GATEKEEPING In Photography - A DIFFERENT Perspective
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- čas přidán 18. 01. 2024
- #photography #portraitphotography #photographyforbeginners
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You hear it all the time in photography (and just about with everything) - gate keeping. I think it would be naive to think it doesn't exist, but in this video, I look at things from a different perspective. Is it gate keeping, or is it something else?
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In the video, I over-simplified what gatekeeping is to keep it brief; a more detailed definition:
“The activity of trying to control who gets particular resources, power, or opportunities, and who does not.”
You're absolutely right. People sometimes expect handouts left, right and centre and probably don't even give a thought that something costs you time and money.
I think social media (and CZcams) has exacerbated this problem. Because information is so readily available online, people forget where that information came from (real people who put in the work). It's the reason a lot of people have taken issue with AI - it's ultimately using the hard work from regular people to build its database of information, to then present to people who don't want to do the work themselves.
Now whether I agree or disagree with AI, I understand people using it. We can disagree on how it gets its information, but it's hard to disagree how useful (and time-saving) it has become. And for that reason, there are logical reasons for using it. But I'm not AI, and I'm not going to just give you all the answers to the test when you weren't even willing to at least study for it.
Absolute facts , this happens a ton in video as well, there’s the “hey I want to shoot BTS for you” where it turns into a Q&A on set, and getting 15 clips with the wrong settings off centre, and when I don’t call them back, somehow I’m the bad guy 100% agree on this take
That's one of my biggest pet peeves, veiling your want for free information under the disguise of "assistance". A question here and there is okay, but you're there to assist, not ask me a ton of questions. Side note, I jumped into videography/cinematography around summer of last year and a lot of your videos have been very insightful and helpful. I appreciate what you contribute in this space!
Agree with you so much. Gotta put in the work and when others see you putting that work in, you'll get that guidance from others who have been there. But they'll see that you'll continue to put that work in.
That's exactly it! When people see you putting in the work, they'll be right there to help you a long the way. I had an old boss who, whenever he asked for something, I wouldn't hesitate to do it, because I knew if he was asking me to do it, it was because he didn't have the time to. When you know someone is willing to get dirty themselves, you don't mind jumping in the mud with 'em.
@@AnthonyToglife that's my current boss. I jump up to help him all the time for the same reason.
That thumbnail is tough. I agree with this wholeheartedly
Thanks fam, much appreciated! Random fact, I recorded this video and took the thumbnail this morning, shortly before posting the video. :-D
This is why I love your channel, you bring up interesting points to discuss and consider.
Totally with you on this particular topic, few people value the time and effort it has taken for you to reach your current skill level. I wouldn't say you are a gatekeeper just because you are unwilling to simply give away years of experience. From a business point of view you might even be giving up your competitive edge!
I'm always happy to help anybody in any aspect of life be it work or photography but I'm not willing to use my valuable time to simply do it for them. I would be remiss as a mentor to do this and it would be a disservice to the other person if I did!
I'm a fiercely independent person and I actually hate asking for help, I'd rather figure stuff out myself by research and practice. I've no formal qualifications in photography, I'm self taught. My knowledge base comes from reading lots of books, watching tutorials, attending workshops and just practicing through years of personal projects. I don't use clients as my " beta testers " either. I'm thoroughly competent and confident in my approach to client work because I practice, practice, practice! I never stop learning, every week I learn something new.
Too many lazy photographers think the answer to improving their photography is buying ever more expensive gear. They just don't get it, the cameras and lenses help for sure but they are simply tools of the trade. I made the same mistakes in my formative years thinking gear was the answer to my problems before realising mastering the craft was what mattered.
My absolute most hated question has to be " what settings did you use?" Honestly this one question alone drives me nuts. I kind of get why people ask but really, are they going to shoot in the exact same conditions with the same lens, camera, lighting...? My answer would be about as useful as a chocolate fireguard. Rant over lol.
If I'm asked what things specifically have made the biggest improvement to my photography overall I always answer, lighting (flash and strobes ) and Photoshop. Learning both of these aspects put my photography to another level. Notice I didn't mention anything about gear. Other folk may agree or disagree with me which is fine but once I got the basics of photography down it was learning how to use flash confidently and how to post process my files that made the biggest improvement in my own photography. Your milage may vary 😉
Keep up the great work 👍
We are alike in so many ways! :-)
I very much appreciate you being here!
Agreed. Ppl wonder how I get so many photography products sent to me without having a serious CZcams channel. I put in a lot of work over the years to get to that point. The path that I took may not work for everyone else 🤷🏽♂️, but I get told I’m selfish for not disclosing everything.
Everything I’ve learned about photography, I had to work for it. I sometimes help ppl learn how to use their cameras and gear but I can’t show you how to do everything that I do. I definitely feel you on this topic though 💪🏽
Aye man, you do get a lot of stuff hahahaha. But yeah, I know it took years of grinding to get to where you are today. You don't just wake up and start having things handed to you.
Very interesting topic and fantastic lighting. It’s also a mistake for people to think photography has a blueprint; it’s an art you practice over time.
Indeed my friend, indeed! See ya in a week! 🙏🏾
Awesome...See you at WPPI in Las Vegas.
Thank you George, and looking for to it! I think it's like 45 days away, something like that.
Great perspective. Its the same when you have achieved some level of success with your work, by years of practice, networking and financial investment and someone comes along and says, 'Yo bro, put me on!" and have everything handed on a silver platter.
You are so right, and for me, if you're someone that's in my circle enough to where I would put you on, you would already be put on along with me. If you have to ask, don't, lol.
Spot on. great video.
Thanks Jim, much appreciated!
I try to help people as much as possible. It is evident most of the time when they are not trying to get better. I use a Canon 90D, and I am on a 90D Facebook page. It is a strange camera to learn, and so many people blame the camera for bad shots on that forum, constantly. In my opinion the answers are available in abundance, and the camera requires a lot of practice, and the right lens. They believe after spending the money, it will just magically spit out great shots. Mirrorless might do a little better for them, but I doubt it. I am a firm believer that everyone that owns a camera should take structured lessons. I went through the online lessons at "The School of Photography" out of the UK, and that was when things changed drastically. I know I have years to go, and I shoot every chance I get.
Facebook groups are interesting, lol. There's such a wide range of individuals, from complete novices to utter snobs and everything in between. The people I respond to in groups is those who have shown effort in trying to figure things out themselves. I have absolutely no reservation in helping people like that. But the ones where it's clear they couldn't even be bothered to Google, let alone put in the work to figure it out themselves, I keep right on scrolling!
100% agree. These are the same people buying the newest gear, with the advanced technology and getting the same results as the old gear. Your skill level hasn't advanced, only your gear. Invest just as much in learner as you invest in gear😊
I have seen this in Facebook groups a LOT! It's the usual, "I bought x camera but I'm disappointed in the images, I liked the images from my old camera better." Yup, because you expected your images to just magically improve solely because you bought this new fancy camera or lens.
I've long preached on this channel, understand the "why" first, that will inevitably help you with the "what" and "how".
Awesome video!
Thank you Agnetha!
FACTS!!!
🙏🏾💪🏾
Preach!! Bruh -- you're 100% spot-on. However, I think it's bigger than photography. I think this is an era of entitlement - everywhere, including photography. It has a lot to do with why I retired from coaching. It became too routine for a parent to ask me "why did you cut my child from the team"? When I told them "your son can't dribble 94 feet with his off hand; he has zero defensive principles; and he doesn't hustle". I was often then told "but isn't that your job"? No - it's not; especially as a High School Varsity Coach. My job was to get good players scholarships to college so their parents didn't have to pay for college -- it wasn't to teach your child the fundamentals of basketball that he should have learned in elementary and middle school.
10-15 years ago - that was understood. Today? Everybody expects something for nothing - even in the world of photography. It's refreshing to see this video because it means there are people in your generation who get it! Mind you, people in my generation understand that there's power in the word "no". Absolute power - and we should be ok saying it -- without any explanation.
Mentors should challenge us -- guide us -- question us -- and advise us; they're not here to do for us, and those who think that are sadly mistaken. You and TMIDD talked similarly on the last "live" about people who don't understand the work put into what you guys do. Sure, they see the end result and think they can do it -- but they can't, because they're not willing to do all the things necessary -- they just want the endgame. And -- sadly, they feel they're entitled -- with absoutely no requirement to take the time, energy, effort to build something from the ground up.
Yes - you do see it in photography, and other creative spaces -- but I think it's systemic and reflective of today's era. I'll leave you with this -- when I was a child, if/when I got cut from a team, my parents would tell me I had to work harder and get better if I wanted to try again next year. Today, a lot of those parents make excuses for their children's lack of work ethic. If my baseball team didn't win the championship, my father would explain that it was because we weren't as good as the team that won. We didn't get "participation trophies" like kids today get. Winners got trophies - losers got nothing. If you lost, and wanted to get better - you worked harder. Well, what you're seeing in photography are the kids - now grown adults - who have been given everything thus far. Just a theory ... 🙂
"but isn't that your job" ... that seriously sums up one of the biggest issues in the world today! People just expect things to happen without putting in any work on their own to make it so. We see this in the education system also, parents think because the teacher is the teacher, they're solely responsible for what the kid learns and the grades they get, but the teacher is only one piece of the bigger puzzle.
As always I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough comments. I'll have to circle back to this one, I'm getting ready to head out to fly to Louisville for Imaging. :-)
I agree! So many times I get DM “How did you get you position shooting in the NFL”? I tell them there is no roadmap……my journey is unique to me. Work on your craft to be the best you can be at any level of sports you currently shoot. It’s a generational thing too I think! Folks think they can go from the basement to the penthouse without taking a few stairs!
I can only imagine the questions you get from people wondering how to become an NFL photographer. I'm not even in that space but I think my general sentiment remains - if you have to ask, you're likely not yet at a place to know.
@@AnthonyToglife yes! Im getting tired of folks asking honestly!
Great video! 💯 true, not only in photography but like u said this in every thing! When kids as me to train them in basketball I'll do the first one, but after that I'm looking to see if you real about, and if not I stop! I don't think gatekeepers are a things to a high degree as everyone claims it to be!
Is this deja vu? hehehe
Good stuff Fam!
Thanks my guy, much appreciated! Any chance you're gonna make it to WPPI this year? If not, I'm definitely planning to make it over your way at some point this summer.
Some people you can help some you can't. a true gatekeeper keeps you from getting somewhere.
I akin a gatekeeper to this:
There’s a building I want to get into. I search and find the building, and figure out how to get in. When I get to the door, someone stops me and says “you can’t come in” without any valid reason. There lies your gatekeeper.
What I don’t consider a gatekeeper:
There’s w building I want to get into. I know a guy who’s in the building all the time. I ask the guy where the building is, how to get to it, and how to get in. The guy says, “you have to figure that out for yourself.” That guy is NOT a gatekeeper IMHO.
Nothing but full agreement from me in everything you said. You haven't said anything new...that's been the "master/apprentice" and the "mentor/protege" relationship for thousands of years. Haven't they even watched Star Wars? Haven't they seen "The Karate Kid?"
No, these people are just expecting a handout thinking that they are entitled to the fruit of your labor, risk, and early losses. Don't fee bad about saying, "No," because ultimately what you give them is going down the drain; they're not going to persevere to their own success.
But look for those who are willing to put in the effort because they will prove the worth of what you've learned.
You are exactly right! You never learn how to problem solve if you're always depending on someone else to do it for you. And they may argue "I'll just keep finding people to solve my problems", but it's inevitable a time will come when there's no one there. Then what?!
I agree 100%... there is always this new person or an old friend asking me what presets I use, etc. And in my mind, I'm like, nah, I don't use presets even though I do use presets, I just don't want to share my secrets as they took years for me to find these presets or to improve my skills, lol... some of these guys just want to see all my Lightroom settings or just get all my info that took me years to learn and research and I'm like, nah, this is my formula/special sauce, find your own formula/special sauce... lol... and I just don't use presets and that's it, I do a lot of things to improve my images, so just to share my formula with anybody or everybody doesn't make sense, I don't want to see others editing exactly how I edit lol... smh
I absolutely agree with you, but maybe from a slightly difference perspective. I don't mind if someone edits like me, but I want to see you putting in the work to get there. I'm not going to spend months putting my style together just to hand to you with a pretty little bow. Frankly, this is more detrimental than it is helpful. A person never learns how to problem-solve if they're always relying on someone else to solve the problem.
@@AnthonyToglife Thank you, I agree, that's what bothers me the most, they just want you to do everything for them, lol... also, I don't like teaching, I'm terrible at teaching, lol
I'm not mad at this perspective at all. I actually understand it a lot. But my only complaint about gatekeeping is locations. Like bruh you can tell me where the spot is. Like thats crazy lol
See, I have to keep it real, I’m in the middle with this. If it’s a spot that’s readily known/available, I don’t mind telling. But if it’s a spot I hiked to find, or drove around to find, I don’t disclose that.
One, I had to put in work to find it, why should I just give that up? If I could find it, so could anyone else if they’re willing to put in the work.
Two, a lot of people suck, and a location that isn’t on the beaten path very quickly gets ruined when people find out about it and care more about getting a pic for social media than respecting the location. Too many spots I’ve once visited have fallen victim to this, some spots no longer accessible because people completely destroyed the area.
I always look at it like this, no one owes me anything. If I like a location, I’ll play detective and find it, that simple. Maybe I enjoy the hunt, lol. But at the end of the day, no one owes me information, and I don’t get mad if people withhold it. If someone is withholding it because they wanna keep me out, I’m gonna find it myself and then smile as I’m walking in.
@@AnthonyToglife I'm telling you if i find it the pics i take there im tagging them in everyone 😂😂
Corporate Lawyers are expensive as hell. No way should you hand over the work you paid forfrom them for free!!
Would they shoot your next wedding for free? Or do an entire school photo season for free?..
thought not!
I didn't feel bad one bit. If people knew what I've given to be where I'm at, maybe they would understand. This game is tough, and if you're always depending on handouts, you'll never make it far anyway.