Hi, Gang!

As some of you already know, I am one of those members that oftentimes create those long technical posts so allow me to apologize and warn y'all in advance- this may end up being one of those rather protracted essays- I will, however, attempt to abridge my thoughts.

I don't feel that rude, condescending and arrogant behavior, unnecessary combative demeanor and/or “superior attitudes” are necessarily functions of age, physical illness, someone's real or imagined level of knowledge, savvy, tenure or experience in photography or any other discipline. Sadly and unfortunately, there are folks with significant personality flaws, overly inflated egos and perhaps some who may have suffered some form of trauma or abuse, who engage in many of the negative behaviors we are discussing here. They need to degrade, denigrate and bully others to somehow aggrandize themselves. Theses are psychological issues that manifest themselves in nastiness, insensitivity, selfishness and unprovoked aggression. We call them trolls and troublemakers and recognize them as people who get a thrill out of putting others down but I perceive them as being ill or mentally scared individuals who need counseling or professional help. Perhaps a few are just plain EVIL! “Grouchy”?

We find people like this in all walks of life, in the business world, in social activities, sports, professional associations and in the work place. In cyberspace and social media, theses personality defects flourish and folks tend to act out in an environment of anonymity which exacerbates their affectation.

OK- for those who don't agree with my psychobabble, I conceded that some guys and gals are not pathological in their bad behavior but just do it for fun or to be a “smart-ass”- perhaps they do offensive things because the think they are “funny”?! If this is the case and theses folks can actually control and desist from their obnoxious behavior, they should make a decided effort to do so, even if it is only to the benefit of their PHOTOGRAPHY. A friend of mine is an industrial psychologist who is involved in helping people who can't hold on to a job, have conflicts with their coworkers and colleagues, supervisors and employers and even their customers. He has quite the volume of clients and patients.

Unsociable behaviors are so counterproductive to success in photography for so many reasons. Photography, what with today's advanced technology and artistic aspects, is a continuous process of learning, teaching and sharing information, ideas, inspirations and techniques. Good communication skills and interaction with each other are essential. If you photograph people, it is obvious that relating to others in a positive way is essential. Even if you only photograph objects, wildlife and scenery, we always need to interact NICELY with others to garner cooperation, seek permission, gain access and travel safely, well and unencumbered. If we are in the business of photography, polite, business-like and approachable attitudes are mandatory. Teamwork requires enormous social skills. You get more with honey that with vinegar is an old adage but it works! Folks don't spend their hard earned money or cooperate with people they don't like! Employees do not respond well to mean bosses. Theses days, harassing or bulling conduct can even land folks in the courthouse or the jailhouse!

So...you may inquire- why do I feel so strongly about this issue and why do I bother creating long detailed posts? Well- I have had a long, enjoyable and successful career in professional photography. Photography is also my hobby- I even enjoy the stuff I do for fun and don't get paid for. I have always worked hard to develop my skills and my business acumen but I owe good part of my success to the advanced amateurs, professionals and teachers who encouraged, mentored, critiqued me as a young kid and rookie shooter trying to make it into into the trade. They all took the time to show me the ropes, get into the details and allow me to work alongside them and observe and absorb the stuff that is not usually in books or necessarily part of classroom discussions. So...when good questions arise, I reach out and try to return the “favor”- and give back something to an art and science that has provided well for me an my family. I am reluctant to send someone off the Google or just provide a link, if I have a practical answer. I usually try to address the more complex questions in areas that I am familiar and conversant with. I do not have very much time to spare in that I am not retired as yet and still have to run my studio and spend time with the family- we just adopted a new CAT.

I can certainly understand why newcomers to the craft or old-timers who are coming back after a long absence would be inquiring about “what camera...what flash...etc. When I started out there were a few large format studio cameras, a few models of the 4x5 press cameras, 3 or 4 popular professional medium format jobs and 2 brands of 35mm gear that was considered of professional caliber. Our bosses and mentors set us straight on what works and what was required and the emphasis was on technique because all the gear was MANUAL. Nowadays it's a minefield of makes, models and techno-babble and even for a decent entry level kit, the investment can be significant. If we can help- why not? Perhaps someday, someone will unexpectedly reach out and help YOU or me!

I started two new sections on this site, “professional and Advanced Portraiture” and “Commercial and Industrial Photography” As a “manger” I set a policy whereby any posts containing personal attacks or rude or disparaging remarks will simply be deleted. We don't have very much traffic or volume there as yet but the group is friendly and inviting. So far- so good. Why have “managers” if they have absolutely no control over the goings on in their sections? We can't expect the admins to be omnipresent and police everything. Good clean debate is healthy, fun, constructive and instructive. Bickering, cussing, name-calling and mortal verbal combat? What for? We can all do well without that.