In my post on creating a winning portfolio ^[2], I mentioned that in addition to assessing the skills and talents of a photographer, I also want to know a little about the photographer as a person. That’s why when photographers tell me they have a blog, I always take a look at it.

It’s a good opportunity for me to understand how different photographers approach their work. I can put their portfolios in context. I can see what they’re looking for when they take on an assignment. I can learn how they’ve pulled various projects together.

I can also find out what made them decide to do a particular project. That’s very important — especially when a photojournalist is covering what might seem like familiar territory. I want to know what motivated the photographer to take on this subject matter. The photographer’s blog can tell me that.

I can’t say that every photographer should have a blog. It helps to be able write well, for example; poor writing can detract from the professionalism of your presentation. And if you lack an internal censor when writing your blog, it can cost you jobs — just like in real life.

Unfortunately, too many photographers use their blogs as outlets not only for their creativity — but also for their professional frustrations. If there’s disagreement between a photographer and a writer on an assignment, a photographer might be tempted to discuss that on his blog. (This is especially true if the photo editor has a smaller budget than the feature editor, which happens often.)

Whatever the reason for the venting, I don’t think any magazine editor wants to hire a photographer who seems like a complainer.

So do yourself a favor and cut out the whining. What I want to know when I read your blog is how you think — and what you’re passionate about. If I can see that on your blog, I will always be interested in reading it.

[tags]photography advice, Anh Stack, Black Star, photographer blogs[/tags]

1 Comment To "Photographers’ Blogs Should Focus on the Work — Not Whining"

#1 Comment By London Makeover photo shoots On April 23, 2013 @ 5:29 am