Browncoat
Senior Member
Many of you have I'm sure, formed the opinion that I have a serious dislike for pro photographers, due to some of my responses on these forums. While this is true to a certain degree, it's an incorrect assumption. I have nothing but respect for those at the top of this profession. It's the ones clinging to the bottom rung of it that irritate me. And here's a perfect example:
First, read this. Here is an article by a photography student. Then, read this. A response from a working pro. The student is full of optimism about her chances of breaking into the industry. The pro is obviously a disgruntled old fart who used this opportunity to promote himself and his lame book. Why is he selling a book? Because he can't sell photos. There are thousands of pros just like Jim Pickerell. Here are a few quotes from him in case you didn't read his article:
Scott Kelby isn't complaining about an industry decline. Neither is Chase Jarvis or Mr. McNally. THESE are industry leaders, not Jim the Disgruntled Local Pro. The above will encourage you, and proudly share their work and trade secrets. But not Jim. He tells tales of gloom and doom and starving children because he is afraid of us and the fact that he isn't exclusive anymore. He has to actually work for a living and not just have everything fall into his lap.
Look out, Jim the Disgruntled Local Pro. We're coming for you.
First, read this. Here is an article by a photography student. Then, read this. A response from a working pro. The student is full of optimism about her chances of breaking into the industry. The pro is obviously a disgruntled old fart who used this opportunity to promote himself and his lame book. Why is he selling a book? Because he can't sell photos. There are thousands of pros just like Jim Pickerell. Here are a few quotes from him in case you didn't read his article:
Read this as: Jim has no real talent. He was a local guy w/ a big camera so everyone went to him by default. Jim is threatened by anyone "in his space" because he has no business sense and can't deal with actual competition.In the case of young people just starting out, “adapting to change” should mean recognizing that the demand for professionally produced still photos is declining, and then figuring out how you will earn a living doing something other than photography.
Again with the decline? He's talking about his diminishing bottom line here. He used to have a certain market cornered, and now that customers are going elsewhere, he's concluded that these people simply don't exist anymore, because they couldn't possibly be going somewhere else. It's just not possible!There always will be exceptions, of course. There will be a few people who do well, but their numbers will be a lot less in five years than they are today, or than they were 10 or more years ago. As a career, photography is in serious decline.
Wrong again. They just don't need YOU anymore, Jim.The major problem still photographers face is that technology has advanced to the point where virtually everyone can produce acceptable pictures for their needs, without the aid of a professional photographer.
Scott Kelby isn't complaining about an industry decline. Neither is Chase Jarvis or Mr. McNally. THESE are industry leaders, not Jim the Disgruntled Local Pro. The above will encourage you, and proudly share their work and trade secrets. But not Jim. He tells tales of gloom and doom and starving children because he is afraid of us and the fact that he isn't exclusive anymore. He has to actually work for a living and not just have everything fall into his lap.
Look out, Jim the Disgruntled Local Pro. We're coming for you.
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