Change is something people believe in (witness the election of our current President). Change is also something that scares people. And it scares them a lot. Over the last five years the photography industry has changed with more and more new people becoming professionals. I heard a stat the other day that 100,000 new “pros” came into the market in the last two years. That’s unreal! But it makes sense with our current economy, and with more and more people out of work they’ve turned to photography to make a living.
Here’s my point, why is everyone so up in arms about all the “newbies?” As an industry we’ve never seen such growth, yet there’s so much negativity out there. Weren’t all those pros newbies at one point? Weren’t you? There seem to be a lot of blogs and tweets these days damning the new generation of photographers. It always amazes me because so many of these negative posts come from anonymous sources. If we read these things and actually took them seriously, well, the world would have ended and we would all be dust by now. It’s not the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new generation. One that grew up in the digital age, one that is much more different from the preceding generations. The bottom line is, now more than ever, you need to differentiate yourself from your competition because there are so many more competitors. Worry about how your business is going to grow, and less about what the new photographer down the street is doing. Be you. Questions? Comments? email me at: gvaranakis@rfpublishing.com.
George Varanakis
Group Publisher & Executive Vice President
10,705 comments
[ b ] says:
October 8, 2010 at 9:55 am (UTC -4)
when i got into the industry, none of the established pros would help me and soon within a year, my budding success caused a lot of people to talk trash about me to wedding planners and other wedding professionals. it sucked, but i wasn’t too discouraged… thankfully i’ve got extra thick skin.
i made a promise to myself way back when, that if i even made anything of myself, i wanted to be the kind of guy who’d help people up instead of keeping them down.
i personally love seeing new blood in this industry. some of the new kids are super talented and i could either be resentful of their success or it could motivate me to get my ass in gear and step it up a notch. this business seems to be in a constant state of change and those who learn to adapt as well as develop are trusted brand are going to be the ones who survive and thrive.
i’ve also found this business is a lot easier if you’ve got some friends who’ve got your back and help you out long the way. since early on, wppi has help me meet & connect with other photographers, some who have turned into lifelong friends.
i love being a photographer and i love the wedding/portrait photo community (‘cept for the anonymous haters… they’re just jealous!)
Kenny Kim says:
October 8, 2010 at 10:31 am (UTC -4)
I’ll echo what Becker said. He actually actually conducted the first workshop I attended and shared a lot more than what I expected. From his help along with many other industry leaders, they’ve helped me jump start my career in an accelerated pace. For that I am thankful and now I am fortunate to do the same for others. I am proud that we are in an industry that is attractive and often envied by others.
In any situation, you need to be the middle man. Have a person you look up to and another person that you can be that role model to.
I agree with you. Change has come and will continue to do so. How we respond to it will say alot about who we are as a person. Thanks for sharing!
Jeff Jochum says:
October 8, 2010 at 10:54 am (UTC -4)
Even during some of the really low periods over the last couple years, I noticed that you and WPPI continued to show leadership and optimism, which I guess I’ve come to expect from y’all. I am always proud to be associated with WPPI (and you, George) and look forward to a really great 2011. Welcome to blog-world – now lets see how often you actually post to it!
jeff
larry reeves says:
October 8, 2010 at 11:22 am (UTC -4)
George!! Thanks so much for posting this. As a relatively new (about 3 years) photographer in the wedding/portrait industry it sure can be frustrating to hear people be so negative. It’s also hard to be tempted by SO many who are offering workshops and gadgets to help me improve as a photographer…knowing very well that there are many out there trying to take advantage of ‘newbies’. Yours is the first blog post I’ve read that has been so positive while still addressing the negativity that exists in the industry and which has been getting thicker lately.
I’m thankful to people like Becker, who posted above, who have really made it possible for me to make it in this industry. I was lucky enough to be referred to him early on and it has made all the difference.
Thanks for being brave enough to post this, and being straightforward and right to the point.
Lawrence Chan says:
October 8, 2010 at 11:27 am (UTC -4)
Heh I love how you used the word “damning.” You’re off on a good blogging path!
Liking or disliking change isn’t the issue. Change is inevitable. It’s more like adaptability. Those who refuse get pissy.
Jasmine* says:
October 8, 2010 at 11:59 am (UTC -4)
Loved this post and so happy to see WPPI is blogging now!
Charleton Churchill says:
October 8, 2010 at 2:28 pm (UTC -4)
Great job on the blog! With so many photographer’s, this will only open up avenues of capitalism. The smart veterans will see this as an opportunity to teach the new by doing seminars and workshops, creating new ways to serve, inventing and creating hardware, software, etc., while the lazy and/or below average photography wil be rooted out. This will challenge the standard of good photography, which is what we want, thus discouraging low end, low quality work. If you’re fearful, time to quit, or step it up…
Lisette Kennedy says:
October 8, 2010 at 2:43 pm (UTC -4)
I believe that getting your photography skills from a college instead of a Costco kit gives me an edge, so I don’t worry about newbies.
Peyton Cooke says:
October 8, 2010 at 4:01 pm (UTC -4)
I am 18 years old and stepped into the right room when I attended an Orange County Smug Mug with [ b ] as the speaker and Jasmine* as the host. I was unsure if I would want to even attempt making it as a photographer and in the end, surrounding myself with amazingly helpful photographers has encouraged me so much!
I have come across a few haters and rather “old school” photographers who are upset about up and coming photographers, but I know that they are just jealous and scared!
Somehow, I’m going to have to separate myself from all of the rest and rise up to the top. Those willing to accept that challenge will make it because they will step up to the plate and bring something to the table. Now a days, that’s just how it is I guess!
I love what Kenny said above about being the middle man. So true!
Change is inevitable!
Great post George!
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