photographer

Using Our Cameras and Critiquing Other Photographs

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.

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“Things I’ve Learned And Share” • Part One

July 24, 2011

“Things I’ve Learned And Share” • Part One

Recently, I had the pleasure of facilitating a photography workshop and discussion with five (5) teenage young ladies as part of a College Bound Program in my home town of Philadelphia PA through my program: Operation Give Back: Photography.
Although I am accustomed to teaching what I am good at and know, I still have challenges when presenting to a group that may not be familiar with who and why I am. I have a way which I can’t explain, that have participants appreciative of the exchange of information. Because, that’s what teaching is; an exchange.
As with most confined spaces that contain this much energy, the ability to capture and hold their attention was a challenge. And anyone that knows me, knows that I like a challenge and usually meet them head on.
On Friday-July 22, 2011, I was challenged by five personalities and ideas. Five teenage girls who at some point, before it became interesting, probably were thinking of all the “other stuff” they could he doing instead.
So, if any photographers who have never been in a “position to give back,” here’s a some steps to take that may help you when the time
comes.
Of course, it begins with using your contacts and reputation as a respected photographer to get the call, one you should accept. Follow the following steps.

1. Prepare and submit an outline and purpose of your presentation. Organizers like to have an idea of what information is to be shared.

2. Know how much time you are working with and the physical space allotted to you and the participants.

3. Create a “script” to follow, one that discusses the creative, therapeutic benefits and business side of photography but be ready to digress at a moments notice.

4. Actively listen to what they are saying and give honest and accurate information. Especially when speaking to teenagers. They will “call” you on it. Some even pretend “not to know” just to see what you know.

Now that we have got the “business” out of the way, I am going to take a break and return with:
“What I’ve Learned About Five Young Ladies”

k/d/morris – photographer

http://www.kdmorrisphotography.com

Welcome to k/d/morris photography

Hello:

k/d/morris here. Some of you are familiar with my work as a producer, poet and spoken word artist, educator and mentor. Some are familiar with my work as a photographer and some know just about everything there is to know about what I do and who I am.

Since this is our first time together in the blog world, allow me to share the intent of the content that you will be reading.

What I intend to gain from you all, in an uncensored environment is feedback about what you find most suitable to your taste and level of quality you expect from a business or service provider.

In closing and from now on, we will learn from and about each other by way of this mutual platform and informative exchanges.

Thank you

k/d/morris – Photographer