Photographers are a very fickle bunch. In many ways, we can be supportive, kind, and well-intentioned towards other photographers. I like to think that we all want to help others succeed and enjoy themselves, but unfortunately, not everyone has the same approach. Photographers are competitive. I totally get it. And very few will say what they really are thinking to your face.
Have you ever become discouraged after seeing something amazing posted by another photographer? I know I have. It’s tough to feel accomplished when you see your counterparts out in the field, traveling the world, making beautiful photographs and having even more amazing adventures. I do my fair share of travel, and I post the photos I create on my journeys as well. Many of us are just sharing our fun experiences with our family and friends, with no tidbits of boastfulness about it.
However, there is still a lot of arrogance in this field (I’m not sure why, all we’re doing is making pretty pictures). But pride (and the creation of envy) may still be there. It may be subtle, it may not be intentional, but it still exists. Sometimes it can be as simple as a post on social media, something outwardly neutral but filled with hidden subtleties. Or an educator who teaches for fame or acknowledgement, filled with arrogance and disrespect for the people they are serving. The good news is that most photographers are not like this, but the few that are out there are very loud.
There is also another possibility, one that is even more likely, that our perceptions of others’ success negatively shapes how we feel about ourselves. We may look at a person’s travels, book sales, or workshop attendance and wish that we could do the same. Or maybe you look at what others are doing and feel that they don’t deserve it (but we do). We see all of the wonderful things posted by other photographers (who are, in fact, well intentioned) and their success and happiness brings to light the fact that we are sitting at home, and our camera has collected dust for weeks.
For this I have five simple words: Don’t let them crush you.
Don’t let anyone, whether they are malicious or supportive, well-intentioned or arrogant, find their way into your bones, draining you of your will to create. It is easy to look at others’ success and think that you could be doing more, or will never amount to that level of success.
Social media doesn’t make it easy, especially when you follow those of us who post only the happy stuff. Doing this makes our lives look gold-plated with lollipops and rainbows at every turn. But I assure you, things are not always as they seem. What we share online does not always reflect what is really happening behind that curtain.
What I’m trying to articulate with this long rant is to take everything with a grain of salt. So what if so-and-so photographer is making tens of thousands of dollars doing something you wish you could do, too. It’s likely that they have been at it for years, if not decades, and have made (or are making) many sacrifices to accomplish their goal. We don’t all write best-sellers with our first publication. We don’t grow organic social media followings overnight. And every career starts at year one. Maybe this is your year.
This article was originally published on Nicolesy.com
Great post – the best reason to take photos is because you see something you want to capture… who cares if it is the best – it is the moment you felt worthy to share!
I am doing a 365 – for me … it is great others read it, some even leave comments – but it is for me … https://renoufdesign.wordpress.com/my-challenges/
I think it also feeds various paranoid types of envy – if only I could afford her camera/lens my pictures could be that good; If only I could afford the foreign travel he does I could get pictures that good; If only I had the time to get out in the mountains for sunset/sunrise like she does, I could get pictures that good; If only I could afford that new shiny retina iMac and latest photoshop version I could start processing my pictures to be that good. The real answer, as you’ve suggested, is simply to get out and take… Read more »
Really nice article Nicole.
I think that what it all comes down to is our judgement of ourselves and others work. I’ve always tried to live by the rule that “We see in others what we hate and love the most in ourselves”. Its very hard to live by the measuring stick you create when comparing yourself to others. It is quite hard. I find myself comparing my work all the time and it makes me want to set my camera down and walk away.
Lucky for me my wife kicks me in the B-Hind when I think that way.
Photography = Ego
I have heard of Professional Photographers say they are unhappy with their photographs and yet they being paid to take photographs.
There is also the full frame arrogance, that I have seen. I am a wildlife photographer, so a full frame does not help me like a cropped sensor does for me.
Well said!
I usually just feel, that “their” pictures are simply so much better than mine. Maybe even than mine ever will be. However, they still are mine. There is a vast difference between the work, as it stands for itself and (in lucky cases) also
… impacts recipients and how one feels about it oneself. As one still has in mind, how the entire scene was, when it was taken. So, the creator gets something, noone else will ever have…
An important post Nicole. Its sadly why I’ve never joined a group. I’ve been a long to a few meetings but the competitive atmosphere and snobbery about gear or technique put me off. Its a shame because we can all learn from each other. Also, yes agree its important too not to be deterred by the greatness of others.
Very nice. It’s something we all need to remember. You nailed it – one of two things tend to happen to me. First, you see someone’s work that (in my own mind) puts me to shame or social media trolls do what trolls do…
That’s when I try to do what author Neil Gaiman says to do: Go out and make good art!