freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927 
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Post by freebird on Jun 26, 2014 16:00:47 GMT
This morning I had a message from someone on facebook. They were wanting to know if I could help them pick out a camera and what editing software I used for editing photos. Here's the catch. They live in a small town where I shoot A LOT OF PEOPLE. I make a boatload of cash off of this town.
I'm all for helping others when I can but I just thought that was a little much. Here's a thought, start with google.
I answered very politely of course, no need to make an enemy, but I didn't really give her any info that she couldn't figure out on her own.
smh |
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Post by CarolinaGirl71 on Jun 26, 2014 16:02:05 GMT
I'll bet she's one of those people that think your CAMERA takes good pictures, without any skill needed by the operator of the camera!
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jun 26, 2014 16:10:01 GMT
I'll bet she's one of those people that think your CAMERA takes good pictures, without any skill needed by the operator of the camera! hah.. probably. She said she was a nurse and wanted to stay at home with her kids more. I told her not to be fooled by that, that for every hour that she shoots she has 4-5 hours of back end work to do, and I assured her she'd make a lot more money as a nurse. |
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,739
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 30, 2014 16:33:31 GMT
That is a very good reply. You could also say that you do give lessons at $50/hour. Time = $$$
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Post by 1lear on Jun 30, 2014 16:38:25 GMT
Everybody seems to want to be a professional photographer. Yeah, not that easy.
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Post by mcscrapper on Jul 1, 2014 3:20:56 GMT
Just find a good point-n-shoot to recommend and tell her/ him that's what you suggest. There are also some decent free or cheap editing apps / programs out there too.
I love the "oh you have a great camera. you must take some great pictures" comments.
Yep. Just like that super duper expensive stove didn't make you a great cook either did it?
m
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,219
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Jul 1, 2014 18:37:49 GMT
My friends daughter decided that she was going to be a professional photographer. She bought a nice SLR camera and everything she shot she used the automatic mode. She really had no idea what she was doing. I saw a few of her shots. People had trees coming out from their heads. She didn't pay much attention to what was behind her subject. It was a very short lived "career".
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MizIndependent
Drama Llama
Quit your bullpoop.
Posts: 5,836
Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Jul 1, 2014 18:40:24 GMT
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Post by rumplesnat on Jul 1, 2014 18:59:46 GMT
Are you sure her intent is to become your rival? Maybe she just admires your photography skills and wants to learn more and explore the hobby rather than become a competition.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,884
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Post by tracylynn on Jul 1, 2014 19:05:14 GMT
I'll bet she's one of those people that think your CAMERA takes good pictures, without any skill needed by the operator of the camera! hah.. probably. She said she was a nurse and wanted to stay at home with her kids more. I told her not to be fooled by that, that for every hour that she shoots she has 4-5 hours of back end work to do, and I assured her she'd make a lot more money as a nurse. Great reply! People don't realize the time involved! |
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Post by rune2484 on Jul 1, 2014 19:15:32 GMT
That is a very good reply. You could also say that you do give lessons at $50/hour. Time = $$$
I'd be tempted to offer lessons as well.  |
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,792
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Jul 1, 2014 19:56:04 GMT
Lol, people never cease to amaze me.
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SmartyPants
New Member
Side-eyeing you ...
Posts: 4
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Post by SmartyPants on Jul 1, 2014 19:59:17 GMT
If it was me (and it has been) I would show her. Sports photography (especially boxing for some reason) is VERY competitive and often your competition is standing elbow to elbow with you. I've noticed that the more established photographers on the ring are MUCH more willing to "share" their experience because I pose no threat to them. Even if the guy shooting for HBO taught me EVERY SINGLE THING he knows - it wouldn't matter and it wouldn't bring me to his level. It's always the hacks that seem to guard their little bit of knowledge because they're afraid to be exposed, outdone or whatever.
I've fixed people's settings, lent them more appropriate lenses, etc.
Teaching/helping THEM doesn't affect MY skill level at all. And if they end up being better than me? Then they were TRULY gifted and just needed a push in the right direction with the technical side of things.
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Post by M on Jul 1, 2014 20:29:00 GMT
Be flattered she asked you -- she must really admire your work!
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freebird
Drama Llama
'cause I'm free as a bird now
Posts: 6,927
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Post by freebird on Jul 1, 2014 20:50:30 GMT
If it was me (and it has been) I would show her. Sports photography (especially boxing for some reason) is VERY competitive and often your competition is standing elbow to elbow with you. I've noticed that the more established photographers on the ring are MUCH more willing to "share" their experience because I pose no threat to them. Even if the guy shooting for HBO taught me EVERY SINGLE THING he knows - it wouldn't matter and it wouldn't bring me to his level. It's always the hacks that seem to guard their little bit of knowledge because they're afraid to be exposed, outdone or whatever. I've fixed people's settings, lent them more appropriate lenses, etc. Teaching/helping THEM doesn't affect MY skill level at all. And if they end up being better than me? Then they were TRULY gifted and just needed a push in the right direction with the technical side of things. Sorry, no. I've helped people before and got bit in the ass *every.single.time* I'm not going to do photography 101 for someone that tells me flat out they want to start a business and be my competition. I didn't do it to anyone else when I started, I busted my ass and learned. If she wants to learn, it's not hard to figure this out by going to google and just starting there. As it stands, I'm already training an associate shooter and I'm not looking to take on any more. I love networking. LOVE it. Have some great photographer friends. I'll sit down and talk to anyone about photography. I've had ppl call me up and ask how they can make themselves better (in my shooting area), but when someone hasn't made .01% effort, I'm certainly not going to be the one to tell them how to take money out of my pocket. |
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Post by birukitty on Jul 2, 2014 1:48:59 GMT
I got to agree with Freebird 100% She knows what she's talking about. She's been running a successful business for some time now. Give this person lessons for $50.00 an hour? Ha! Freebird doesn't have the time for this! Besides, that's a drop in the bucket price wise. That's what photography classes and schools are for. I'm sorry-not yelling at the Pea who gave the suggestion-just disagreeing as another Pro photographer.
Freebird is busy being out there building her own business, running her shooting schedule, scheduling her clients, doing her post production work and the million other things that go on behind the scenes.
Freebird I think you did the right thing. There will always be these people out there who think you can automatically become a professional photographer by buying the most expensive top of the line camera and equipment. You can't. If you the person standing behind it doesn't have the talent, experience, or years of education it probably won't happen. I believe (and I'm going back to my college years of 1978 so I could be wrong) that Ansel Adams once said you could give him the cheapest box camera and he could make a masterpiece out of it. It isn't the camera. It's the person behind it. You have to put in the work.
There is no short cut. If there was, everyone would be fabulously successful and they aren't. BTW, the guy who made the surf photos and had never picked up a camera prior to the 7 years he started making those shots? I read his father was head of the photography department at a Hawaii State University (forgot which one). You can bet that guy spent those 7 years learning everything you could about photography.
Debbie in MD.
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SmartyPants
New Member
Side-eyeing you ...
Posts: 4
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Post by SmartyPants on Jul 2, 2014 1:56:53 GMT
I dunno - maybe because I'm in the NYC market and there's a photographer on every corner ? I don't see taking time to help someone out as taking money out of my pocket. I had lots of established / published photographers who took me under their wing and helped me get better - but teaching me didn't make them lose their skills.
I still don't know WHY they did it, maybe they saw something in me or maybe they were tired of hearing me squeal in fear every time blood drops fell on me - hell, I had Tom Casino hold my shoulders and show me how to position myself to take certain shots. He's still Tom Casino and his job at Showtime is pretty secure.
Maybe her calling you is the first step in her making an effort. I would say "hey, stop by my studio with your equipment and I'll show a few little techniques to get you started" .. or "I have a shoot planned this weekend, want to help me out by holding a reflector" ?
Sorry, no. I've helped people before and got bit in the ass *every.single.time* I'm not going to do photography 101 for someone that tells me flat out they want to start a business and be my competition. I didn't do it to anyone else when I started, I busted my ass and learned. If she wants to learn, it's not hard to figure this out by going to google and just starting there. As it stands, I'm already training an associate shooter and I'm not looking to take on any more. I love networking. LOVE it. Have some great photographer friends. I'll sit down and talk to anyone about photography. I've had ppl call me up and ask how they can make themselves better (in my shooting area), but when someone hasn't made .01% effort, I'm certainly not going to be the one to tell them how to take money out of my pocket. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 21, 2024 20:26:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2014 2:58:53 GMT
I dunno - maybe because I'm in the NYC market and there's a photographer on every corner ? I don't see taking time to help someone out as taking money out of my pocket. I had lots of established / published photographers who took me under their wing and helped me get better - but teaching me didn't make them lose their skills.
I still don't know WHY they did it, maybe they saw something in me or maybe they were tired of hearing me squeal in fear every time blood drops fell on me - hell, I had Tom Casino hold my shoulders and show me how to position myself to take certain shots. He's still Tom Casino and his job at Showtime is pretty secure. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
For photographers who are contractually tied to a specific publication, team or other identifiable 3rd party it is more likely they are required to be helpful, answer questions as part of "public relations" for that entity they represent by their presence at a venue. It isn't as magnanimous a personal gesture as you might image. If Showtime gets a letter or call that Tom Casino was rude in any way, shape or form he will be called on the carpet for it.
If you don't mind sharing what you know, great. But I also won't fault Freebird for not wanting to be a free teacher to someone in her locale. Most independent photogs don't teach in their home shooting area. They hold seminars outside their home base for a fee. I won't teach in my area for free because I KNOW how far reaching word of mouth is. My time is valuable. I don't have time to teach every one that asks and I don't want to even get it started because it becomes very difficult to cut off later. And maybe that is part of small town living that is different from NY too.
Sorry, no. I've helped people before and got bit in the ass *every.single.time* I'm not going to do photography 101 for someone that tells me flat out they want to start a business and be my competition. I didn't do it to anyone else when I started, I busted my ass and learned. If she wants to learn, it's not hard to figure this out by going to google and just starting there. As it stands, I'm already training an associate shooter and I'm not looking to take on any more. I love networking. LOVE it. Have some great photographer friends. I'll sit down and talk to anyone about photography. I've had ppl call me up and ask how they can make themselves better (in my shooting area), but when someone hasn't made .01% effort, I'm certainly not going to be the one to tell them how to take money out of my pocket. |
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