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New Albany, Indiana, United States

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Being nice isn't so hard

I recently wrote a status update on my personal facebook page about the rudeness of some photographers. I feel the need to say more. I feel like it needs to be said. Some people may get pissed for my comments but I am completely okay with that.

I really don't understand how some photographers get off on thinking they are so much better than everyone else. I mean we all start somewhere. Some of them act like they didn't start off and have crappy photos. Every photographer has had to have at least some bad photos. How would these people feel if someone pointed out every single thing they did and then talk about them on their facebook, publicly? I have been lucky and haven't had that happen to me. Well, my name wasn't said but there were hints that I was stealing someones clients. Then, others accuse you of stealing their ideas or concepts but turn right around and does the same thing as another well known photographer in a different area. Its ridiculous and hypocritical. I have had other photographers email me when I first started stating that I needed to raise my prices because I wasn't being fair to other local photographers. Some of them were super nice and helpful but MOST of them were rude and nasty. I find this ridiculous and unacceptable.

It makes me sick to my stomach to know that these people fight tooth and nail to gain business and then treat others in their same field like absolute crap. And, in some case their own clients! Talking about them behind their backs to other clients, talking about them publicly on facebook and other online sources. Maybe I am one of kind but I believe you should treat everyone fairly. Why do we have to be so rude and nasty? Its uncalled for. I won't act like I am perfect, I have my faults too but I would never treat another photographer or client poorly just to get ahead. I had a photographer friend. Well, she was my friend first then turned photographer some time ago and she acted like a complete jerk when I started my business and we live in different states. She isn't the only one though, sadly. I won't go into many details because I don't get pleasure by calling people out but its sad when you think you know someone and consider them somewhat of a friend and then they turn their back on you and treat you like crap for no other reason than you becoming a photographer.

I am going to say this and then I will shut up. No matter if I stop do photographer now or ever I would never treat an up and coming photographer like crap. If they asked my opinion I would try to help them no matter what. Even if they lived next door. I've actually had a client start their own photography business recently and if she ever came to me for advice or just to chat about business I wouldn't hesitate to help her. I just wish other photographers would start being a little nicer and more helpful. Instead of tearing others to shreds, be kind and helpful. If you see someone struggling and their photos could be better, message them and ask if they would like your advice on how they could make things better. Its not that hard to be nice to others.

Sorry for my rant but I felt it needed to be said.

PS. I found a great lady a while back by the name of Lori. She created a Facebook fanpage called MyPhotoMentor to help newer photographers learn techniques to help better their business. If it weren't for her, Melanie, Tracy, and Kym (other photographers on the site) I would have went nuts. They have all been through it and some going through it with me. I am thankful for these ladies. But, I do believe my outlook on photography has been forever tainted by the one's that have holier than thou attitudes. Which is most that I have dealt with except the few I named and a couple of others.

3 comments:

Tracy @photographybytracycook.com said...

Your work is beautiful, and I hate to hear of photogs being treated this way. Sadly this negative attitude seems so prevelent in the industry. I've been treated badly too, it sucks and is so unfair. I think it's routed in jealousy. It's so nice to find like minded photogs with the integrity to be real, to share, and to be kind. Hang in there girl, and keep speaking the truth. Tracy :)

Unknown said...

Sandy, I'm proud to be your friend... You are a good genuine person, which is difficult to find these days... Keep your chin up, and stay positive... We are here if you need us!! :)

Sandy said...

Thanks Tracy. I know you have been treated badly and that makes me sad. Its sad to think of all the photographers that have been mistreated my other photographers. I do agree with you and the jealousy thing. I do believe that has a lot to do with it.

Kym, thanks. I'm proud to be your friend as well. You are too sweet and always have been kind to me. Even, when we didn't even know one another on the boards.