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Making the image of the image-maker... |
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28-02-2005 |
Photographers make images, it's the same as saying that bakers made breads or policemen write parking tickets. It's a simple truth that can be a problem for some photographers, who rely only on their images, and not on the presentation around it, or on the image they themselves project.
It's a strange fact, but when you look serious, when you look successful, people will tend to beleive that you actually are serious and succesful, and will be more willing to give you commissions.
I've seen discussions on forums about this many times, and it always comes down to the simple fact that you have to look serious about photography to be taken seriously. You have to shoot a wedding ? Dress the part, and try to have an impressive looking camera, this way people will instantaneously indentify you as the photographer and are more likely to collaborate than if they think that you're just some unknown relative just buzzing about and being annoying. You have an opening for an art exhibit of your work ? Dress the part, be artsy, be outgoing, people will see you as an artist, will look at your work as art, and might even buy it !
It's shallow, it's silly, it's just plain stupid, but it actually works. Myself ? As I've said before I have a tendency to be the outsider, to be the oddball, and even if in general I'm just a regular guy, I pride myself into trying to look different. I shave my head, I wear an ankle-length black wool coat, you know, stupid details that make me stand out in a crowd, at least when I feel like it.
It's a little the same with my photographic choices. I always consider the "look" of a camera before I buy it. I consider if it looks serious, if it looks good, and if I identify myself with the look of the camera... Again, this is silly, I know, but sometimes looks are all that matter...
(image : Daniel Cavanagh) |
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