Chances are you read the headline above and thought: That’s impossible. You cannot create an image to please everyone.
The real question is why do photographers keep trying?
The only way to appeal to the majority is to photograph something pleasing that most people can connect with. Animals, flowers, and sunsets are good examples. Most people appreciate a beautiful sunset.
Even if you ignore the few cold-hearted people who don’t enjoy sunsets, you still can’t please everyone. Even harder is creating imagery with a style everyone will pay money to own.
Taking a great sunset photograph takes average skill and a little luck. There are so many good sunset photographs that stock photography companies limit or will not accept them as submissions.
A photograph that appeals to the most number of people is commonplace. Too many photographers are fighting to be the best average sunset photographer. To make a living as a photographer requires developing a vision that few others can match.
Photographers who want to make a living in photography need to understand that few survive in the middle of the pack. Only the leaders of the pack survive. The competition is fierce. The weak ones feel compelled to lower their prices and cut corners. They do this just to get an assignment or sell a photograph. Eventually, they go out of business. Unfortunately, they take a few good photographers down with them in the process.
Stop trying to create photographs everyone will enjoy.
Social media and digital marketing open up a whole world of opportunity. They allow photographers to connect with people around the world who will appreciate your unique vision. There is no good reason to conform. Develop your own style, niche or and where you will find much less competition.
Is my headline deceiving?
So is the belief you are the right photographer for everyone.
Rosh
Tags: bird photo, headlines, Photographer, photography competition
Interesting article. It didn’t go the direction I thought it might. All points are valid though Rosh. Very thought provoking.
Thank you Chris.
Rosh
Rosh, where you went with the discussion is exactly what I was thinking when I saw the tweet. Why would he try and advocate pleasing everyone??! I agree that you need to get yourself out of the middle of the pack and one way to do that is being true to your vision. Have a clear vision that your are passionate about will provide the best opportunity for success; however you define it. Good post.
Great minds….
“Taking a great sunset photograph takes average skill and a little luck.”
I totally disagree based upon the word “great.” I don’t think most people know how to take a “great” sunset photo. Most people see an amazing sky and waste it on bad compositions. I’m a victim of that too. I don’t even know if I have more than a couple of “great” sunset photos with the hundreds I’ve taken.
I think the real point should have been to not be okay with being average. Be great. Don’t be happy with where you are, strive to be the best.
Mike
Hey Mike,
I assure you there are a lot of great sunset photos. Since digital there many more. Again, that is why stock agencies really don’t want to take them in there colllection.
You are right, You can’t be OK with average. Good won’t cut it either. Heck, great is event tough to sell. The point is to stop trying and create your own style.
Thanks for the good comment.
Rosh