DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Stop making art for other artists – you’re ruining your work

Oct 25, 2021 by John Aldred Add Comment

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

An odd thing that’s happened over the years as film has transitioned over to digital and the rise of social media has had a huge impact on all our lives. Most photographers, including most of the ones that work with real clients, are shooting based on what they believe other photographers will think of their images. And, well, you really shouldn’t.

It’s easy to understand how photographers can slip into this mode on social media when most of our “friends” are also photographers. We like to see those numbers tick up and adoration from our peers, but it’s not necessarily helping you pick up clients. This video from Chrystopher Rhodes at YCImaging explains why.

It’s a mindset that most of us have probably slipped into at some point. Even if just a little bit. And it can happen to us even if we already have a few years of experience under our belt. We’re shooting based on how well it will be received by other photographers online. But the simple fact of the matter is that all the things we value as photographers (rules of thirds, lighting ratios, etc) don’t really matter all that much to most clients. You know, those people who let us actually pay the bills, keep a roof over our heads and food on the table?

When did it become more nervewracking to deliver a project on the Internet to complete strangers than it is to deliver a project to a client that’s paying big money?

Why do I feel this?

Of course, you should still learn and understand those rules and how to shoot technically accurate photos so that you understand the reasoning behind them. And if you’re struggling, definitely ask questions and experiment. But it’s your choice to break those rules when you wish. Nobody else’s.

And when you’re shooting, whether it’s for yourself or for your clients, it’s your vision that counts. If it’s for you, the only person you need to keep happy is yourself. And if it’s for a client, then they are paying for your vision. They’ve seen your work, they like it and that’s what they want. They don’t want what some random other photographer on the Internet’s wants you to make. If they wanted what the other guy says you should do, your client would’ve gone with the other guy instead.

So, stop shooting to appease the anonymous masses on social media. Shoot for yourself and your clients and share that on social media. It will allow people to find you for your vision and not what you think will please your peers.

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

Stop trying to chase (or fake) perfection in your photography – It’s ruining your work Why artists are never happy with their work and how to deal with it Geotagging your landscape photos is ruining the world around us. Stop it This account wants to stop Instagrammers from ruining nature

Filed Under: Inspiration Tagged With: Chrystopher Rhodes, inspiration, YCImaging

John Aldred: from diyphotography.net

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 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.

« How-to: Fast focus stacking for food and drink photography
This creative photo series turns clothes into endangered animals »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup
DIYPhotography

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Recent Posts

  • Here’s a bullet time video booth you can build yourself
  • Ricoh has discontinued the HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2AL Limited silver lens
  • This “stellar flower” unravels the twilight’s evolution in 360 degrees
  • Strobes vs Continuous LEDs – Which is right for you?
  • Wave goodbye to Apple’s My Photo Stream next month

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 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.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy