Looking at the results

4 years 3 months ago #667595 by Khelm
I've recently started doing some outdoor/environmental portrait photography trying to get some experience with something new as a photographer.  I asked a classmate who hasn't modeled before to model for me.  We got a few really good photos, however, when looking through the images I asked her to choose her favorite photo.  She chose a photo that was more a snapshot than artistic. This particular photo could have been taken by a friend with a cellphone.  I was disappointed and began to think about other times when I show people my favorite photos hoping for a wow and received nothing.  As a photographer how do you balance your taste and view of what's good and what is not (your style) vs. other people's expectations?  For me I love the pride and feeling I get when someone is moved in some way by my photo.   

I am hoping to earn a little cash by doing some photoshoots.  Nothing as a business.  I am only hoping to use the cash to upgrade to a new camera.  For this reason I am trying to make a small portfolio(ish).  Ultimately, the "client" should be happy and I think my concern is that "clients" won't appreciate the artistry and be unhappy with the finished product.

If it matters I use a Fujifilm X100T.

There are a few things here in this post:
1.   Could you share your experiences of disappointment from lack of interest in a photo?
2.  How do you bridge the gap (art vs their expectation) when working with a model/client or just               showing photos to friends and family?
3.  If this was a "client," was it a mistake to show all the photos prior to me culling and editing them?
4.  Also, any other thoughts that come to mind from my post.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and respond and share your experience.


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4 years 3 months ago #667675 by garyrhook
People have notoriously bad taste.

If you're going to earn money, it's a business. The US limit for unreported income is $600/yr. Be legitimate if you want to fund new toys.

You asked your questions in the wrong order.
3) Good grief, yes. No one needs to see anything that doesn't fully represent you as an artist.
2) I don't care what their expectation is. If I want to have someone model for me, it's for my benefit. And I don't care if they like the results (which, incidentally, doesn't hurt my feelings, either). They're allowed to not like something.
1) I've been fortunate to find customers that like my work and pay me for it. But I only show what I like. I've seen plenty of wonderful images get overlooked for inane reasons.. see my first sentence, above.


Photo Comments
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4 years 3 months ago #667763 by Khelm
Thanks for taking the time to respond. My questions were written down as I thought of them. As for the "be legitimate" I appreciate your thoughts, though, I am not currently in the USA. I'm sure you will suggest checking the limits of the country I am in.

Since this model is just a friend It is a fairly informal photoshoot.  I'm trying new things as a photographer so as long as she has photos she is happy with it's fine with me.  I have three or four shots I would be proud to show anyone so it's a win-win.  These thoughts and questions come from "what-if" for future endeavors that I might want to be less informal.  

I may be a little more sensitive about my photos since I'm not a professional and have only been learning and trying to take great photos the last three years.  Right now my purpose of taking photos is for personal gratification, however, much of that comes from other's reactions.  I am sure as I continue with photography I'll be less sensitive.


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