Some photographers hate it when any other creative intellectual property-based industry is held up as a potential model for the photo industry, but I think they really need to get over that. While no two industries are identical, the similarities are significant and we can learn from others in related industries.
Take music, for example. More and more musicians are realizing that, because of technology, they no longer need a label. Record companies used to be needed because of distribution and marketing. Now, the internet makes both totally doable by the artist and/or his/her personal team. Radiohead and NIN and now even Dolly Parton are putting out their own music themselves.
Prince started the end of the labels back when he changed to being the guy with a symbol and now others are realizing that they, as artists, have the product and now the means of distribution and marketing.
Photographers need to realize the same about their own work–and its value.
This is wonderful. I think you’re absolutely correct. Can you show us photographers who are doing this or give us specific examples of ways we can take control within our own profession?
Also, I don’t mean to be nit-picky but the term ‘industry’ isn’t a term I would use to describe photographers or musicians. And it’s an important point.
Professions and professionals are treated as such. If we all work in a industry there is an entirely different connotation, one that implies photographers are so many cogs in a wheel. And that simply isn’t the case anymore.
Thanks again!
I’ve been giving away my photos for personal use via my blog. It’s been cool thus far and I hope to continue it. I also have some other cool things in the works which will be released soon.
My biggest beef with the web is how much ripping off of artists there are. I had a deal fall through with a major record label and now a week latter I see the shot on their myspace page with my logo poorly photoshoped out.
Check it:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=127953098&albumID=1100236&imageID=19832794
There’s nothing wrong with looking to other industries for good ideas. It’s called cross-fertilization, people!