My reason for discussing this topic right now is because of a little flurry of tweets that occurred yesterday, about this post I made the day before.
http://japanorama.co.uk/2013/01/23/on-being-a-photographer-todays-thoughts/
It was being suggested that I was bragging, being cocky about shooting for Lexus. Sitting at my desk writing something that was basically just me going 'Hey, look how good I am!!!'
I don't worry about needing everyone to like me. That would be daft and it would stop me just getting on and being myself.
But, I am a sensitive soul.
I spent twelve years in the music business: nine years as PR Director for a label. The whole twelve years was basically spent promoting musicians and their music. Learning to promote myself after being the guy who promoted other people has been a new experience and it's been tricky at times to get the balance right.
I was always more the type of person to hide my own light under a bush. Trouble is, as a freelance photographer you can't do that. If no one knows about you, doesn't hear anything from you… you may as well not exist.
Teaching photography gives me a good perspective from which to promote my own work: here is something I did, here's a little of how I did it or what I was thinking about when I did it.. in the hope it may help you in your photography.
It's good to give something.
The line between confidence and arrogance is razor-thin sometimes. Easy to seem, to other people, like you have crossed it.
One thing I always try to do when I am writing anything is to read it back whilst imagining I am someone else.
After that I'll read it as though it's a conversation I'm having in the pub, where I can see everyone's eyes and they can see mine.
….but that's not what the web is like. It's very easy for people to read something you write and get totally off on the wrong foot.
It was great to shoot for Lexus. When you get great shots it's a natural feeling to want to share them. Because of NDAs and embargoes, I couldn't do that until now. It's also pretty cool to shoot a car no one outside of Lexus has seen before, ever. And to do that at Toyota's own amazing studios surrounded by some great people, some cool people. Frankly I wish ALL my mates could have been there to enjoy the fun. But that's what's nice about photos… from them maybe you can get a little of the buzz of excitement I felt whilst I was on that job. Shame I can't share the 'behind the scenes' shots: of the crew, the gear setup etc. It's not allowed. I'd never work for Toyota again and it would get people into trouble.
As for the part in the article I wrote the other day, about my son being able 'to brag about what daddy does for work' and tell his mates he's seen a car that they won't see for ages….
That's not me standing here saying 'woah, what a fucking cool dad I am' and enjoying a good wank about just how much of a great photographer and cool guy I am. It's just part of the buzz of being a dad: seeing my car-mad son excited about telling his friends that his dad had been shooting some 2015 Lexus models. It felt like getting a pat on the back from my own mum and dad for a job well done. And sometimes I miss those parental pats on the back.. because my mum and dad are dead and they largely missed out on seeing me get to where I am today with my photography.
And.. actually, I often sit here many times in the average month thinking that my work is shit in comparison to the amazing work I can see being done by others in books, magazines and on the web.
NOT believing one's own hype, always questioning what you are doing, looking at lots of other people's work.. these are ways to stay real and stay sharp.
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On Being a Photographer: today’s thoughts
One of my Facebook friends [who wants to become a photographer] was asking me for my angle on something his dad had told him: that there was no money in photography. My first…
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Olav Folland
January 24, 2013
As a photographer, seeing someone post "how cool is it that I got to do this" may make me a little jealous – wishing I'd had the opportunity is a better word – but hell, if we aren't proud of the shots we take, what's the point of posting any of them? We're all human, still. Keep on, my friend
Lisa Borel
January 24, 2013
Seriously, as I said before, anyone with the chops to shoot cars and get results like that deserves respect. I wouldn't want to have to deal with the massive amounts of gear and various crews involved in a commercial car shoot.
A story… there is a wedding photographer here on G+ whose wedding photos are unquestionably excellent. But, the guy doesn't even know what kind of filters to use when he is shooting landscapes – obvious to me when I see the shots. So he says he doesn't like using a tripod. But then he posts a photo of an exotic on the road and asks people if we think he should go into shooting cars.
Seriously? Ok biz has been slow and he's looking for another market – but… the guy hates dealing with as much gear as only a tripod. And I don't see the temperament meshing with a business situation.
No, there are a number of skills at play in what you did. Anyone who does not recognize that just doesn't understand what is involved.
Charles Carstensen
January 24, 2013
Bragging comes with how many times and how often you talk about yourself. You must wear your business on your shoulder to be successful, just don"t get the idea in your head that you are the absolute best in the whole wide world.
Lisa Borel
January 24, 2013
Ok, +Alfie Goodrich if you don't have an agent, maybe it's time to get one?
Nevin Thompson
January 24, 2013
FFS, if people are turned off by something on G+ there is the option to unfollow. No harm, no foul.
Jason Arney
January 24, 2013
I'd ignore people trying to rain on any parade. The car shots were sexy, bragging should be assumed. Brag on.
Michael Russell
January 24, 2013
Any complaints about a great post like this of yours says everything about the people complaining and nothing about you. I'd like to see more posts like that in the future.
Alfie Goodrich
January 24, 2013
One of my missions for this year +Lisa Borel is to get an agent…. Thanks all for your feedback. The other issue of being freelance is that some days – when you need to – there is no one but myself to talk to. So it's good to just share and get some feedback on these items
Leslie Taylor
January 24, 2013
I'm not a big fan of overly proud people, and I have encountered plenty of photographers who come of that way. I didn't get that at all from what you said – I don't think you were bragging or gloating, just stating "wow, that's pretty awesome." As someone else said, isn't sharing any of your work online (especially if your goal is to make a profit or gain a following, etc.) a form of self promotion? Self promotion doesn't necessarily mean prideful, though.
Cody Schroeder
January 24, 2013
It seems some people just want to find reasons to complain.
What I often see in your writing is excitement and passion. You want to share why this shoot or that shoot was exciting, while often reflecting on how that isn't the day-to-day. Sure, you mention making a fistful of cash shooting with Toyota, then quickly put it into contrast by noting it went to bills. Honestly, I find the article humbling and would say people have forgotten the difference between being proud and boasting.
Though I am a bit jealous, being a car guy. Even if it isn't a BMW ///M, the F series is Toyota/Lexus pushing in the right direction. Toyota was, for many years, my favorite brand – it is nice to see a return of exciting cars from them.
Locky Downing
January 24, 2013
I definitely agree with self promotion if you're freelance. But doing it is hard if it doesn't come naturally. Especially if you're worried about coming off as arrogant…
Locky Downing
January 24, 2013
I definitely agree with self promotion if you're freelance. But doing it is hard if it doesn't come naturally. Especially if you're worried about coming off as arrogant…
Clarissa Vincent
January 25, 2013
Self promotion is an art that takes as long to develop as photography. Keep making mistakes, and learning.
Chris Adams
January 30, 2013
Thanks for taking the time to post a great article. Aspiring photographers (self included) need to be aware of the challenges, and triumphs of the profession.
It takes a lot of courage to share your career path with the community. Seems to me you are sharing your passion and enthusiasm. You've worked hard to get where you are. No need for any apologies.
Keep up the inspiring work!