What I despise in photography
Introduction
Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! If you're new here, I'm Justin Mott, a full-time professional photographer. Today, I'm sharing a fun and slightly negative rant about the things I despise in photography. Whether it's gear, specific types of people, or situational annoyances, I've got a list that many of you might relate to. And a big thank you to Wotancraft Bags, today's sponsor. They make the best camera bags in the world, which is definitely not something I despise. Now, let's dive into my list of photography pet peeves!
1. Sunglasses
I really want to be a sunglasses guy. They hide your wrinkles, make you look cool, and add a touch of mystery. But when it comes to photography, sunglasses are a nightmare. They get in the way, and if I put them on my shirt or head, they always fall off when I'm in awkward positions trying to get the perfect shot. As much as I want them to work for me, they just don't.
2. Hats
Most hats are a no-go for me, except for my little Docker Mickey hats. Regular hats block my view, and trying to wear them backward just looks silly. However, my Docker Mickey hats protect my thinning hair from the sun and let me shoot comfortably. They get a pass, but the rest? Not so much.
3. People Shooting Over My Shoulder
This one drives me crazy. When I'm in the middle of a shoot, the last thing I need is someone hovering over my shoulder, trying to capture the same shot. I've had experiences where people used my setup and lighting to claim credit for my work, and it's incredibly frustrating. So, I avoid letting anyone shoot over my shoulder, especially in commercial settings.
4. Copying and Plagiarism
Nothing irritates me more than seeing other photographers copy my work and get praised for it. It's disheartening when someone wins awards or gains industry recognition for mimicking my shots. While I'm not calling anyone out, it happens far too often, and it really bums me out. The industry needs to do a better job of addressing this issue.
5. Ballistic Nylon
I despise ballistic nylon. It's ugly and screams "camera bag," which is why I love Wotancraft's Cordura fabric bags. They're stylish, functional, and don't look like every other camera bag out there. Plus, they're made by a fantastic company with great people.
6. Adjustable Straps
Adjustable straps are another pet peeve of mine. As someone who is a bit dyslexic, I find them incredibly frustrating. I prefer simple straps that don't require constant adjusting. Trying to figure out how to lengthen or shorten them just makes my brain explode.
7. Buying Memory Cards and Hard Drives
Purchasing memory cards and hard drives is never satisfying. It's a necessary evil, but spending a lot of money on them feels unfulfilling. Despite the rugged designs and marketing, they're just not exciting purchases.
8. The Overly Confident Photographer
We've all met that photographer who always shows off their shots, seeking validation. It's one thing to share your work, but demanding approval for every photo on your camera is annoying. Let's share our work with humility and avoid putting others in awkward positions.
9. Asking for Convenient Help
I love helping fellow photographers, but it's frustrating when people don't think through their requests. Sending incomplete or poorly thought-out emails just makes it harder for me to assist. Let's respect each other's time and effort when asking for help.
10. Genre Snobbery
I despise the snobbery that exists among different photography genres. For example, photojournalists and documentary photographers often look down on wedding photographers. Every genre has its challenges and requires skill. Let's appreciate all types of photography and support each other.
11. Exaggerated Bios
Exaggerating achievements in bios is a big no-no. Claiming to work for a major brand because they liked a photo on Instagram or stretching the truth about your experience is misleading. Let's be honest about our accomplishments and earn our accolades genuinely.
12. Gear Shaming
Lastly, gear shaming is something I can't stand. Photography isn't about having the most expensive equipment; it's about skill and creativity. Let's stop judging photographers by their gear and focus on the art they create.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this playful rant about my photography pet peeves. Remember, it's all in good fun, and I'm just sharing my personal experiences. I'd love to hear what you despise in photography, so feel free to share in the comments. And don't forget to check out my Northern Vietnam photography workshop this December. Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful day!
Watch the full episode below.
