Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Cheating

A photographer is skilled in capturing the image of relationships; relationships between a couple, or between family members or the relationship of a person to their surroundings. What photographers tend to have more difficulty with is maintaining relationships with their clients. Those interested in the artistic side of the photography tend to want to capture a great picture and move onto the next subject. There is soooooo much to capture in this world that it is hard to concentrate on one subject or subjects for a long time or for multiple times. At the very same time that that thought process is going through our heads, it is well known that artist have muses; people or things that inspire us to create beautiful images. We try to maintain a relationship with these people as much as possible. Which brings me to the topic of this blog. Cheating.

Quite often, a client will not be able to use you again. It may be because you shot them originally because you happened to be in their town and they live far away. Or maybe they could only afford your fees that one time. Or (gasp) they didn't like working with you or didn't like your finished product. The reasons are endless. These days where every picture people take or have taken end up on Facebook and sometimes you see people that you worked with displaying pictures taken by another photographer. Sometimes it's Sears-like stuff but sometimes it's professional artistic stuff and then we photogs feel cheated on....well at least I do! Hahahaha As I mentioned, I know that there are many factors that go into a client using another photographer but it's always a weird feeling to see someone that you were able to create amazing images with using someone else. But should I? Do fashion photographers feel a tinge of jealousy when they see a model that they used show up in another persons portfolio? Probably not.

But what about the client? Do people stick with photographers like they do with , say a plumber or handyman? Do people see photographers as a dime a dozen or do people stick with good ones when they find one? Like I said, photographers have a hard time maintain relationships sometimes. Maybe it's because we're thinking about stuff like this!

As always, staying in focus...see u in the next frame.

6 comments:

Aisha G of HartlynKids said...

Don't feel cheated when folks use something like Sears. They are cheap and convenient and perfect for lack of planning - now other photographers... well, maybe...

Hayden said...

I am glad I'm not alone in that. And the photography community I so small that you almost feel like one of your colleagues stole from you. This doesn't apply to professional model but to home grown talent. I almost want to say " you're MY subject! " LOL

By the same token, I used different people for a similar photo project and I felt the need to give my first models a heads up that I was using new folk!weird right?

Rae said...

I understand the cheating feeling. It's like a bond is formed. I don't shoot people, other than the kid, so I feel it from the other side. I feel a bond with the photographers I've used and tend to shy away from using anyone else.

MamaP said...

In my experience i know a lot of really good photographers. And i love all of their they all have a different eye so, if i can afford to, i try to use them all at least once. Then there is the money factor. Sometimes no matter how much you love them you just afford to use them as regularly as you would like. That being said i alwayse feel bad fir "cheating ". If i was in New York i would so "cheat" with you at least once lol

Hayden said...

I appreciate that MamaP! I also appreciate that people understand the prices that photogs charge and make a decision based on that. Sometimes it's not the right price at that time. It's like cars: if I can't afford a Benz but I need a car, I may need to pick up a hyundai. I don't go to the Benz dealer and try to get him to give me one of his cars for the price of a Hyundai! Maybe I should try that though and see what happens....

Annamaria said...

Can I go with you to the Benz dealer when you ask for a car at a Hyundai price??? And can I photograph his reaction?? PLEASE.. I don't even care if you cheat on me! LOL

P.S. I cheated... But the pics were free so you have to forgive me.. LMAO