7 Annoying Things Photographers Do That You Should Avoid

Whatever your goals as a photographer, personally or professionally, you want to do your best. This is true whether you work on your own, with clients, or models. No one wants to be the photographer that people talk about behind their back or secretly warn their friends or family not to shoot with.

Unfortunately, even if you’re a great person who wants to do well, easy-to-make mistakes could leave others with a bad taste in their mouth. Don’t become the photographer that has negative reviews on their business or Yelp page.

These Are 7 (Common!) Annoying Things Photographers Do

Oversell

You may know the over-seller, as they happen in every business. Perhaps you have people on your mailing list and think that sending them an excessive number of emails will help you sell more photographs or book more shoots, but all it does is alienate you from your audience. Too many emails can be annoying and, before long, people will send you straight to their SPAM folder.

Write emails and updates that your fans are genuinely interested in (for instance, about your travels and adventures, or even your next exhibit). Don’t be afraid to let people know what you have for sale, but make sure your message is more than sales alone.

Not Being Prepared

Always go to your photo-shoots prepared. Bring a tripod, extra batteries, lighting equipment, and filters. This is particularly true if you are working with a paid client and shooting with models.

Your clients don’t want to watch you fumble through your camera bag or go back to your car to get a prop. Plan out your shoot, write a list of which supplies to bring and double-check that you have everything you need before you leave your home or office.

Take Things Too Personally

Part of being professional is learning how to rise above the fray. There will be people (hopefully not many, but some) who don’t like or appreciate your work.

If anyone leaves a negative comment or writes something unfavorable in a blog, take it in stride. If you react too vigorously, you might give the critic or online “hater” more attention than they would have had otherwise.

Consider whether what they are saying is valid or just their personal opinion. If it isn’t a legitimate or constructive comment that you can learn from, ignore or delete it (totally within your right, if a comment is left on your page, etc.).

Not Protect Your Copyright

If you fail to protect your work, who will? By allowing your work to be shared and photo thieves to get away with not crediting you, you risk being taken advantage of or angering your clients or models who posed in your photographs.

Search Berify and find out who is using your work without permission. Once you have results, send those persons or companies a message or email and ask them to link to your name, website, and Instagram page.

Steal From Others

You know that copyrights matter but love to share funny or inspiring images you find online. Perhaps you take a quick screenshot of anything you enjoy without researching who the original creator is.

However, the image you share could belong to someone who will discover your copyright infringement and tag @yourname online, letting everyone know how you stole their work. This could lead to public shame and jeopardize your career. Search Berify before you share any images created by others.

Forget About Professionalism

If you show up for a shoot at an engagement or retirement party, or even a wedding, and you’re wearing jeans and an old t-shirt, professionalism goes out the window! Pick an outfit for daytime and evening shoots, as well as indoor and outdoor shoots.

Many photographers opt for all black, as it avoids being flashy and still looks professional. Of course, if you are shooting outside in 100-degree weather, wearing an all-black outfit might not be the best choice. Dress for the environment you’re in and the clientele.

Get Stuck in a Rut

Getting stuck in a rut is easier than you think. You may have started your career shooting a wide range of subjects in a variety of locations. However, over time, you have fine-tuned your craft and now only shoot the things you enjoy.

However, if you’re always taking pictures in the same way, at the same time, of the same things, in the same lighting, people will get tired of your work. You want to keep your photos interesting and inspiring. I strive to challenge yourself and be creative. Try new things and let yourself be inspired by others (without mistakenly mimicking their work).

While there are a learning curve and process to each new endeavor (including photography), avoid the above mistakes, and keep your work fresh and valued. Continue to be your photograph fact-checker.

By getting online credit for your work, you will expose your work to more people who might hire you! Go to Berify and start getting noticed for the work you have already done!

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