Terrible Photography Part 2

I’m now pouring through about 20,000 images on this website cutting out the shots that don’t showcase the best of the best. And boy…just...the photos are just awful. I know I bitched about this before, but it is near impossible to be kind when it comes to what some people consider image worthy. Now don’t get me wrong, I am certain these photographers tried. But they are terrible. As if they don’t see what the difference is between a photo that works and one that doesn’t.

I’ve completely removed my images from this particular group because I consider it in bad taste to include them in with this. Not because of some ego thing, since they can clearly see that I am trained, But that if they can’t see where they need improving, it’s safe to say nothing I can do is going to help them. Except to delete them from the showcase.

What I don’t get, are the ones who watermark their images. As if it would be stolen. There is a certain arrogance to doing this. Especially if the image isn’t all that great. Made worse if the watermark is also awful. Actually, it makes it funny, and gives you an insight on that person. God! Do they try.

The truth is, they need to train themselves better. Look at images and do the legwork it takes to shoot stunning images. The people they need to emulate is where they should start first. Because an image that Walker Evans does looks so simple, they believe just shooting the marquee of an abandoned movie theater is enough. It is NOT. You think it’d be that simple, but…MAN…what a difference. It definitely makes you appreciate the masters. More interesting is how people can’t dissect the difference.

To be completely fair, I deal with a ton of fuckwads in Los Angeles that are aspiring photographers. Their work is to be self-promoting. Often times they do copy others’ style. I can’t stand that sleek car in the L.A. River reservoir look. But EVERY photographer in this fucking town does it. Or a hard sunlit bikini model look. Looks like a cheap calendar for a tool company. It’s just terrible lighting with hot women. Or the late afternoon hippie dressed lifestyle photographs. Blargh. But they do it will shameless bravado. They have to outdo the guy/girl next to them. So the competition is high.

But, still, these above I’ve mentioned rank much higher than what I’m moderating now. I mean, it’s awful. But again, I think if people are serious they would surround themselves with complete assholes who traded their inheritance for a camera and hustled like a mofo. These are the people who seem to make it. But let me be clear, it’s not the camera that is doing it. It’s the hustler behind. In this town, you can get hot women to pose for you. In Omaha, Nebraska…it’s not as prevalent to get women to pose for you, or have the interest. In L.A. the resources are available. I’m sure you can find plenty in your community that do. There are modeling agencies in every town that you can trade for their time in front of your camera. Then get your practice in. Another thing is to get in with a crowd that would push you. So often photographers have a lone wolf mentality. I get it. But getting a group of people who share your interest may be a great type of competition you need to push you. This is the harsh competitive stuff you deal with. Let’s say you have one model for which you all photograph. She’ll inevitably pick the images she feels most represent her. None may come from your camera. To which you can A) cry B) get upset at the person C) learn to do it better. See, the competitive part in our brains get rejected immediately. The secret is to not take it to mean you are terrible. I struggle with this myself. You have to push through. And in doing so, you find your own eye and it makes you bankable and unique.

Too many people, I think, just pick up a camera and shoot models thinking this will get them gigs. Sometimes it does hit out of the gate. But it is rare, and shouldn’t be a story told to beginners. The truth is, people get frustrated and quit. The reality is that it sucks, but this is unconvincing since most “production shots” get so much attention because of supposed glamour, that most don’t see the work, struggle, sweat, anger and tears. Most will immediately give it up and do something less taxing on the emotions. Because in order to be decent at this, you have to power through criticism. Mostly coming from within. Yes, you have to be your worst enemy. Even after others are tearing you up. This type of piling on isn’t for the weak. This is the worse, because you can’t sit in your underwear all day having arguments with yourself, if you plan on being a sane person. You have to plow through with confidence. And be realistic to your goals. You don’t have to be Mario Testino overnight. So be yourself…in baby steps.