Appearance vs Client expectations

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by RLucas

Absolutely not true. Some, maybe, but not most. The interaction I have had with children regarding my tats has been nothing but positive. If anything, they get more curious, which could make for some really great shots.

As neither of us have anything more than anecdotal evidence to support the claim, it's pointless arguing the distinction between some or most. I could match you tit-for-tat* with anecdotes of children frightened by people with tattoos. Obviously there's confirmation bias on both sides. I gladly acknowledge that there are a great many kids that would be more curious than anything. Though given the general societal taboo against them, I'm willing to stand by my use of the word 'most' as a fairly soft term indicating something more than half. And if you're going to declare something absolutely untrue, you better have more than your own limited experience to back it up.


*Pun intended.

[jpel3500]

Ok, First thing off the bat, I'm a real newbie here. But I do help run a Plumbing company. I can relate to a few things said here.

Yes, you will be judged (by some) for your tats, piercings, or even long hair.

Yes, You can change that with your work, attitude, and profesionalism.

No, you won't get everyone's work. (But then, if you are clean, dressed well, or WHATEVER, you won't get everyone's work. Or attention).

No. you won't change some people's predetermined ideas, EVER!

Be yourself, Don't be fake or a car salesman (the well dressed guy! LOL) And you will probably get more work than you can handle. LOL

If everyone came to you cause they all liked you.......... you wouldn't have enough time to do it all! hehehe.

Hope that helped put things in perspective! Good Luck!


JDPelfrey

[Cypher]

I guess from all the responses it comes down to:

- How you handle yourself on a personal level
- What environment are you going to shoot and for who ?
- What area are you living in
- Are you able to adjust how you look for certain jobs that you may get

Very interesting, alot of feedback as well thanks alot for all that took the time to share there thoughts on this one much appreciated.

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

As neither of us have anything more than anecdotal evidence to support the claim, it's pointless arguing the distinction between some or most. I could match you tit-for-tat* with anecdotes of children frightened by people with tattoos. Obviously there's confirmation bias on both sides. I gladly acknowledge that there are a great many kids that would be more curious than anything. Though given the general societal taboo against them, I'm willing to stand by my use of the word 'most' as a fairly soft term indicating something more than half. And if you're going to declare something absolutely untrue, you better have more than your own limited experience to back it up.


*Pun intended.

Thanks. Point well taken. My use of "absolutely" is a habitual problem.
Pragmatic writing is not my strong suit.

[Travelsignposts]

As you say, it really depends on the type of work you're looking for. I've done most of my work as a corporate photographer, and have also hired photographers when a creative director. Obviously, the work counts above all, but coming a close second is reliability. You're running a business, and that business is producing a result for your clients. They have to believe you will do that for them. Look at it from their point of view. They're not just investing money in you (the cost of the shoot) but also a slice of their own business credibility. You have to market yourself in a way that tells them you are the solution to the "problem" they are facing, and that you can be trusted to come up with the goods. And don't forget, when they hire you to go out to photograph for them, you will (to differing degrees) be seen as a representative of their company, and they will be conscious of that.

You have to develop yourself as a brand. That brand will have different levels of appeal to different people. Your choice is to seek work from people who like what you're offering, or change your brand to appeal to people whose work you want to attract. For most professional photographers the actual process of photography is just one part - and not always the major part - of their business, and this is probably true of many skills-based operations run by individuals.

Good luck!

Tony Page

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Heh.. is someone comparing himself to Zack Arias? He can pull no punches exactly because his portfolio rocks.



It seems I find more and more people that feel that way C-Kings. And I'd love to avoid a site with flash myself, but don't have the know how (yet). Can you point out some non-flash sites you love so I can check 'em out and see if I can figure out a way... I too would love to avoid that BS spinning 'loading' circle!

The Big F,

I can't think of a photography site, right now but, there's millions of sites (mostly the ones I built ) out there that are great without any Flash. Hell, we could get together and hook up a pretty amazing site.

[Sime]

I shot Metallica and photographed a Wine Tasting evening at the Tower of London (in the same week, not at the same time) - - Meet your clients neutrally and then adapt to what they're like / the assignment's like. If you give them the finished product they want, who cares what you look like as long as you don't scare children...

[odowd80]

From a wedding photography standpoint:

If you've got lots of tattoos, you probably cant hide all of them. My recommendation is to talk about it with your clients and make it part of your brand. Assure them that you are a serious professional, and get references/testimonials from past clients. The more you share yourself with your clients, the more they will want to work with you. Jasmine Star is a fantastic example of this. You want your clients to know you as a friend.

Of course, at weddings and meetings, dress professionally.