While looking through photographer’s portfolios, both current and older photographers, I came across a few that really caught my attention and I decided to mention them here. In my opinion, these are 5 of the top fashion photographers working today.
Here are my pics for the top 5 recent fashion photographer:
In this video, the guys from Fstoppers interview Noam Galai, a photographer who posted an image of himself on Flicker. This image was stolen many times over and used for art as well as for profit by many around the world with Noam not receiving compensation nor the appropriate credit he deserves and he’s ok with that.
He states that if his image had not been stolen he would not have seen his image spread throughout the world the way it did. Furthermore, he feels that he will profit from this notoriety in the future. The interviewer seems to agree with Noam’s point of view.
Personally, I strongly disagree! I feel that all he has accomplished by going public with this story is show that he doesn’t mind having his work stolen, and, he has unintentionally offered an open invitation to others to find and take more of his work once again without offering any compensation or giving him the credit he deserves.
Noam has started to sell “swag” with this image in an effort to recoup some of the money he would have received had these image been properly obtained by everyone who used it. If you would like to help Noam out visit his new store and buy some products. I wish him the best and hope he stops giving his work away.
As many people who are close to me already know I am looking to break into the world of fashion photography. Specifically fashion advertising. That said, I have decided to revamp my entire portfolio to reflect that change (which is why, as of this posting, there aren’t many images in my portfolio). I am currently in talks with stylists and models, as well as scouting locations for shoots that will give me the look I am pursuing.
In an effort to make myself more accountable and to help others that may be in a similar situation, I have decided to add a “Journal” category to my blog, where I will document the process of not only building my portfolio from the ground up but also what I do with it once its complete, including: prospecting, marketing, and eventually acquiring new clients (I hope).
Feel free to make comments, suggestions or ask questions as you read through my experiences. I look forward to a great 2011 and I hope that by blogging my experiences someone else will benefit.
I have been hearing a lot about photographers “giving” away their work or working for “exposure” and it seems to have many professionals rattled. And, although I have to say I do agree with most pro photographers in that I don’t feel one should just work for free, I personally don’t see it as a threat nor do I spend much time dwelling on the topic.
I firmly believe that if you want to be paid for your work you can and should be. After all, if you don’t place any value in your final product no one else will. I’ll give you a quick example of what I’m talking about.
I have been published in a few magazines but in one particular case I was commissioned to shoot a feature. While discussing the needs of the magazine the editor described in detail what they wanted me to produce including look, feel, technical specs, etc. However, the topic of my compensation never came up. Finally, I asked, “what’s the compensation?”. He initially stated that they had no budget for this because…bla, bla, bla! He gave quit a few reasons. My answer was simply, thanks but no thanks. That’s when the negotiations began and needles to say I did get the assignment…PAID!
Another photographer (friend of mine) was commissioned to shoot for the same magazine, the difference however, was that he never stood his ground and demanded payment. He shot the feature in exchange for “exposure”.
This isn’t a start up magazine I’m talking about here. This magazine had a circulation of 200,000. They charge their advertisers $12,000 on the low end to run an add and we’re suppose to work for them for “exposure”? Like I told their editor, thanks but no thanks.
Anyway, the moral of this story is place value in your work and others will value you! I have attached an old vidio by Harlan Ellison discussing the topic. Enjoy!
May 18th, 2011 
Angel 
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