It is the middle of fall season, and in case you didn’t know it is a VERY busy time for us photographers, we are all just trying to survive this time of year, taking it one session at the time … ( and maybe a few extra glasses of wine here and there for some help and good attitude.)
We are drowning in emails, scheduling and re-scheduling a 2nd or 3rd time because you know, Indiana weather happens and the last thing in our mind is dealing with other photographer’s behaviors while we are in the middle of a photoshoot, seriously! I have enough with chasing little Johnny to make sure I get a great shot so I can’t let anything get me out of my zone ( That’s what I call a quick 5 minute cardio ) Some of these tips or advice or “I am venting just right here” are just flat common sense, or good manners, you know… basic good-human-kinda-things, so while there are other photographers out there like the amazing Cindy Johnson who already wrote a bit about this subject ( only on the financial side of things) I thought about writing and concentrating on good manners when 2 or more photographers get to be on the same side of town for their outdoor sessions.
If you are a fellow photographer who is just starting out in this business, I hear you… you didn’t know and it is ok… we all learn, OR if you are an experienced – top of the class – worldwide known with a skirt ( or pants ) prettier than mine, maybe this will be a great reminder for you as well. So let’s start.
Numero UNO – The location is not exclusively yours to do as you wish!
Be respectful of others photographer’s space as you are sharing the same location, we get it… the light sometimes is prettier in some spots than others and we all know where those good spots are, but placing yourself right on top of me is not the way to go, as the amazing Korie E. Austin says about her recent experience with this: “If someone is in a spot and they are shooting with their clients don’t drop your clients right on top of them. Literally on top of you and their clients or assume they are done. It ruins the experience”
Numero DOS – My props are MY props!
I normally don’t bring a lot of props to my family sessions, they can get heavy and sometimes they just get in the way, but sometimes… a nice bubble machine, a vintage quilt or even a wooden box go a long way to “help” with the final image, so asking to borrow them for your own clients is just rude… plus your clients are witnessing you ( their professional photographer ) ask another photographer for something you should be bringing if you want to use… Rude!
Numero TRES – The parking lot is not the best spot to get new clients!
Let me be clear on this, if waiting in the parking lot for people so you can maybe talk to them about your photography business is part of your marketing strategy, then girrrrrllll!!! Go for it!
But when you happen to be at a place popular for family fall pictures and “the people” are clearly a family that is about to get their pictures done ( hence the lovely outfits, perfectly wavy hair + makeup and willing husbands) and they even tell you they are just waiting for their photographer for their annual pictures, it might not be the best move to market your photography business and I don’t care what marketing guru tells you this is ok, but it sure is a great way to make enemies with other photographers when you are trying to take over their clients.
Numero CUATRO – I do my own poses, thank you very much!
I left this one for last, because is it crazy to me to think that anyone, in any career, can freely go to another person working in the same field and say “ You should do this this way, or that way.. or move them over there because x, y or z” Yet, here I am, having to mention this as a big no-no because it is not clear to some. Just don’t.
Listen, I belong to a few groups of local photographers and we all work great together, so when we keep hearing about horror stories in our cities that involve our kind, we get pretty surprised and shocked, we don’t think as ourselves as competition but more like a great community of small business owners who are just trying to do their own thing and be good at it.
So to you reading this… <hugs> and stay positive and kind and here is to hoping that the really cold weather stays away just a little bit longer.