Alright, let’s talk about something that has been on my mind lately: building authority as a photographer. Now, I’m not going to sit here and act like I have everything figured out or that I’ve “made it.” because I haven’t and In fact, I still feel like I’m in the middle of it or even still at the starting line, but I’m trying to make sense of things as I go.
A great article Joshua and one that really resonates with me. I guess I’ve been on a similar journey, although wasn’t aware it was called photographic authority. I have been simply trying to work out where I fit in the photographic world and what I have to say and contribute. Writing here on Substack is helping me work through that in a public way. I’m still a work in progress but then guess we all are 😁
These days, I've been finding myself tired of "fake it til you make it," folks. Of course, we should try to exude confidence, but it seems so many folks want to go from zero to Eggleston in a year or two. Being honest and authentic is refreshing.
Great advice, there’s some real nuggets in there. Like Jakub, I agree that authenticity is crucial to credibility but also for quality engagement and community building. People will want to to connect with anyone they can relate to, and when guards are dropped and personality starts to shine through in what we put out there, whether writing, photography or both in our cases, than everyone wins.
That’s some food for thought. I never thought about being a photographer from this perspective. I think that being genuine and honest is key to gaining credibility in any area. Especially if your work shows that you are not there for the clicks or the latest fad. Helping others grow is most rewarding.
It's a dilemma that many of us are going through or have gone through, Joshua, and I don't think there is a "one-size-fits-all" solution. If you're aiming to be a professional photographer, my guess is that you're going to have to specialise / find your niche, as very few truly successful photographers are "generalists".
There are YouTubers who are primarily "influencers" who have gained a reasonable idea of how to use a camera and pump out algorithm driven gear reviews and "advice" videos on the likes of "I started doing X and it changed everything" or "the 10 things you must / must not do to be successful". But is that creating real "authority"?
As an amateur photographer for over 50 years, I've photographed what I liked, when I liked. It is mostly landscape, travel and some street. Eventually, I came to realise that what I wanted to do is more project-based / story-based photography. That's where I'm headed right now.
I tried Instagram for a few years but hated it (and Meta). I joined VERO - which is better but, as with all social media, it's very time-hungry. I'm also convinced that many people no longer really trust social media platforms. Too many agendas and too many people trying to be the next Peter McKinnon. I think that boat sailed long ago.
I have a website which is mostly neglected but it's mine and it's the one thing I would like to breathe more life into.
Whatever you do, follow your instincts. Your gut feel is usually right on the money.
A great article Joshua and one that really resonates with me. I guess I’ve been on a similar journey, although wasn’t aware it was called photographic authority. I have been simply trying to work out where I fit in the photographic world and what I have to say and contribute. Writing here on Substack is helping me work through that in a public way. I’m still a work in progress but then guess we all are 😁
These days, I've been finding myself tired of "fake it til you make it," folks. Of course, we should try to exude confidence, but it seems so many folks want to go from zero to Eggleston in a year or two. Being honest and authentic is refreshing.
Great advice, there’s some real nuggets in there. Like Jakub, I agree that authenticity is crucial to credibility but also for quality engagement and community building. People will want to to connect with anyone they can relate to, and when guards are dropped and personality starts to shine through in what we put out there, whether writing, photography or both in our cases, than everyone wins.
That’s some food for thought. I never thought about being a photographer from this perspective. I think that being genuine and honest is key to gaining credibility in any area. Especially if your work shows that you are not there for the clicks or the latest fad. Helping others grow is most rewarding.
It's a dilemma that many of us are going through or have gone through, Joshua, and I don't think there is a "one-size-fits-all" solution. If you're aiming to be a professional photographer, my guess is that you're going to have to specialise / find your niche, as very few truly successful photographers are "generalists".
There are YouTubers who are primarily "influencers" who have gained a reasonable idea of how to use a camera and pump out algorithm driven gear reviews and "advice" videos on the likes of "I started doing X and it changed everything" or "the 10 things you must / must not do to be successful". But is that creating real "authority"?
As an amateur photographer for over 50 years, I've photographed what I liked, when I liked. It is mostly landscape, travel and some street. Eventually, I came to realise that what I wanted to do is more project-based / story-based photography. That's where I'm headed right now.
I tried Instagram for a few years but hated it (and Meta). I joined VERO - which is better but, as with all social media, it's very time-hungry. I'm also convinced that many people no longer really trust social media platforms. Too many agendas and too many people trying to be the next Peter McKinnon. I think that boat sailed long ago.
I have a website which is mostly neglected but it's mine and it's the one thing I would like to breathe more life into.
Whatever you do, follow your instincts. Your gut feel is usually right on the money.