Frustrated!

[amy.blackburn]

Arg. Is everyone in the world a "photographer"?
I am by no means saying that I am Annie Lebovitz, but I like to think that I have a good eye, and that I know a little about lighting and exposure. Since I've gotten into this business, I am starting to see an irritating trend of friends who suddenly have decided- WOW! Photography looks easy & lucrative...why not? They go out and buy themselves a nice little DSLR kit and away they go... no real skill, no techical knowledge, and no clue. And, I know, you're probably thinking, if they're not skilled, what's the big deal? Not like they're going to be your competition. And, that's TRUE. If you're thinking that, you're right. I think what gets me is they blatent robbery of ideas - from poses to locations, website wording and even pricing, I have one 'friend' who has pretty much just mimicked everything I've come up with. It is so frustrating!!! I'd love to just call her up and say: If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then THANK YOU!

Sorry for the rant, and thanks for letting me vent!

[Daniel Bates]

Yep. Everyone in the world is a photographer.


The people who don't know what they're doing won't do much business in the long run, but if you try to compete with them you're sunk... speaking from experience there.

[jagphoto]

I understand Amy! But I do agree with Daniel, they won't last long. You have to have staying power to continue and if your heart is not in it like a true photographer, then it won't be long before they quit.

[darktiger]

You need to find a competitive advantage, one that is hard to imitate...

[daleh]

It's true. Everyone in the world is a photographer, and a mechanic, and a computer admin, and a NFL football coach. But like the people above me have said: when it comes time to perform, only a pro will come through - and in general, people know this.

[amy.blackburn]

Originally Posted by darktiger

You need to find a competitive advantage, one that is hard to imitate...

I thought that I did. I guess it's that the imitations out there never really turn out quite the same as the way I do it, but I still know that it is an imitation... ya know? But any extra advice on how to find a real competitve advantage would be great!!

[ShutteredEye]

Originally Posted by amy.blackburn

I thought that I did. I guess it's that the imitations out there never really turn out quite the same as the way I do it, but I still know that it is an imitation... ya know? But any extra advice on how to find a real competitve advantage would be great!!

I'd say work to continue to improve your product, and stop worrying about what other people are doing. If you're true to your market, and you have a quality product, you'll have no problems getting folks in.

The way I see it there are two possible outcomes from your 'friend's' imitation. Either they will go out of business quickly as suggested above, or maybe it will turn out they actually have some talent. In that case they will soon grow creatively and look to 'break out' on their own.

[my3peas]

Originally Posted by amy.blackburn

But any extra advice on how to find a real competitve advantage would be great!!

Keep your ideas fresh. If you don't have fresh ideas, and keep doing the same thing over and over, eventually, people won't want to come to you because they've already got that picture.

wish I had more advice, but I'm just starting down this path :)

[Shelby Lane]

Like the previous posters said, there is a point where you just have to start ignoring it to some degree. Does it hurt to see the words you spent hours perfecting on someone else's site? Yes. And if you have time, you can call them on it because it is copyright infringement. Will they appeal to some of the marketplace? Sure. But to keep that advantage, you have to focus on creating images and products that are not the "norm".

My standard for products is that if it's something they can easily get for themselves from a mainstream vendor, I will probably take it off my price list (like the Press Printed books -- mine may be better quality with my images, but the fact that they can get them from Apple or Shutterfly really devalues them for studio sales IMO). Can they get "baby parts" collages from JC Penney? Great. Mine will come nicely framed and matted then, or with some sort of unique twist.

The same can go for images. If suddenly everyone around you is shooting things you normally shoot, take it as a challenge and find new sets, new locations, new angles. It's so very annoying, but it's also a good opportunity to stretch and stay ahead of the game. They can use your location, but will wonder why your images look so different (and you'll know it's because you know lighting and exposure). And you will have the chance to refine your style.

[DJ.]

It doesn't help when Nikon gives away free cameras to an entire town, I don't care how small it is, and then advertises it to the world.

I know they are in business to make a buck and advertising is a big part of marketing but it sure promotes the DIY mentality.

[Shelby Lane]

LOL, yes, I just LOVE the idea that "anyone with a D40 can take beautiful pictures too". It's the camera, you know. Sure glad I shoot Nikon... .

[snidow]

Canon does the same thing with their ads, showing some fan at a football game with an XT and a normal lens, they make it seem like you can get close ups like the pro's (which they cut to for just a sec) with that setup. We all know you're not going to get anywhere near what the pro on the line is getting with his setup. Yet that's what they are selling, everyone with a camera is a pro!

[my3peas]

Shelby, I sure wish you'd post around here more often! :)

[adirty1]

thus is why I have started pushing real b/w. because not everyone with a computer a can do it. this also sets your clients apart and you start finding out that people believe film b/w and silver prints are a true art form and come with a higher price tag. plus i love doing it.

[tjavery]

Originally Posted by amy.blackburn

Arg. Is everyone in the world a "photographer"?

Yes! All it takes is a really nice camera. Just go out and buy one - easy!