I have been doing some subjective reading and listening as it all pertains to photography, photographers and photographs. We each have the camera (tool) of choice, and although there is great debate on “which camera is better or best…” in reality, it comes down to brand loyalty.
Beyond all the technical comparisons, charts and graphs that show this range and ratio, it doesn’t matter how much or little one pays for a camera, when the techniques and style behind the camera is someone who is highly trained or the image is the result of a stroke of luck.
The objective in the art and business of PHOTOGRAPHY, should be to get work, not compliments from other PHOTOGRAPHERS about your PHOTOGRAPHS. Cater your work to potential clients, not to please or woo other photographers: PERIOD.
I know from experience that photographers have egos. Plain and simple. As fragile as our cameras are, so are our egos. It takes years for some to become humble, where some are forced into humility. Either way, be respectful when being honest. Your work is out there too, and up for criticism at any time.
The way to get work, is to minimize the content on your website, FaceBook albums and share useful information as it pertains to your forte or creative interest. If you are flexible with your “eye” and subject matter, offer services that cater to the needs of the potential client.
Bare in mind that, being KNOWN does not mean you are RESPECTED for your work. Some may disagree, whereas that they don’t have to respect someone or their work for PERSONAL reasons, and that is fine. What is important to keep in mind, that every business has a “grape vine” and once the word is out there, it can make or break a career, because of one negative referral or competitive dog fight with another photographer who has the ear or eye of a potential client.
I am an advocate of contracts and “covering your bases” when it comes to RELEASE FORMS and know your limits and be specific as to what you will shoot, where and when, as well as what you will be providing to your client. There are expectations of privacy in some public places (a house party is open game, unless the subject or hosts objects) or locations where people are not aware that they are being photographed (parks and beaches usually fair game) because they are popular locations for photographers. Large or small venue concerts and performances are protected and you need permission from the promoter, artist or venue. Local or Federal Police activity where you are NOT interfering with their duties and activity, is ok. Just don’t interfere with their work.
Finally, cater to the creativity of a person when critiquing their work, not them. When it become personal, the intent is lost and so is the respect for or from the other person/photographer.