A Photographers Reputation

Are you shooting yourself in the foot?

I have, in the past, been asked what the most important thing is for a photographer. Whilst it no doubt depends on the type of photography you undertake, for me, dealing primarily with people, I'd have to say that reputation is probably close to, if not, top of my list. A good reputation can be built upon many pillars such as honesty, reliability, discretion, high standards, moral and ethical stances, etc. All of this can help install trust and respect amongst clients and those you work with. Conversely it can also be used to send a message to those that wish to take advantage. It all seems very common sense, however I regularly see examples where people just don't seem to care about how they are perceived!

 

First Impressions Count.

It's an oft quoted saying that is backed up by lots of scientific research. More often than not, in today's world, a first impression has moved from being a physical meeting, to a virtual one. A quick Google search can bring forth all manor of information, and it is here, in a person's online presence, that an initial opinion can be formed. Nowhere are judgements be more easily made than on the various social media sites, and yet it's here that many seem to have a complete disregard to how they come across.

 

Put yourself in the shoes of a model willing to consider doing TF shoots. Are you likely to wish to work with a photographer that regularly complains about models either singularly or as a whole? What about someone who uses abusive and insulting language in their posts and comments? Or expresses extreme and/or bigoted viewpoints? Fine if you happen to share those views but what about the others that don't? It's all things that I've seen and cringed at. It's underlined when some of those people complain about the lack of people wishing to work with them.

 

As with your virtual self, how you act and deal with people in the real world is just as important. Disrespectful behaviour, inappropriate comments, unfulfilled promises, are amongst the many things that can reflect upon you and lead to negative feedback.

 

There is a wealth of information that savvy models and clients can and do access about those they may be working with. It's a fact that there are models who will not work with, or recommend photographers due to the way they behave, and things they have (or haven't) done. On the flip side, the same goes for models for whom a bad reputation can lead to loss of bookings.

 

The ease with which the Internet allows information to be disseminated means, more than ever, people need to be aware of how their actions will or could be interpreted by others.

 

A good reputation can take years to build, and seconds to destroy!