6. Play the Victim
“Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the non-pharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.” -John W. Gardner
Nothing can rob you of momentum worse than wallowing in self-pity. I have seen photographers despairing about the state of their business and making poorly thought-out decisions based on depression with a sort of masochistic enthusiasm reminiscent of a junkie craving their next fix. I speak with people from all creative fields who seal their fate before they even try to realize it. The logic of this baffles me sometimes. I have seen photographers who won’t market their work because they are sure buyers won’t like it. I have seen people afraid to make cold calls because they are banking on rejection. I have seen creatives slash their rates to poverty levels before a potential client had even responded to the initial quote out of fear of rejection. These same creatives are the first ones to start complaining about the industry, clients, or the work of others. The fact is, being negative is easy, and addictive. Sour grapes is a bitter taste, but one that some people seem to love. Do not rob yourself of opportunities through inaction. People may very well say no to you, but if you don’t ask I can guarantee they will never say yes.
5. Don’t Share, Don’t Learn
“Talent is always conscious of its own abundance, and does not object to sharing.” -Alexander Solzhenitsyn
Chase Jarvis recently related a story during his recent Photo Expo keynote address that during his early career he developed a policy of transparency in which he began to share his creative and technical methods with others. Several of the more established photographers in his Seattle market took a great deal of offense to him sharing this type of info with amateurs, beginners, and outsiders. Some were so bothered by this act of openness and sharing that they went so far as to physically threaten Chase. We are a community of creatives. By sharing and learning from each other we enrich the industry as a whole, increase the level of discourse about photography and business, and all benefit as a result. We are not magicians revealing a trick to outsiders. We are professionals and artists who are bettering the industry and quality of work overall by sharing information and by pushing and encouraging each other to be the absolute best that we can be. If you have such an issue with possible competition or your work relies on a single technique or trick, then you need to desperately re-examine your business plan and creative philosophy. Competition can be one of the most positive factors in pushing you to improve as an artist and person. It is a healthy influence that can stop you from stagnating or becoming lazy.
4. Undervalue Yourself
“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” -Oscar Wilde
Once again, the ugly beast of self-doubt makes itself known. It seems to me that one of the major issues plaguing this industry is the chronic behavior of photographers undervaluing their own work. Too many times I have had conversations with other photographers in which they described taking a job at a rate in which they actually lost money on under the justifications of “I need to work” and “You wouldn’t understand, I have to put food on the table”. This type of behavior is so detrimental and toxic, not just to the industry, but on a personal level. How can you expect your clients to place value on your work when you cannot even bring yourself to do so? Demonstrate the value that your creativity brings to others beyond bottom-line price. Your insight, vision, energy, quality of work, and ability to deliver consistently great images are all values that make you more than just a number on an invoice.
3. Neglect the Business Side
“To open a shop is easy, to keep it open is an art” – Chinese Proverb
Take a business course, join the ASMP or similar organization, or find a business mentor. I cannot stress enough that we are involved in a creative business. We must be equal parts artist and entrepreneur in this era. The only way to make sure that we can maintain the ability to keep creating work at a professional level and support ourselves is to be as well versed in the tactics of business as we are behind a camera. Learning how to deal with the basics of negotiation, insurance, managing expenses and taxes, billing, contracts, and protecting your intellectual property can be daunting, but is absolutely vital to your success as a creative professional. This is one area where having a skilled support team in the form of a knowledgeable lawyer and accountant on your side can help, but there are several aspects of business that you must learn to handle on your own as a small business person. For every photography blog you read you should be reading a business one as well.
2. Stop Growing
“Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life.” -Herbert A. Otto
Creativity relies on growth. If we stagnate our work will stop evolving and we will begin to lose our passion for what we do. Can you imagine anything more boring than going though life on autopilot? Don’t allow the safety of the status quo to lull you sleep. Make it a rule to learn something new every week and push yourself to take on personal assignments that make you uncomfortable, push youself outside of the box of your day-to-day routine. Travel, eat food that grossed you out as a kid. watch films with subtitles, and always be creating something new. When we stop growing we lose so much of ourselves to apathy and become rigid, resist change, fear the future, and we become bitter about our pasts. Change rejuvenates us and provides new opportunities. It keeps us sharp, and it keeps us from being average.
1. Be An Asshole
“A person who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person” -Dave Barry
Seriously, don’t be an asshole, even if your work is top-notch. People want to work with people that they like working with. If you make life miserable for everyone around you, no one will want to be around you. This is a lesson that transcends photography. This is a life lesson. Help others, share information, make the world better, and create. Don’t be a pushover, but don’t be a rotten prick either.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Seriously my favourite post from you so far. Thank you for the insight
Good stuff Luke. I especially liked #2 for one. I think a lot of people get stuck in a comfort zone. I think it’s important to ‘just go’ don’t overthink everything, keep your mind clear and work with what you have. It’s always better to shoot something that didn’t work (and learn from it) than to keep doing the same thing
I Agree Zack, I am glad you share that sentiment. It goes along so well with the whole idea that It is ok to Suck, which I truly believe is one of the greatest lessons a creative can ever learn. If all you ever create is the same successful, but redundant works over and over you will never grow as an artist. Making mistakes and experimenting outside of our comfort zone allows us the freedom to grow through errors. It it tied in closely with #9 as well. Just because you made a mistake does not mean you have to show it to the world, Experiments can be just for yourself to learn from, as not everything should be published.
So many people see failure as something to be feared, when In reality, it is just a new experience to open yourself up to. Failure can be a demoralizing and crushing experience if you let yourself slip into self pity and resistance.
in a more positive light, it can be like an inoculation against fear. If you experience failure enough, and develop the mindset to let you accept and move on from it, you will get resistant to it, and then your fear of failure will start to fade. Fear of failure is often far more destructive than failure itself, it is what stops us from trying and stands in our way of taking risks and growing. I have more respect for those that tried and failed than for those that never tried at all.
Seth Godin has a great post about similar topics to this I recommend you read
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/01/quieting-the-lizard-brain.html
Yes you are so right about ‘Put More Importance On Your Gear Than Your Work’ I am always very surprised when another photographer wants to know more about my camera than the creative process. Grant
I understand it in certain situations, especially when dealing with students or people who are still developing technical skills, and in areas of post production, where techniques evolve so quickly.
But I always make it a point to stress that in this day and age it is just as important to develop a creative process as well. Impact and emotion are what resonates with people, very few people who aren’t photographers themselves will look at an image and say “I really like their choice of lens” or “what a well exposed image” to a viewer, these aspects are secondary to story, concept, and feeling. Yes technical issues must be considered, but only to the degree that they support your story or concept, in many cases discarding the “rules” is what makes an image successful.
A lot of people decry Terry Richardson (whether one likes his work or not is irrelevant) for having a simplistic and uncomplicated style, but he is able captures moments like few other photographers do. Someone could easily replicate his gear and settings, but they probably could not replicate his shot. And he has proven that he can be an exceptionally talented technical photographer when he chooses to shoot in that style. Photography is so much more than how sharp your lens is, I still think everyone should always further their technical education, but that is so that you have the options and knowledge to create whatever type of image you want, the choice will conscious, not accidental.
This is also a very important aspect to consider. As an emerging, young photographer I’ve dwelled at times about the need to have ‘ultra expensive equipment’. Most of what I’m currently using is affordable lighting, rigging, and camera gear. But it’s what I can currently afford so I make the most of what I have instead of clouding my judgement with ‘man I wish I could get that Canon’. It’s how you use what you have and your techniques, worry about how you’ll light something instead. I’ve been able to achieve fantastic images with the equipment I have and far too many people believe that there’s only one way to go. Being a successful creative is always a learning experience. If you ever come to ‘master’ something then that is the time to stop doing that something. This is also why it is important to share your knowledge of the technical and because there is so much negativity in the photography industry right now it’s even more imperative to flood the market with positive attitudes.
Excellent blog post.
This hit me today on so many levels #6 and #7 resonated with me the most. I do get frustrated at times with my gear, I would love to upgrade to the latest and greatest Canon or Nikon, but I am stuck with my good ole Olympus-E500 that I won in a contest at just the right time because it was time to upgrade from my old Olympus. I forget to be thankful that I won that camera and that it is the work horse that it is!
I have been self pitying myself. It is so seductive, self pity. I have been thinking about getting a retail job. I’ve gone as far as to apply and get a call back. Even got the phone interview. Now I am supposed to do the next step and that’s the background check. The whole time I am going through this process I am grinding my teeth because I really don’t want a regular job, especially in retail. But my thinking was well at least it’s a regular check that I could count on. Who cares if I hate it, I can do it for a little while. But if I really asked myself have I been doing everything I possibly can to market myself? No! I haven’t. Until last week, I have been going to meet up groups, art shows, networking mixers. I have already met a Creative Director and magazine Editor!
Right on with this post it was right on time! Thanks Leslie Burns of Burns Auto Parts for posting the link on Facebook page.
Awnica, I’m so glad you were able to find this post through Lesile,
Self pity can be the worst, I suffered from it for a long time, It can be such a momentum killer, but one good thing can come of it, you can realize how pointless and useless feeling that way is, and you can use that to push your self forward. Self pity is nothing more than abused anesthetic, it dulls the pain but doesn’t treat the disease.
I am so glad to hear that you are taking steps to get out there and start networking, it is a great first step, keep that momentum up and build on it. Start looking into ways to get your work in front of more and more eyes and get your name out there.
Feel free to comment any time with updates regarding your ongoing story, I would love to hear how your efforts go.
#9 hits home… struggling recently wityh the less is more concept… few great images are way better than a great load of images….
I agree with all your points.
On a similar vein, I designed a game called Rejection Therapy back in 2009 to encourage myself to get out of my comfort zone more. It was amazingly effective and enlightening (for as long as I did it).
If anyone wants to try it, it’s here: http://rejectiontherapy.com
great thoughts
This is one of the best photography-related blog posts I’ve ever seen. Seriously Luke, you hit the nail on the head in so many ways. I wish I could just issue this as required reading to every photographer.
10, 7, 6, and 3 are four things I notice way too often in this industry. I hope this article is a wake up call!
Stacy, Thanks so much for your comment.
I would have to agree that 10, 7, 6, and 3 are the issues that I see most regularly as well. These issues, coupled with some of the more serious, but less prevalent ones on the list, create a terrible negative synergy that builds and builds. Often times driving creative people away from the love of their art that first brought them to being a professional in the first place. They become the reactionary ones who have nothing positive to say about the industry or others because they have such a hard time associating any positive feelings with their business or themselves. They fear change, naysay the gains of others, self sabotage, and create a somewhat hostile environment for younger emerging photographers who they view as competition.
Instead, they should be trying to set a better example for the next generations in order to enrich the industry as whole. People who suffer from the items on this list sadly do damage to others as well as to themselves. #10 and #6 can be especially contagious. There are few things as shockingly negative as a group of photographers or artists who share these extremely negative viewpoints getting together and ranting about how the industry, economy, and technology has let them down. So often they are lightning fast to communicate their problems to other, but slow on the draw when it comes to generating or implementing solutions.
In a way I think it acts as Darwinism and natural selection for the industry. The people who keep to themselves, reject change, and/or embrace the “I’m not a businessperson, I’m an ARTEEST!” ego generally don’t last very long before flaming out. Then, of course, they play the victim and insist that they failed because of the rise of cheap DSLRs, moms with cameras, a new generation of people who don’t value prints, etc ad nauseam, instead of looking inward and trying to figure out what they did that was unsuccessful compared to the many many people who are finding huge success.
I can’t begin to count the number of times I have read a thread on DWF and just shook my head and thought “These poor people just don’t get it.” Every other day there is a “Albums are dying” or “Prints are dying” or “Social media is dying” or even “Wedding photography is dying” thread. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad. If you try and argue with them, they just call you naive and inexperienced and go back to their doom and gloom.
Those who are humble, passionate, and smart will find a way to succeed no matter what changes occur in the industry, economy, and technology.
From an aspiring photographer, thank you! I have to say, if I click through one more generic “how to be a successful photographer” list, I will scream! Does “work hard” really need to be said? Are there people out to whom that thought never occurs? Great article.
Thank you for #4 Luke. I think it is the most important step to making our industry better. Hopefully more and more photographers will learn to place value on what they do. Doing a job for “cash flow” and no margin is a quick way to go out of business. Also #7 let’s stop with the gear people. Give me a $300 camera or an $8,000 I’ll give you the same image. You might not print it as large but it will look great. Spend time investing in your ability and your business. The gear can come later.
I’m so glad you agree Eric. and that you have put one of my main points so succinctly. Cameras are tools that allow us to make creative choices, but they are not the source of our creativity.
Glad to read here from your opinions , appreciated with your summary statements . You must already through the long way became a good photographer , at end i really accept your comments as a YES , that’s true .
FANTASTIC POST! Thank you! I had to share this. This same list applies to many in our field, filmmakers specifically! Love this!!
Glad you liked it Jennn, I think so many of these also stand as life lessons in general for all creatives. I m so glad you found info that was applicable to your speciality
Great article! I agree with everything you wrote.
I have seen many people get upset when techniques are shared and find it ridiculous. There is a lot of business out there and people need to realize one person can’t steal it all.
I’m also guilty of thinking of undervaluing myself when things get slow. I refuse to do it, but the temptation can be there sometimes.
I hope a lot of people read this article. One of the best I’ve read!
That temptation is a constant force for a lot of people. we have to constantly remind ourselves of our own value in order to justify that value to our clients. If we can’t believe in ourselves than why should our clients?
“Be an asshole” Amen – some of the biggest dicks I have ever met have been fellow photographers.
Great advice Luke.
I especially like #7. I will revel in the day when someone can look at my images and tell me what camera I used. Seriously, who cares. Just shoot.
And #5? I taught college for two semesters and loved it. I learned more from teaching than I did as a student. I also loved the “a-ha” looks the students gave me when they understood a concept.
And I won’t mention #1. I hate egos and arrogance. I’ve worked with photographers that had egos with no skill to support it. It was not fun.
Thanks for the great column.
I love the way you put #7 Paul “Who cares, just shoot” Sums my whole point up in 4 words. Love it!
thanks !
I have to say, not a photographer, but #5 really smacked me in the face. I’ve held back from my mentors for fear of having my plans shot down, been so selfish of my ideas I was terrified to strike up a relationship with anyone in my field, because I didn’t want them stealing my ideas. But as you said, [paraphrasing] if you only have one trick you suck. Since reading your post a week ago, I not only have been more open with my mentor, I’ve also struck up 3 partnerships with people I previously would’ve considered competition and would’ve avoided like the plague. Miracle of miracles they want to help make MY services better and make me money!
So thank you!
Ang
Thats great news, glad you are opening up to others and it is improving your business and expanding your support network.
What field is it you are working in? I would love to know how these ideas are helping others outside of photography
I’m a wedding planner/coach, they’re both scary competitive fields but I’ve found that people in the coaching aspect especially love a joint venture.
I think something that could maybe be added in on this list is “act like a diva.”
Excellent post. I am a scientist and thereby only kind of a creative professional, still I profitted quite a bit from your written consideration. I particularly liked your quotes for each bullet.
Thanks from Switzerland,
Martin
Excellent post !!! It is not easy to be a full time photographer !!!!
Truly impressive
Wow! What an eye opener Thanks
Wow, I thanked God for allowing me to find and read this post. . . great advice for aspiring professionals and established photographers. Very encouraging to read and I hope to put into practice everything you wrote! I needed to read this, Thank you again.
This is worded perfectly. Beautifully written. We need more people in this world with your perspective on life. I don’t know who you are and I have so much respect for you as a person after having read this article. What incredible points you have, that like you say, not only apply to photography, but to general laws of life. Bravo.
Thank you!
From experience this is right on, thank you.
You’re definately right! One my friend one said “That’s funny, I always laugh when people say, ‘Your CAMERA takes good pictures’ and I’m thinking, “Yeah! Thanks!….My OVEN makes good food too! You should come over and try some of my oven’s food and then I can show you what kind of awesome shows my TV makes!”
There is an interesting story on related topic: http://photodoto.com/how-to-become-a-photographer-the-natural-way/ Please, check it out, I want to know your opinion.
By the way, your articles make me motivated to rock up! Thank you for inspiration!
I really needed this. The whole article, all the information and guidance. Thank you.
Thank you!
Always remember, tools are only worth what you do with them. I have long been a believer in the quote from Robert Hughes that accompanies #7.
Another that always stuck with me with me is from Teddy Roosevelt
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Zach, I have seen you take better and more interesting pictures with an iPhone than some photographers do with the top line equipment they like to brag about owning, but with which they do very little that is worth while.
Your tools are only as good as you are. Whether you have a Holga, an iPhone, a Hasselblad, or a pen and paper, the important thing is that you are out there making something happen.
I hope more young photographers pick up on the attitude that you help to spread. Keep up the good work.
I think it works both ways Stacy. There are people out there who use the converse statement “I am a business person, not an artist!” and it is equally as detrimental, we must be a hybrid of both, growing and cultivating both our business acumen and our creative outlook. Creativity is one of the best values we can demonstrate to our clients above the bottom line pricing so many expect. The fact is, if you can deliver a creative and fresh product to a client that is more valuable to them in the long run than something generic, than you are one step closer to justifying your rates through demonstrated value.
I have come to detest in many ways, a phrase that has become the all encompassing excuse for negativity “I am not being negative, I am being realistic” It is the prime de-motivator, the bullet proof vest to their argument, and instantly puts others in an adversarial position. The most interesting thing about people like this is their openness about how bitter or disappointed they are with their situation, and how closed off they are to any suggestion of help of proactive solutions. which seems more than a little unrealistic to me. If your old methods are not working, adapt, find something new and make it work for you.
Even worse, sometimes its not their business or marketing plan that needs revamping, but their attitude. It goes back to #1, no one wants to work with an asshole, likewise, no one wants to work with someone so depressing or negative. People forget that their attitudes can paint a picture of who they are to people. How would a client feel hearing a photographers negative rants about agencies or about the industry or new technology. It puts up a red flag about you in the mind of someone who might have hired you had your attitude not been so bad, someone that is looking for a provider to bring energy and creativity to their project.
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