Do most photographers have a "I'm better than you complex"?

I am surrounded by an amazing community in North and Central Florida. They share, their passionate about their craft, they're encouraging and always helpful.

You guys are just mad that im better than you.

Try your local colege thay are a littel more helpfull and the one at the college in my town has a photography teacher that put it together so he is thear to ask questions.

Scotty wrote: You guys are just mad that im better than you.

Yeh these jealous noobs are not 1337 like us dood.

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Scotty wrote: You guys are just mad that im better than you.

Yeh these jealous noobs are not 1337 like us dood.

photobod wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Scotty wrote: You guys are just mad that im better than you.

Yeh these jealous noobs are not 1337 like us dood.

Thirsty Beaver wrote: I think that going to vary, depends on the photographer! Some are humble and others are just full of them selfs.

Baydream wrote:

Conner wrote:

Thirsty Beaver wrote: I think that going to vary, depends on the photographer! Some are humble and others are just full of them selfs.

Hate to say, but I 100%

I've come across some photographers that are so about them selves and could care less about others.

Just like every other area of life, eh?

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

Scotty wrote: You guys are just mad that im better than you.

Yeh these jealous noobs are not 1337 like us dood.

What does 1337 mean or reference?

Narcissism is more and more common in today's society, researchers have tracked its growth within cultures and society since the early 1950's. There is very little chance that you can go through your day without encountering the textbook narcissist. However, when you're in the image business I think that one is more apt to encounter "malignant self-love" which is a heightened form of narcissism.

How do we guard against it? Seek out and embrace not only the positive comments about our work but the negative as well, within reason. As we learn to view things and relationships from another's perspective we will also help ourselves.

Just sayin' its not the photography thats the problem folks.

txmarine wrote: Yep their out there - every where. And I have seen it at all levels during my 30 something years of shooting....even when it comes to critiquing other's work - some people are so full of themself that it is just ooozing out of their ears.
All in all though I have met some really nice helpful photographers who share and give all their talent to others so they too can enjoy this wonderful endeavor.

A number of years ago, I worked in software development and we had peer code reviews of every program. There were some who simply had to pick apart code, not because it was bad or incorrect, but because that person didn't like the style. The original programmer couldn't wait to be on a review group for the "griper" just to get revenge. What a lovely way to build teamwork.

I personally know that I am better than everyone else! I can't help it .... it's simply the truth. A little arrogance always helps put the newbies in their place!

And now seriously ... I have had too many wonderful folks offer advice, constructive criticism ... answer numerous stupid (not dumb but just plain stupid) questions and offer praise when it was due as well. Of course there have been a few folks along the way that did project the aura that they were better than others ... sometimes when I looked art their galleries I was very confused by their ego versus the ability / results shown.

I love to "Pay It Forward" to others ... I will even let a fellow Canon shooter put their camera body on my 400mm or 500mm lens, after I have taken all the images that I need of a subject. I get such a kick out of the look on their faces when they say ... "Really ... you don't mind?"

I will occasionally miss a shot because of doing this ... like the little Screech Owl that sat in an opening of a tree for 30 minutes with it's eyes closed ... as soon as the young man that was standing next to me placed his camera on my 500mm (tripod mounted) the Screecher opened it eyes for a few minutes! Oh well there will always be other owls.

I'm only 19 and only been shooting four about 3 years, so I don't have too much experience, but, yes, I've found many photographers can be quite secretive. I'm not so sure it's that they think they're better than you, but that the competition is so tough to stand out in the field that they worry about giving away secrets. On the other hand, I've met many photographers who can - and do - volunteer hours of their time to mentor new photographers. Sounds like maybe you just found the wrong group. Keep looking.

I've run into this not just in the photo world but in my former life as a nurse too- knowledge is power and some people love the power. My attitude is that it is just plain selfish not to share your knowledge. To not mentor and share is to let your craft die a slow death of ignorance. To share what you have learned is to not doom the next generation to continue to make the same mistakes and never advance beyond a certain level. Talent is and always will be in combination with drive and the search for excellence a way to the top of any endeavour. Some people are born with more talent , some people have to work twice as hard to get to the same level. There is no reason to be snobby about it as we alll have the desire to contribute to our art and craft.

hotshot19 wrote: I'm only 19 and only been shooting four about 3 years, so I don't have too much experience, but, yes, I've found many photographers can be quite secretive. I'm not so sure it's that they think they're better than you, but that the competition is so tough to stand out in the field that they worry about giving away secrets. On the other hand, I've met many photographers who can - and do - volunteer hours of their time to mentor new photographers. Sounds like maybe you just found the wrong group. Keep looking.

I agree about the secretive part. I know of a photographer who will not tell you will she took the shot, how she edit it or anything. However she demands the other photographers to tell her how they took their shot, edit etc.. Of course these other photographers answer, because they are nice and don't mind helping out others.