Photographers BEWARE | Top Creator Reveals the Ugly Side!
Hey, it’s Vanessa and Rob here! Social media can be a double-edged sword, especially for those of us in the photography industry. In this blog, we’re diving into some real talk about the ups and downs of dealing with reviews, industry dynamics, and the ever-changing online culture.
When Reviews Cross the Line
I came across a post the other day that really stuck with me. A fellow photographer got hit with a one-star review—not because of her work, but because of her pricing. Can you imagine? The person didn’t even book her. They just didn’t like her rates and decided to attack her business. It’s so frustrating because small businesses, especially in creative fields, are so vulnerable to these things.
Rob and I always talk about how reviews can feel so personal when you pour your heart into your work. Do you address it publicly? Do you ignore it? I’m all about defending my reputation when it’s warranted, but sometimes, it’s better to just let it go and let the noise fizzle out. What do you think? Would you fight back or let it slide?
Social Media Drama and "Co-Tailing"
Oh, social media... Don’t get me started! I’ve seen Facebook groups and forums turn into these toxic pits where people are just waiting to pick a fight. You know, you post that the sky is blue, and someone’s like, “No, it’s not!” It’s exhausting. And then you’ve got creators out there using other people’s names for clout—what we call “co-tailing.”
I remember someone making a rebuttal video about one of Vanessa’s articles. The guy completely twisted her words for his own gain. It’s so annoying because instead of constructive conversations, it’s all about chasing views and engagement. We’re not about that life.
The Gender Dynamics in Photography
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how much the photography industry has shifted. It used to be male-dominated, but now it’s very female-centric, which I think is amazing. But with that shift comes challenges.
For some reason, small, female-led businesses seem to get more flak. I mean, you don’t see people attacking a luxury car company for their prices, but when a female photographer charges premium rates, suddenly it’s, “How dare she?” It’s frustrating, and I think it says a lot about how society views women in business.
Keeping Up with Trends Without Losing Yourself
And then there’s the whole “trend” thing. Don’t get me wrong—some trends are fun, and I know Vanessa uses them to grow her audience (smart move, by the way). But so much of it feels forced, like people are just copying what they see without any originality. It’s like, come on, do something unique!
We also worry about what this means for our kids. Will they feel like they have to create content just to be social? It’s a lot to think about.
Lead with Grace
At the end of the day, I always try to lead with grace. I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years, and I know what it’s like to feel attacked. But I also know that nobody’s perfect. My work wasn’t flawless when I started, and I try to remember that when I see others making mistakes. We’re all human.
So if there’s one thing we want you to take away from this, it’s this: Respond when you need to, ignore the haters when you can, and always try to show a little empathy. Oh, and maybe get off social media every now and then. It’s good for the soul.
We hope you enjoyed this little peek into our thoughts. Let us know—how do you handle the challenges of social media? Drop your comments on the YT video directly. We’d love to hear from you!
