Note: This post isn’t just an opinionated rant. It’s informative.
Our business is only as strong as our tact. If we as photographers and business owners want to attract clients to our craft, then we can not undersell ourselves or undercut others. In the last month amidst casual conversation with another photographer and clients, I have heard of two separate unrelated incidents where photographers have attempted to do just that by offering up their services for free when they have a fully established business. Is it because one of them feels they are superior to the other? Or are they simply trying to take that client away from the other party? Regardless of the reason, this happens all the time in our field. Usually, it’s from those who are just starting out, but at times, it’s experienced photographers as well. If these folks would practice integrity when seeking a new client base, then perhaps the contracted client would have contracted them to begin with. It is our responsibility as business owners to go out and find our OWN clients and not attempt to try and convince our competition’s clients to come to us.  Quite frankly, the client is going to contract who they want and it is out of line as a non-contracted photographer to contact them  in an attempt to discuss their “options.”
“Well, hey there Bessie May! This is Photog Sassy Sally. Say, I heard you were going down to see Ol’ Jim Bob for some photos? Well how about you just come on over and I’ll get ya done up right for free!”
::shakes head::
Our businesses will grow with the amount of work WE put into it. We cannot expect clients to just plop in our laps.  We have to work to grow.   We have to step forward more then we hold still. Stepping forward means to actually take action and own up to our businesses… doesn’t it deserve it? Don’t we? Be creative, be inspiring, be…. original? It’s okay to look around on others sites for inspiration, but be original! Do know that almost all of us (photographers, designers) incorporate a software into our sites and blogs, our whole server, that documents where visitors come from, and browse too. Some can even show what’s been downloaded, which ours does. Don’t download something, especially something that is trademarked, and then announce on Facebook that you’re going to do the same thing, and use the same verbatim wording from the document downloaded, come on people.
www.copyright.gov – www.copyscape.com
I guess I have ticked some folks off, because over the course of the last three months I have received similar blog comments from a mysterious new fan:
Your A Lame WannaB
YourLame@AOL.com
24.9.34.50Lame Rookie get a real job you never make it in this business.
At first, I was extremely hurt by this- I work really hard and apparently, I’ve made it in the business. I also run around with my heart on my sleeve, and strive to help others. What would make someone say such hurtful things? My Husband insists that it’s jealousy, but what is there to be jealous of? I work 3 jobs not including Mommyhood and Wifey Corp. We are by no means in the black, and though I really would like it to be- this photography gig isn’t even full time. Simply, I have zoned my craft, and people like it.
By all means Ms. Mysterious come take a cut! I could use the lighter load and spend that time with Husband and the kids. Possibly there’s a thing or two to be learned, like basic mannerisms, from the nice photographer. 
 This all goes back to the above topic. Move yourself forward and don’t stand in someone’s shadow. We can ALL step into the sunlight and make our own art unique and amazing. Just as we all are fabulous creators, friends, colleagues, and individuals… we are each in business for ourselves and whatever accompanying reasons.
Whatever the reason… Mind your business… Step forward… and flourish!
FYI – I’ve taken the appropriate steps to be able to use the music on my website. I’ve had permission since 04/2007 and 05/2007 on different songs.
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