You Don't Have a Monopoly on Your Trade Anymore

There are some photographers who think other photographers who "give away their work away for free" are making it harder for people to earn a living taking pictures. It's a common refrain, and I've seen it most recently in response to Tangobaby's I Live Here: SF project.

And it sounds very familiar. Here's what I say to those photographers who chide others for their hobby:

Take better pictures than everyone else, and you'll get paid before they do. But don't begrudge someone their hobby. Don't pretend that exchanging "modeling services" and writing the accompanying story isn't a fair trade.

Just because you have a big fancy camera doesn't mean you get to be a pro automatically anymore. Technology is making nice cameras more affordable, opening up the field to more and more. You don't get to be/stay a pro because you got there first.

Do good work. Try harder. Then you can and will make your money, and you won't have to worry about the amateurs.

Comments

[tangobaby]

My friend Christian, who's a magician and an actor, said the exact same thing you did here. What's funny is that none of the people in my project are models, nor had many of them even wanted to have their pictures taken until they knew someone else who had participated. It's about the sharing. That's what they're missing.

If it's all about the money, it's a totally different project and that's not why I'm doing it.

[brittney]

Good point! I wasn't looking for a professional photo shoot. I wanted to work on your project with you.

I don't know why, but the arrogance of those comments really rubbed me the wrong way.

[jagosaurus]

I love this. Love it.