Sarcastic Saturday - Long Overdue?

© Argus

Every now and then we all just need to rant a little.  Well, this morning as I sat down to write, I realized how long overdue I am for a good run of sarcasm. So, like one of those all-you-can-eat buffets in Vegas where nothing seems to connect, here I go!

Earlier in the week I shared a stunning image by macro photographer, Mike Moats. Click on the image to the left to read how he created it, but what got to me was a bonehead who commented, "I don't do macro!"

Okay, I get it, but the issue is the importance of knowing HOW to do macro. I've looked at so many bad ring shots, macro flower shots and dress details from wedding artists over the years. With every post I share, no matter what your specialty, there's usually some benefit.

It's great to be a specialist, but at some point in your career you're going to need to know how to photograph something in a way you've never done before. You've got two choices, expand your skill set and at least understand the basics or, hit the panic button when your client asks for something you don't know how to do!

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On several different forums over the last month photographers have written about printing, claiming consumers don't care anymore. 

Here's the challenge - it's up to you to educate your clients and show them why your work is better and deserves to be printed. You don't get to just give up and produce mediocre work the rest of your life because it's easier! 

Click on the image to the right to link to a classic  post featuring Bryan Caporicci and Michele Celentano, who continue to help clients understand why it's important to print images. And, yes, she's given permission to plagiarize and steal her copy!

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© luckybusiness

And what about those of you who think you can take short cuts to success! First, you compromise your skill set thinking you can fake it 'till you make it. NOT - at some point your clients will catch the difference.

Second, you open your door every morning hoping UPS left you a package from the Success Fairy. But, when nothing is there you spend the day waiting for your ship to come in. Odds are when it does finally come in you'll be at the airport!

​Third, is a great quote I heard years ago that says it all - "The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary!"

It takes work to be a great artist and most of all patience. Take the time to build your skill set to simply be the best and stop posting bad images that you think you covered up with lots of creative filters. If it's a bad image, it's simply bad, but this gives me the perfect opportunity to share one of my favorite quotes, "Remember, you can't buff a turd!"

​Note: And for that one person who's going to send me the link to Myth Busters where they proved you could buff a turd...LOL...I've seen it.

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And last on my list closing out Sarcastic Saturday: I changed my  Facebook head shot this week, all thanks to a great friend, Sherry Hagerman. Somebody sent me an IM that simply said, "I liked your old one better!" Well, I don't really care - the old one was eight years old and it was time for a new one. And in all honesty, it wasn't up for a vote.

Then I had one person write, "I hate facial hair!" I actually loved her comment because it was shared in public and never meant to be personal. It gave me a chance to respond with , "Lucky for me my wife does!" Maybe the headshot on the right is the one I should have used!

However, I need to wrap it up by putting the sarcasm aside and thank so many of you who posted a comment with the new head shot. I wasn't looking for feedback, yet you guys had some really nice things to say.

Wishing everybody a terrific weekend and thanks for letting me vent!

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