Tip #3: Attitudes

Simply put, keep it in check. This may be an obvious tip, but we all experience various kinds of unprofessional attitudes on a daily basis - and we all don’t like it. Yet all of us are at some point culprits ourselves.

Being arrogant, from what I have personally experienced, is at all levels of a photographers career, but is typically strongest amongst those who are insecure about their own work. Therefore, those who are referred to being arrogant is a deep attack on not only their character as an individual, but an attack on their photography as well. By definition, it means that their exaggerated statements can’t be backed up. In all honesty, I have been accused of being arrogant. Looking back on that time of my career, it was because I was insecure about my work. Since I began my career in a relatively small market, my name became bigger fast - a little too fast. I learned the hard (and quick) way to never let this happen again. Luckily, I nipped my attitude in the butt before it got out of control. It is incredibly important to remember to keep yourself in check. I can’t stress this enough.

Some people tell you to keep to yourselves, to not say what big job you might have, and to not give advice to others - all for fear of appearing arrogant. Then again, how do you expect to market your business and let people know what’s new if you can’t talk about yourself? How are you able to help others and build your positive karma if you can’t give advice? It is a VERY fine line. Personally, I suggest you walk that same line. Anything less than walking that line means you aren’t marketing yourself as hard and as fast as you could, but anything over that line means that you are hurting your positive perception in the industry.

Having the economy where it is also makes it difficult to stay positive. Nobody likes a whiner, so why do you think it is okay to complain on set - or worse, to the Art Director or Photo Editor across the desk in front of you? Stay positive and you will be surrounded by positive people. Become negative and you might just see another decrease in the workflow that has made you cynical in the first place.

Whether you are positive or not, whether you had a bad day or not, appear positive and sociable and you will increase your network and, in turn, your workflow. Remember, when you are on set, at a networking party, or even bump into a colleague at the grocery store, you are not an individual - you are a brand. You are a company. Act in according with your brand. Set a positive perception every day with everyone you meet.

Cheers and happy shooting,

Kyle Goldie - www.KyleGoldie.com