How should I have handled this?

[YodaBalboa]

Ok a little back story... I have been thinking of turning my hobby into a small side job. I have done a few shoots for friends and family and have received great feedback.

Anway, I posted a topic on a message board for suggestions for names. I get this private message back saying how they looked at my facebook and saw that I didn't list a photography school in my education therefore I should leave it to the professionals. This person also told me that just pushing a button on a fancy camera doesn't make me a photographer. (I can understand the jadedness as I agree there are to many ppl out there that think there a pro cause they have an SLR).

This person signed there pm to me as some head art director of a studio, so, I figured I would be nice and respond as nicely as possible by advising I couldn't afford to go to school for photography but have been reading and reading and reading anything I can get my hands on and A LOT of trial and error! Also, I even included a photo I did a few days ago of my friends new born baby to show and example of my work.

I actually added him as a friend on facebook and turns out this kid is 19 and I googled this "studio" and found nothing.

Once I saw this I was a little pissed.

So should I leave it as is or should I say something?

[SusanH1970]

Honestly, I'd ditch him as a friend on FB and completely ignore anything he has to say. Why bother?

[Jim Bryant]

Delete that jerk!

[YodaBalboa]

Good Call!

I was going to do that but part of me wanted to let the little bugger have it! lol
He made me think I was responding to a professional and had to prove myself to him. He message was very condescending and a little rude so it took a lot to be positive and polite when I responded.

Anyway, thanks for the replies! I will let it slide and just delete him Best scenario for everyone!

[candleman]

good call.
/delete
/block

besides.. a qualification means nothing.. i've lost count of the number of people i've seen boasting about qualifications, affiliations and membersips.. and their work is complete crap.

[CheaperKings]

Well, at 19 there's no way he's a head art director of anything but his imagination. His "studio" probably consists of nothing more than his mothers pot-smoke-infested basement and/or garage - right between the broken Fender bass amp and Windows 98 computer gaming system with burn holes on the keyboard. He probably just traded a quarter ounce of weed for an old Kodak point-n-shoot and now, in his fumbled, bong-water hazed imagination, thinks he's Super Shooter; The Photographer!...ignore the douchebag...

[YodaBalboa]

Originally Posted by candleman

good call.
/delete
/block

besides.. a qualification means nothing.. i've lost count of the number of people i've seen boasting about qualifications, affiliations and membersips.. and their work is complete crap.

THANK YOU!!!
I very politely tried to point this out to him. He said I should leave it to "us professionals who did go to school for this".
I advised that although "pushing a button on a fancy camera doesn't make you a photographer (HIS words)" neither does a degree. I have actually studied a lot on my own time (more then I ever did in school )

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

Well, at 19 there's no way he's a head art director of anything but his imagination. His "studio" probably consists of nothing more than his mothers pot-smoke-infested basement and/or garage - right between the broken Fender bass amp and Windows 98 computer gaming system with burn holes on the keyboard. He probably just traded a quarter ounce of weed for an old Kodak point-n-shoot and now, in his fumbled, bong-water hazed imagination, thinks he's Super Shooter; The Photographer!...ignore the douchebag...

LOL! That is hilarious!

In regards to the OP, yeah, just delete the guy.

tell him to cram it with walnuts.

To hell with idiots like that.

~Eric

[m.c.adams]

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

Well, at 19 there's no way he's a head art director of anything but his imagination. His "studio" probably consists of nothing more than his mothers pot-smoke-infested basement and/or garage - right between the broken Fender bass amp and Windows 98 computer gaming system with burn holes on the keyboard. He probably just traded a quarter ounce of weed for an old Kodak point-n-shoot and now, in his fumbled, bong-water hazed imagination, thinks he's Super Shooter; The Photographer!...ignore the douchebag...

I think that pretty much says it all. Here's an idea, send him a copy of CheaperKings responce.
Mark