Photographers - Don't Share This Information

Summary

In this video, the creator discusses the complexities of sharing industry secrets, particularly within the photography world. They emphasize the difference between technical knowledge and creative vision, explaining how success in photography is more about personal perspective than just mastering technical skills. The creator highlights the importance of vision in high-end photography, sharing how their unique perspective shapes their work. They also touch on the value of educational platforms, where they offer insights not easily found elsewhere, while acknowledging the need for hard work and personal skill to succeed in the industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sharing industry secrets is a complex topic—some photographers might not reveal their methods because they don't have a successful business, or because it's not beneficial to share everything.
• 😀 As an educator, the speaker shares information on YouTube for free, but some content is exclusive to paid platforms like Studio Access, where deeper insights are provided.
• 😀 The speaker believes there are certain personal and creative elements in photography that can't be taught or replicated, like unique vision and perspective.
• 😀 Photography is not just about technical skills like lighting setups. Creativity and personal perspective are crucial for success in the industry.
• 😀 While technical aspects can be taught, the vision behind a photographer's work is unique to each individual and can't be easily replicated by others.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that sharing business models or creative processes might not guarantee success for others due to differences in personal skills and execution.
• 😀 High-level commercial photography often revolves around vision and perspective, not just technical expertise. Clients often book based on what a photographer brings to the table creatively.
• 😀 The speaker uses personal anecdotes to explain how some information—like a lighting setup—can be shared, but the key to success is in applying knowledge in a unique way.
• 😀 Photography at the high end is different from mid-level work. At the high end, success is driven by vision, while mid-level photography focuses more on technical skills and marketing.
• 😀 Competition in photography at the high level is often friendly. Photographers may collaborate, share resources, and help each other out, despite competing for similar jobs.

Q & A

Why do some photographers choose not to share their industry secrets?

Photographers may not want to share their industry secrets because certain information, particularly related to their creative vision and personal business practices, cannot be easily replicated by others. Sharing such secrets could also lead to competition, as others might use the same methods, reducing the photographer's uniqueness.

How does the speaker differentiate between technical skills and creative vision in photography?

The speaker emphasizes that technical skills, such as lighting setups or camera settings, can be taught and replicated. However, creative vision is deeply personal, shaped by individual experiences, and cannot be transferred or easily mimicked by others.

What is the role of 'vision' in the success of a high-end photographer?

The speaker argues that high-end photographers are booked primarily for their unique vision and how they see the world, rather than for their technical prowess. Clients are drawn to their ability to capture moments and subjects in a way that others cannot.

How does the speaker approach teaching on their educational platform, Studio Access?

On Studio Access, the speaker provides valuable information not shared for free on their YouTube channel. While they share practical techniques and business strategies, some insights, especially those tied to personal vision, are kept exclusive to paying members.

What example does the speaker give to explain how vision influences photography?

The speaker shares an example of choosing a simple subject for a photograph that would be recognizable to British audiences but not others. They highlight how their personal vision influenced the selection of that specific subject, the background, and how it fits into their broader body of work.

Why does the speaker believe learning technical aspects of photography isn't enough for success?

The speaker suggests that knowing how to operate a camera and understanding lighting setups is not enough to guarantee success. Creativity and vision are essential components of high-end photography, and without these, even the best technical skills will not result in unique, successful work.

What is the significance of the speaker’s background in education and business?

The speaker’s experience as a photographer working on worldwide ad campaigns, combined with their education system, gives them credibility. They can share valuable insights that come from real-world success, helping others learn more quickly and efficiently.

How does the speaker address the critique that they make money by sharing secrets?

The speaker acknowledges that they do make money from their educational platform, but they argue that this is a result of the hard work they've put into developing the content. They emphasize that the money comes from providing value and insight that others can use to advance their careers.

What distinction does the speaker make between low-to-mid-level photographers and high-end photographers?

The speaker explains that low-to-mid-level photographers succeed primarily through technical skills, such as knowing how a camera works and marketing their services. In contrast, high-end photographers stand out because of their unique vision and ability to approach photography from a personal and creative perspective.

How does the speaker handle competition with other photographers at the high end?

The speaker acknowledges that there are competitors at the high end, but they point out that they do not compete for the same jobs as their peers. They emphasize that while they may collaborate and share resources, their work remains unique due to their personal style and vision.