Being a photographer and sharing the human story and experience is more than a job--it's a calling. But not a calling greater than being a human being with compassion is. I'm human first. Then photographer. Thus, if I discuss a topic than spans past the scope of photography directly, and that is viewed as a hit to my brand, so be it.
Brand is not what you say it is. It is what others say it is. And, if some of those others believe that a photographer who knows more than photography and cares about that which is not photography too, isn't a good photographer or one to work with, so be it.
As Seth Godin mentions, 2% are going to be alienated anyway. Why perform to their expectations hoping they might hire you if they do not know who you truly are? Who wants that type of hire anyway?
There was a time early in photography (years ago) where I was concerned about posting a photo in my bio because I thought if people knew I was a female photographer or a Black photographer (both groups still outnumbered by White male photographers) they would not hire me. Was I ashamed of who I was? No, of course not. Very proud. But, I did want to be hired. After several months, I did add that info. And people hired. But some of those who hired cancelled later after I sent them a link to my bio so they could get to know more about me. Some cited they needed someone their family (or kids) would be comfortable with. (Truthfully, customers are entitled to a choice at any time, but I do realize what those choices may be influenced by.) On the other hand, some related to my demographic so well that they thought my prices should be halved since our Census forms shared similarities.
Who I am is much larger than anything that can be contained on a form, in any tweet, in any blog post--even in an image. Period. "You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." ~ C.S. Lewis
Thus, any artist, or human being in general should ignore the 2%. Why do we dwell on those who don't want us anyway? Why are the negative voices louder than the positive voices, even if the positive ones outnumber the negative ones?
Some argue that discussing the tragedy in Arizona today (or similar events) should stay off of the Twitter timeline unless a person wants their brand hurt. Really? To me, the best photographer is one with compassion and intellect and not so much self-centeredness that they cannot see beyond their own photographic business interests to realize that just for a second, it might be ok to discuss something else. We have time to get right back to photography (or whatever else). If being a real and whole person means brand damage, I don't want the type of clients who would see it that way anyway. (Truthfully it seems that photography peers, not potential clients are the most angered by such discussions outside of photography...but I digress...)
My attention is on the 98%. My passion is to be a photographer who just might know a little more and care about a little more than that passion. My focus is on being truly human. Where does your attention go? What is your passion? What is your focus? That is what your brand should be, not just what others think. But alas, that just may not be how business works. Life is more than photographic business though, and more than photographic art. Art reminds us that life as a whole, not just the art form itself matters.
Related Blog Posts: Thoughts About Vision, Photographers, Be Who You Are
10 Comments:
Nice post. Totally agreeing with your view here :)
Thanks for reading Cecilie.
This brings up excellent points!
Thanks for reading Heather.
I really enjoy your view of brand and how the world perceives you, and your reactions; or not, to those perceptions. Great post, made me think about my brand/myself. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your view and for reading Will.
Hello Trudy! I'm a new observer/interest of your work. I am an African American visualist. I commend you for expressing what many artists battle with on this new brand atmosphere via social media. I often find myself holding back or whether to create a seperate identity to stay away from damaging my brand. Needless to say, I have not done the layer. I am who I am. Without insult or offense I keep my commentary respectful. This post has helped a great deal! Glad to have found you! Great work and blog!
Peace,
Marcus X
Thanks for the feedback Marcus.
I wholeheartedly agree!! A photographer on Twitter should express their thoughts openly without fear of "brand damage." I enjoy reading the more non-photographic, more personal tweets of photographers bold enough to tweet their minds! And as someone who follows you, I enjoy reading your mind. :-)
Thanks for reading Walter. What I've noticed is that the clients who are open about who they are and real get along well with me and we have fun creating art that they love. Just be you. We cannot tip toe through life "hoping" someone will like us. It's no way to live.
Of course I never name a client or directly attack clients. Not interested in that. But, I do share my views on life in general in addition to photography when I tweet. A person can be responsible and real at the same time.
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