YouAreNotAPhotographer.com - Your Thoughts...?

[ChrisAdval]

I'm posting this here because the website [if you dont know about it] is showcasing "photographers" whom are in a photography business and self-proclaiming "professional photographers." They're showcasing the work the "photographers" have on their own portfolios and/or past customers submit.

My question added to your general thoughts about the blog site, is how do these "photographers" get business over more higher quality, and/or skilled photographers?

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by ChrisAdval

I'm posting this here because the website [if you dont know about it] is showcasing "photographers" whom are in a photography business and self-proclaiming "professional photographers." They're showcasing the work the "photographers" have on their own portfolios and/or past customers submit.

My question added to your general thoughts about the blog site, is how do these "photographers" get business over more higher quality, and/or skilled photographers?

It's something that puzzles me too... but I think a lot of people don't have a clue about photography and so look at it through different eyes to those of us who spend half our lives either shooting, or reading tips and tricks and getting peer review on our work.

Whilst I'll look at a pic that I think is slightly not in focus or maybe the highlights are blown, my wife might look at it and go "oh wow what a lovely pic".

Admittedly the examples on that site are somewhat more messed up than that, but even then on facebook i've seen people post awful pics and people say how amazing they are etc etc (pics quite similar to some of those on that site).

It's the same as why someone people buy a car that's clearly falling to bits, but they are just too stupid to realise or just get the 1st thing that comes along.

Lets just hope these photographers don't get much work and most people see them for what they are!

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by ChrisAdval

how do these "photographers" get business over more higher quality, and/or skilled photographers?

Would you even want many of these clients?

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Would you even want many of these clients?

If they are paying good money then why wouldn't you?

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

If they are paying good money then why wouldn't you?

Some people's money is 'good-er' than others. There are a lot of reasons to turn away paying jobs...

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Some people's money is 'good-er' than others. There are a lot of reasons to turn away paying jobs...

If you can afford to pick and choose then yes maybe I can see that, but I think most people would be happy shooting pretty much anyone if it paid the bills or gave them a bit of extra cash to buy new equipment etc

Am sure there's a saying about any business is good business. If not I'm laying claim it it

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

If you can afford to pick and choose

Others (usually successful people) may contend that you can't afford not to pick and choose.

[NathanFranke]

First rule of business is "Sell the client what they want." If they want that kind of photography, by all means, do it and cash the check. Then, don't put the images in your portfolio.

The goal is not to get on that site, but their money spends just like everyone else's.

[Biomech]

It amazes me the stuff that goes through facebook. I've seen phone photos of photos of proofs with "SAMPLE" through the middle and still people comment on the content of the photo! even though the image is REALLY blurry and faded.

Although I do have a little smile when people come out of the photo booth and immediately try photographing the shiny prints with the phones beaming LED flash :P

[dakwegmo]

When I first saw it, I thought it was funny, but after following it for a few weeks, it started to just seem bitter and petty. If they just left it to the photography, I might feel different, but too often they get into personal attacks that have nothing to do with the quality of the work. Frequently they mock photos where it's not entirely clear that the work they're criticizing is that of a self-professed professional, or simply an amateur just messing around. So, I don't go to the site anymore, and don't really feel like I'm missing anything.