Skarkowtsky
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 p.3 #7 · Stupid People are everywhere | |
I think I subscribe to Buntaro's post. The clients seeking free work usually end up with photographs that reflect that 'rate'. Sometimes, they're even pleased with what's delivered. Of course, a trained eye can see all the shortcomings of the photographs, but the amateur who shot them, and the business who wanted them are pleased. More often than not, said clients are smaller or small business, and not likely to have commercial relationships with the well-established pros anyway. And if there does exist an amateur out there that can shoot professionally, but isn't taking the next step, and constantly lowballing, that's his or her problem for getting cheated out of compensation. Not yours. Eventually, it won't be economical for that person, and they'll quit.
The well-established pros tend to have relationships with large clients, AD's, agencies, publishers, corporations and such, and are paid appropriately. They aren't working for little to no pay. Just ask yourselves. Have you? If so, and you're complaining about it, it's your fault for having done so. It's all relevant, from the mom & pop getting freebies from enthusiasts, to the top-tier clients that pay pros handsomely for a photograph.
There's constant bitching about amateurs taking work away from the industry, when in reality, they're just snatching up the small jobs that pros hardly touched in the 'glory' days of past. I'm assistant to a large studio with a revolving staff of full-time and freelance photographers, and all their stories come in and out with them.
None of them are complaining about losing jobs. None. Because their caliber of work, and target audience of clients is something most amateurs cannot touch. Maybe I'm just fortunate enough to work with the few remaining photographers that have been 'lucky' enough to find work. I think not. Maybe these guys just stay on top of their game and also ensure that their portfolios land in front of the right people.
I've yet to see an amateur photographer land a job for a major client. I've yet to see it run in the major magazines, on billboards and the like. What I have seen is a leap in technology that makes it easier for anyone to shoot until they get something they believe is good. However, that doesn't mean it actually is good. More often than not, those types fo jobs are staffed by people with an understanding of what a photograph should be, and the amateurs are quickly phased out. I'm referring to the jobs that allow you make a comfortable living in this game.
I see a lot of people shaking in their boots and pointing fingers, instead of just focusing on their craft. Some people should spend this much time in their studio, staying ahead of the curve. Then, whatever the amateurs are up to won't make a lick of difference.
The same outcry in the design world happened 10 years ago when Photoshop, of all things (not even the right software for 2/3rds of designing) became so accessible. Guess what --the amateurs have since been phased out. And the ones who survived and are still setting type in Photoshop aren't landing freelance gigs with Landor or Pentagram, they're working small time.
If it's a case of clients saying they aren't paying, walk away. Return with your portfolio, and let them see the difference in quality. If they still refuse to pay for photographs and seek freebies....FIND OTHER CLIENTS. Making a living in commercial art is a constant effort on your part. Competition is fierce. Or did some of you forget this? The rules have not changed in 40 years.
I'm tired of reading all the hissy fits. If some of you really are pros, let it go, and work. The jobs are out there for the taking.
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and was a weak effort that lacked qualification of your (equally welcome) dissent ... which your follow up post did a much better job of conveying.
