Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Turning Down Jobs

This is a very interesting post at A Photo Editor. Turning down jobs to get better jobs. Sounds counterproductive, but it isn't. And it goes deeper than the shoot and the money.

It goes to self-identification. How we see ourselves can be transmitted to those who are around us. We become what we think we are... and sometimes we think we are what others see in us. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy with serious career side effects.

Can we have a little doubt? Sure, but it is so important to deal with that doubt and move to a place where the confidence is what is in control. A self-doubting photographer is not the way to get the jobs that call for a confident shooter. Taking every job that comes in can be seen as a sign of doubt, or desperation... or worse.

One of the things I believe is that people treat you the way you ask to be treated. You get the jobs you ask for, prepare for, are capable of. But first you have to be able to understand all that means and be able to perform. And if you are prepared, and capable and ready, then turning down the jobs that aren't going to promote your career is the most confident thing you can do.
A Photo Editor - Turning Down Jobs: "So, what’s the best way to turn down jobs? Don’t be the photographer who says “I only shoot fashion or covers” because that’s not going to get you a call back to shoot fashion or covers. The usual method is to be busy during the shoot days and that’s why good agents will never tell you their photographer’s schedule before they hear the job details.

As a Photo Editor it’s important to have a couple photographers who will “shoot anything, anywhere and anytime” because you can always rely on them to get the job done but for most people this is not the way to advance your career."

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