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Crappy Photographers
Okay. I'm well chastised. Sorry I asked. Thanks to those of you who gave me answers. I did a search on this, and didn't find a thread, so maybe I used the wrong words. Let me know if there are already threads. I've been noticed by a photographer recently who really wanted to work with me...and this person's stuff SUCKED. I know I can say "I'm not interested at this time" or something like that...but is there a way to nicely tell someone that they need to not quit their day job? Nov 26 06 08:07 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: This bring to mind the old adage, those in glass houses.... Nov 26 06 08:10 pm Link oopsssss Nov 26 06 08:11 pm Link Your booked for the next few weeks/months, You appreciate the interest ans will keep in touch. You will let the Photographer know when you become available......which sounds like never:-) But I would not turn down an op to improve your port. Nov 26 06 08:11 pm Link Lamonica wrote: Ya know Lamonica, I was thinking the same thing but not wanting to say it. Nov 26 06 08:11 pm Link Thanks for the responses. And I know, the those who live in glass houses bit. Which is one reason I considered not posting this. But I wanted to know, and I would hope that those who feel the same towards me would find a polite way to say "you need work" as well. Nov 26 06 08:12 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: 'A' photographer or several? "Their' worked sucked or 'his' work sucked? Had to say it since you are a teacher. Nov 26 06 08:13 pm Link It doesn't matter what you tell photographers they are people too. Some will take it with grace and some will send you nasty emails back. Just be polite and to the point. "I'm sorry but I'm not looking for your style of work in my current portfolio" And remember todays newbie could be tomorows superstar. don't burn bridges. Nov 26 06 08:15 pm Link Doug Jantz wrote: Fixed it. Nov 26 06 08:15 pm Link Mark Reese Photography wrote: So true, on so many levels. Nov 26 06 08:15 pm Link Experimental Photoworks wrote: That's exactly why I was looking for a nice way to say it. Nov 26 06 08:16 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: I'm not going to the "Glass House." All I have to say for ALL parties involved, is that is that if the person creating the image is happy with it, that's all that matters. Nov 26 06 08:17 pm Link Why do you feel the need to educate people about their mediocrity? Do you go up to strangers on the street and say, "Jeez, that's an ugly look -- hope you're not planning to have sex with anybody soon?" Just politely decline and let it go. Besides -- you never know -- you wouldn't believe the horrible unkind things that have been said about artists who go on to become one of "the greats." LucisPtera wrote: Nov 26 06 08:19 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: That's not your business, really. If they're happy doing what they're doing, or even if they aren't - either they'll improve or reality will catch up with them or they'll just keep on doing what they're doing. Your responsibility for their art begins and ends with your deciding whether or not to pose with them. Nov 26 06 08:20 pm Link "Thank you for contacting me, currenlty your (style of photographic work) (project)is not what I'm looking for in my portfolio, feel free to contact me if you have any diffrent projects in the future." oh I missed the day job part... nope non of your buisness, sorry you have no clue what they will be shooting next year. besides it may just be a fun hobby or the may honsetly be shooting low end shlock because it is fast easy to produce and sells well. Nov 26 06 08:21 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: When people write me to tell me I suck, they usually suggest I take a basic photography course or assist a "good" photographer. Nov 26 06 08:22 pm Link I don't think it's fair to criticize the photographer's portfolio, unless you expect someone/anyone to criticize yours as well. As for a nice way to say "no, thanks" there isn't really a nice way, because no is no. You can tell him you're busy, say you're not interested/it doesn't fit your portfolio, or do the typical no reply (which I don't recommend). Just tell him, "Thank you for your interest, but I'm not interested in shooting at the moment." Nov 26 06 08:22 pm Link Tell them you're dead Nov 26 06 08:24 pm Link Often photographers get better over time. I would not burn any bridges but tell him at this time you are not interested. Nov 26 06 08:31 pm Link The photographer that took this picture is rather proud to be a 'crappy photographer': http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/29 … 8629wtqvcF Nov 26 06 08:35 pm Link Wow! Nov 26 06 08:37 pm Link Just because YOU think one person's photography sucked doesn't mean everyone thinks so. So you can just say you're not interested. Everyone has different visions, different styles. Who are you to say someones work is shit or better yet that they should quit? People should NEVER quit if it's something they love. Besides everyone starts somewhere. What one person views as a masterpiece another may view it as a work of crap. Nov 26 06 08:38 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: yeah - Nov 26 06 08:40 pm Link Stop stalking me you pervert! That's what models tell me Nov 26 06 08:44 pm Link LucisPtera wrote: ::sigh:: Nov 26 06 08:57 pm Link some photogs wear many hats: job hat mr. mom hat Part-time job hat and are wanting to build their port if he/she pays you... well, that's just fine & dandy...do it! if it's tfp/cd... say 'no thanks' Nov 26 06 09:03 pm Link Jay Bowman wrote: What Jay say. Nov 26 06 09:28 pm Link Good topic here. Diplomatically truthful? Or creatively deceitful? Some people (like me) don't take likely to hints. I'd rather hear "no thank you" or "respectfully decline" than some lame sounding excuses. Nov 26 06 09:33 pm Link Jay Bowman wrote: Somebody get Jay a Tums..please.. Nov 26 06 09:39 pm Link 00siris, _Alexandra, and Experimental Photoworks said it best. Politely explaining that you are not seeking their current look/style at this time is the nicest thing you can do. It is the truth after all, isn't it? Believe me, I have encountered many of those types of photographers, however, its also good to remember that for some of them their work actually sells to certain markets. Yes, it sucks because its about as far from artistic and original as it can get, however they actually have a market and are able to put (some sort) of bread on their table with it. So "sucks" is personal interpretation at best. I feel you on those sorts of situations. They're awkward and uncomfortable to deal with. Being gracious is the best route, always. Nov 26 06 09:43 pm Link I'm a little amazed as to how shallow this thread is. Seems like to me, its more of an attempt to call attention to your portfolio then ask a legitimate question. Anyone with a general understanding of politeness (ie anyone with common sense) should know how easy it is to say "No thank you". TooCoolQueeniee wrote: Word Nov 26 06 09:47 pm Link Ummm Nov 26 06 09:55 pm Link SayCheeZ! wrote: that's too funny! Nov 26 06 10:47 pm Link I generally call it like I see it. If someone's work isn't what I need for my portfolio, I say so. No need to elaborate at that point. If it's not a paying job and it won't add to your book, just politely decline. They'll get it. Nov 27 06 04:06 am Link throw them a rate and most likely they will never bother you. win/win situation. Nov 27 06 05:08 am Link One must remember, One persons 'crap' is another persons 'art'. If someone approaches you to shoot there's absolutely no reason to be snarky or rude or vicious, just say 'Thank you but I'm not looking for that particular style right now." Anything else may serve only to induce the photographer to give up on his/her dreams and who amongst us has the right to squash another persons dreams? Nov 27 06 05:16 am Link PPRO Analyst wrote: Really? I would think a customers opinion might be important. I guess not! Nov 27 06 08:50 am Link Funny how it's okay for mediocre models to complain about crappy photographers but it's an ungodly sin for good photographers to talk shit about crappy models.. Stop trying to get free fuck'n shoots from the best photographers and pay a good photographer to shoot you then maybe your stock will raise... Now back to our regularly scheduled mayhem.. Nov 27 06 08:53 am Link LucisPtera wrote: But this is basically your original question. Guess this came full circle in a hurry. There's nothing I can tell you that others haven't. LarryB wrote: Josh Separzadeh wrote: Captured Live wrote: Frankly, unless your main interest is to draw negative attention to yourself, I would ask the MODS to terminate this thread. Nov 27 06 09:01 am Link EMG STUDIOS wrote: Ouch! lol Nov 27 06 09:03 am Link |