Don’t upset your photographer – they’ll always have the last laugh
Dec 9, 2020
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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Many people outside the UK might not know who “Sir” Philip Green is, so let me fill you in a little bit. He’s the “business tycoon” who ran Arcadia Group – a company his wife owns – into the ground. Arcadia owns Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, and a number of other big UK high street chains that were recently sent into administration, putting over 13,000 jobs at risk.
Needless to say, he’s not a very popular person in the UK right now. Neither amongst his friends nor the general public. So one would think that when he’s about to have his photo taken for press coverage, he’d do as little possible to upset the photographer and present a positive image. Well, apparently not, as Jake Walters discovered before proceeding to shoot him as the “prick” that he says he was.
According to his Instagram post, Jake was photographing Green at the Arcadia Office in London for The Guardian’s Weekend magazine. Upon arriving, however, he says that Green was rude and unpleasant to both him and his assistant. So, what did Jake do? Well, he did what most of us would probably have done in the same situation, writing in the text that accompanied the image on Instagram…
So I thought… well if it’s ok for you to act like a prick, it must be ok for me to make you look like one. So I did.
Jake told Huffington Post that Green was “sweary, very abrupt and unnecessarily rude” to both him and his assistant. Given the controversies (multiple ones) that have followed Green and his family over the years and the way he apparently treated Jake and his assistant, I think it’s a rather fitting and well-deserved look.
Anyway, while you’re here, go check out the rest of Jake’s Instagram. It’s well worth a follow. He’s got some killer work on there!
[via Huffington Post]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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6 responses to “Don’t upset your photographer – they’ll always have the last laugh”
Took me a moment… :D This is really clever and too funny! :D
I feel for the photographer but I would never hire him and no one else should either. He may or may not have been treated poorly but he defwtreated his subject poorly.
In this case the client was the Guardian and not the subject. The Guardian may or may not be ok with this behaviour but other clients must be aware the photographer is vindictive. Whether justified or not what client will want to take the chance?
Far better to do your job well and get away from the person instead of lowering your own reputation as well.
That’s how I work but you can chose to do whatever you want.
Kevin Lane Exactly…. I can’t imagine doing something like this. I think its just not professional behaviour. But…, a great way for some extra exposure.
Edo Koch Not the exposure I want for my business. I work with many politicians. If I ever did this to any client or subject I would never be able to work with a politician again… or any other professional who has a reputation to protect.
Kevin Lane That’s what I meant as well?
Without a doubt the photographer stock will have rocketed. He’ll have much more kudos, recognition – and no doubt, commissions, with creative directors.
He – and his assistant – will have not have to endure hostile/ toxic work environments.