Photographers - this is what makes you better

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

tinhouse-studio.com/studio-access/ If you want to learn about what it really takes to be a commercial photographer, come and join us all at studio access.

[@simoncordingley3122]

“Nobody who’s better than you will ever criticise your work for free.” Great advice.

[@bdv6083]

This is so true.

[@allandixon8105]

I used to call it 'putting my photographer hat on'. The cheery, cheeky, chappy, with the can do attitude and a hint of take charge, is a far cry from the usual Myers-Briggs personality type, who is quite happy not to have to speak to a living soul for days.

[@LaniN-r3w]

As an introvert, I use photography as an outlet to express what’s in my head as a quiet observer of what’s around me whether I’m alone somewhere or feeling alone in the middle of chaos around me.

[@Popa_Bogdan_Light_Drawing]

all the time is YOU and your MIND and that creates your point of view about an object!!! and that is making each of us UNIQUE!

[@JulianHall-o1r]

Mate I love your honest way of talking about the photo industry. I'm not even slightly related to your type of work, but the way you are is right and I wish there was more people like you across all industries.

[@ElmerLa]

My general life hack is noise cancelling headphones. Being able to damp down the world around me on my commutes or when I have a pause and aren’t required to socialize is wonderful. Reducing all that extra stimulus hels me call down. 80% of the time I do t play music or videos, just headphones on and noise cancelling on. These little moments of calm I find on the commute or during breaks help.

[@deborahwall8337]

As a fellow introvert, I want to congratulate you on the perfect office partner. Teddy is adorable.

[@MikeCoren-z7l]

"Nobody better than you will ever criticise you for free." Brilliant! Thank you!

[@douglasdollars]

A thing which helped me along these lines, and similar to your "one shoot for personal reasons" was to volunteer with a local theatre house to photograph their dress rehearsals. Required about an hour of my in-person time every couple months, allowed me to connect with the actors, crew, director, etc, allowed me to edit the photos in my own peace and also gave them photos they could use in local media (which has next to zero local arts coverage). A win for all, which ultimately led to many much larger (and well compensated) shoots in the arts/performance realm. Whether I like to admit it or not, keeping visible really leads to a lot of work. People love problem solvers.

[@domrodgers70]

I only really came to realise I'm an introvert a week or so ago (I'm nearly 55yrs old). I don't have any special hacks to get me through life, I just am so I am. But I'm not trying to run a photography business or any sort of business. I've just come to learn what I can and can't do. I really like the looks of street photography, but the thought of getting my camera out in public and taking photos of people, sends shivers up my spine. This is one of the reasons I like still life, the thought process, creating a scene, being on my own and not having to worry about anyone else.

[@300ShadesofGreen]

Teddy is a stunner. Utterly gorgeous.

[@GregoryLopez1]

"Nobody better than you will criticize your work for free." As a beginner hobbyist, it's useful for me to flip this advice on its head and find people to occasionally pay to criticize my work. I have no intention of earning a living doing photography, but I do want to become competent one day just for the joy of creating.

[@DanaPushie]

Another introverted photographer here who is easily exhausted by social interaction. I am all the things you described but, I am also retired. I love your comment/insight about how to interpret criticism. As I understand it, introversion is partly genetic, but environmental factors and personal experiences can influence how we express ourselves. It's just a way to deal with life; neither necessarily positive nor negative. I volunteer and have as many short and long term projects as I want and make a point of regularly interacting with other people, more often than not, on my terms as to where and when. Thanks for sharing Scott.

[@alanbell2156]

This is your best video yet

[@stewsview5164]

I am introverted as well. Doing social stuff is hard. I am bad in groups but better one on one. So having a single client is good as I can connect well. I try and focus on the model or subject on set and not pay attention to anyone else to stay hyper focused. On set I do cut loose and feed of the other persons energy and hype up the shoot and get excited. That is the only time do that. It works well for the shoot. It engages the client. The rest of the time I am boring. I prefer alone time. I need to adopt your rules of the once a month. That will help me a lot. Love your videos BTW. Also the advice of "anyone better than yo will not criticize you for free" is brilliant. I am adopting that.

[@MarkDaviesPhotographyUK]

Good video, thank you! One thing I learned quite recently is that confidence isn’t something you have, it’s something you do. So, when I have a job, I pop my confidence coat on and head out. It might slip occasionally, but it usually sees me through the job.

[@Pedrosas]

Great video (as are all your videos). I’m an introverted amateur landscape photographer and even though we’re in different genres and you’re well up there in the stratosphere, I always get something from your videos. Thank you! Landscape suits me perfectly as an introvert as I hardly see or speak to anyone when I’m out at 4am and in the field for 4, 5 or 6 hours in all weathers. I’m just wrapped up in what I’m doing and taking everything in (sometimes literally when it’s bucketing down), which grounds me so well that I’m then ready for another week in a very busy office!!

[@roxikoko3744]

Nice composition of the wide shot

[@kytoober5137]

This is a great video. Doing event photography for years, I've learned to manage my energy as even when working, interacting with people drains a lot of energy. Going into a shoot with a rough plan, shotlist, and full batteries allows me to conserve my energy for quick interactions.

[@cyclingthecity]

What a great saying! Now written down and pinned to my desk! Of course, I'm also now looking forward to that day - far in the future - where Scott pops up on my IG and calls my work s**t! :)

[@philipvaughan1027]

Enjoyable video and great advice Scott. It can be hard to motivate myself at times with my personal photography. My rule is to expose one roll of 120 through my Hasselblad and develop and produce a contact sheet once a week. Thanks for keeping it real, there's so much bollox out there. X

[@brookbrown217]

No surprise that you’re an introvert (it takes one to know one). I’m 30+ years into an engineering career where I specialize in the very non-introverted job of managing large civil works construction contracts. I’ve been successful enough to stay employed. I think I succeeded through survival pressure (ain’t nothin’ in this world for free) and a touch of narcissism (I’m very competitive). Speaking of narcissism, I’ve exhibited troll-like tendencies online in the past and cringed when you made that comment about unsolicited online critiques. So true. I really enjoy and appreciate your insights and will continue to do so until I have to pay for it (although I’m intrigued by your paid content given the quality of the free stuff). Thanks!

[@MichaelRempel-xi4yy]

Momentum counts, as does colab. Keep in mind what your collaborators are up to, and match that energy.

[@chano_banano]

Excuse my language but youre one of the only photographers worth a fuck in this platform. Everyone online seems to tell me what the camera is able to do and not what a person with a camera is capable of achieving. Thanks for your advice man!

[@Tren_is_okay]

Another great video. Makes me feel better about being in my head 100% of the time. It can be good but overwhelming sometimes. Thank you.

[@serenaburroughs7442]

I watch your videos like religion on most office days when I need to get motivation up to push through edits etc. After all these videos this one somehow has me react emotionally the most. Introvert over here and I couldn't possibly identify any more with every single one of your points made here. I will implement your rule going forward as well, because when I think back ... When I did personal work regularly and in similar fashion as you describe here, and whenever I force myself to go out there and network during dinner events and so on ... I do really well. I suddenly get jobs and people always can't believe they haven't heard of me before. Yikes. When I don't force myself every now and again ... Chaos. Like you said. And I get poor haha! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful videos and all the advice!

[@sidestreetvideoproduction7278]

Great Advice. I'm an introvert too. I like being by myself. I like doing my work at my pace and speed without someone telling me I'm taking too long.

[@JaredTremper]

Excellent points. I have read that introverts can do well as “performers” such as public speaking, etc., which may surprise some people thinking that introversion and shyness are synonymous. It’s that recovery process from spending from one’s public performance bank that must be repaid in some form of solitude that makes it work. For me, shyness can occasionally undermine my workflow at a chaotic shoot like a wedding. I remind myself of the movie “Apollo 13” when things are falling apart to “work the problem”. And sometimes that means putting on a smile as a “performer” while my mind attempts to solve whatever is going on. The performance is not just working the camera, it’s maintaining the professional interaction with the people until it’s done.

[@SimonAckerman]

I’m an extroverted photographer and that’s super important for the weddings and events I do and meeting potential couples. I guess some people that are introverted put on a front in certain situations.

[@brianmchugh6145]

Being an introvert means I talk less and listen more which helps me connect to the subject I’m working with. I can force myself to be more outgoing and talkative, based on the vibe I get from whoever is in front of my lens. The best part after a shoot for me is having a beer and listening to great music while editing images from the days shoot

[@wendyhayes1046]

I'm an introvert and a festival photographer. It's great b/c I can get in my hyperfocus and just go to town. I love the energy that I get from people, but you can darn bet that Monday after a long bust weekend I'm doing nothing. Talking to nobody to recover. Lol! And yeah, that's my goal Scott like you to say I have to X and X once each month so I don't grow roots and never leave my place. Lol!

[@pursueadventure]

Thank you for the videos Scott!! What are some of the networking events you recommend and find to be the best use of time? Thank you again for all the knowledge you give away for free!

[@msmith2016]

Nice video Scott. I am also highly introverted and everything you said resonates deeply. I make my money as a marketer but my creativity as a photographer. The corporate world is no different - worse maybe, because all the preference goes to the social "good hang" people who can be quite vapid. I think you're doing a good job managing it and I will try to apply a little of the forced socialization to my life. If I ever see you in the pub, I'll just give you a nod and go back to my corner. Cheers!

[@SteveMitchell-bt8ez]

Great video. And I love the dog.

[@russellbaston974]

Teddy hasn't half grown! The best comment about introverts is that they are people who think before the say something. We live in an society that thinks the apparent self assured, people who start sentences with "it's clear to me" "well of course", and instant responders "know what they're doing" I've never found that to be true, look at most politicians.

[@timkristensson2279]

Loved this video and really needed to hear this and relate. Really slow period for me, photography work wise, and started to get thoughts in my head that it's my introverted side that is the problem. I also know my unique strengths as an introvert, the question is, what is the best way to make my clients see them?! Not asking you here but just want to share my thoughts. Thanks for really nice content! Cheers / Tim and Bowie the dog.

[@andysheridan340]

Is being behind the camera the place where introverts want to be, as if you are an extrovert, then you would want to be in front of the camera.

[@ramlee153]

Thanks for this great post. Fellow introvert that I am and photographer along with my wife as partner in baby and family business.. But need to go do my own thing and still searching for the courage to do it. So many ideas that need additional resources that I don't have. But the introvert part keeps me away from the start line. Gotta do it. Just lost my Teddy so need to get him back onl my side emotionaly again. But I will, I am.

[@roxikoko3744]

I'm such an introvert that the only friends I have are my wedding couples every week. The great part is I have a new friend each week and get to flick them when their wedding is over.

[@ray_wilton]

That was a surprise, but also not a surprise. I'm a moderate introvert. My photography (shooting railways) is pretty solitary, I also do radio broadcasting, and radio is full of introverts, just us and the mic. My day job gives me the social contact I need. The extroverts don't know it, but we introverts are powerhouses.

[@debr628]

Thank you very much for sharing this insightful vid ... you have captured how I live including the doggo. I'm not a professional photographer ... also an introvert, retired from a lifetime in sales/marketing/human resources ... I spent so so much time engaged in adaptive behaviour meaning I presented as what was required at that time. It was exhausting! and I needed both quiet me time (in nature) and quite by accident I started to play tennis. That was an ah ha moment for 2 reasons ... it attracts like minded introverts and it's a physical game of chess ... the ball being how the pieced (humans) get moved. It's also my happy place to shoot ... photographing adults living in the moment for the pure joy of it. we all have pics of our family, very rarely of us doing what we love ... my inner joy is sharing the pics with the players and seeing the expression on their face ... my go to is the 'hero' shot ... I have yet to decide if I want or am able to monetize photography ... why? I need to be certain that I can deliver full value and feel I have too many knowledge gaps ... absolutely love the learning process ... really appreciate your tip on how to handle criticism ...

[@moshigan38]

I should have found your channel sooner! Thanks for the advice!

[@tomasm1233]

I am introverted too. I also love spending time on my own and doing work, and I mean a lot of work that I like. Being around people a lot I get tired, so I spend as much time as I can take it. Sorry, but no hacks here.

[@doughowell3171]

I socialize quite often with my family mostly because I have so many of us. But I try to shoot every day set up the lights a different way I experiment that's the way I keep doing the work.

[@scopeway]

As a lifelong introvert I've learnt to take it (being social) or leave it. I find also as a fitness fanatic that if I go running before a social event, then the feel good hormones from the exercise just help to grease the wheels a bit.

[@nicktheobald1694]

Not a pro photographer here, but my God this rings so true for my industry and career too. We are born like this in my opinion. Do something completely different outside of whatever job you have. For me working with full flight simulation and pilots for airlines that is cameras and horses (I have likened my time off to still shovelling sh1t, only sometimes its more smelly!). Great vid.

[@jonfletcher147]

Teddy is definitely an extrovert! lol ❤

[@GavinThomas-pix]

I am not a professional photographer, but I do take boring photographs that accompany engineering reports. My first and only photographic instruction was in 1965 when my father taught me the sunny 16 rule. From then until 2020 I did not associate with photographers or look at photographic books, I was blissfully happy within my private photographic efforts. It was in 2020 when I discovered You Tube and the toxicity brigade leading me to believe I was right to keep my private photography private. I am also an introvert that finds it difficult to mix socially. My formula is to attend every business event I can and all I do at these events is adopt a positive pose and let people gravitate to me. That works for me. I also have a dog to keep me company.

[@OriginalWatchcow]

Focus is one of my coping mechanisms. Fortunately I have no profit motive to the photography I do. My main concerns beyond getting an image, are safety for me and my subject, and *not* saying what comes to mind immediately. Many people we will call "functional introverts," are above average intelligence, but have other behaviors that are not considered normal or might be considered anti-social or rude. The act of extroverting is exhausting mentally and physically because its an act of will to slow down and pre-process everything we say. Introverts have a built-in pause for this process. It's often interpreted that we are slow or stupid, because this is a repeatably observable behavior. The process is effectively a firewall to keep from lashing out in frustration because the "normal" person involved is not paying attention or simply can't understand the topic. That might be a discussion, or it might be something we are doing or demonstrating. These uninformed, and often derisive commonts like "Why are you doing it that way?" or "What you need to do..." are almost always unwelcome, unhelpful, and wrong. An introvert has to take a second to not include "pull your head out..." as part of the reply. Introverts are often methodical perfectionists that only need to be given a goal, victory conditions, not instructions. Structure and chain of command are important, and we can be exceptional team players if we know our role and are allowed to live in that role. Being dragged outside those predetermined boundaries is a stressful change and the root of most accusations that we are not team players. Introverts are an incredible asset once you learn, as a leader or teammate, how to communicate with them. It's just another facet of emotional intelligence that we need be aware of and work with rather than trying to judge or expect them to change.

[@Richard-i9t2k]

A Theodore makes any video great.

[@carrieannkouri2151]

Love the ”rules”. It forces me to get out of my basement studio and get cracking on networking. What do you do if there isn’t an in-person event going on in a particular month? For me, I attend a Zoom event for women commercial photographers.

[@FerrisThomas]

I spend more time watching your dog enjoy that tennis ball. Great vid. Thanks.

[@amacgillivary]

I like that Google lens told me what that ROBOCUP was on the c-stand. I've been looking for something like those.

[@Skiinye]

For me I got out and do street photography as that helps a lot

[@oldemirolima1287]

👌

[@StevenWalker-y8v]

Never be ashamed of being an introvert. We evolved at a time when the world was a very big place with very few people in it. We are "internally validated" - we tell ourselves how we are doing. We walked where there were no paths and we brought back the map, and we shared it with the extroverts. We carried them with us, across the world. It was us that walked out of Africa. We walked across the Nullarbor with only a stick and the knowledge in our heads. Soon they will load us in their rockets and blast us off to explore Mars, another big world with very few people. I come across many introverts who have been beaten up. I tell them the story of James Watt. He tells how he invented the separate condensor that made him famous. He was "walking up the hill to the Salt Gate (Glasgow) and in a few paces the idea had perfectly formed in my head." He wasn't "with his team" brainstorming in the conference room. No. He put on his boots, went for a walk, and deep in his own thoughts, he came up with an idea that changed the world. He created. The power of introverts.

[@Skiinye]

For me I got out and do street photography as that helps alot

[@SaxonSuccess]

I'm in this club too, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@fotoScentfx-zr6kl]

Finally……,😊❤

[@stevenlang7709]

I am autistic and spend too much time in my head enjoying my thoughts. However, it is extraordinarily difficult to go from my inner self to expression those thoughts in art.

[@koltureshack7993]

I'm an introvert but I need to speak to/interact with people now and again otherwise I get into a hole, mentally. The downside is, even if talking to people helps with my insecurities/getting affirmation... I'm less productive because I get overwhelmed by other people's opinions. On my own, I have no choice but to stick to my gut and what I know, and just jump in (whether it's a shoot or a networking thing). Tricky balance. As is the human condition...

[@flightographist]

Could it be punctum? Or perhaps, a lack of knowledge of the' philosophy of photography'...especially in photography clubs? I mean, the contagion spread by social media is like brain worm in Moose.

[@johnupper5225]

Not a great or original hack, but might be worth a try: take Teddy for a walk to a patio pub/coffee shop, do busywork on computer for an hour, walk home. This gives you a block of time where you combine exercise, low-intensity work, low-intensity non-introversion, and time to clear your head for something more challenging.

[@fotoScentfx-zr6kl]

Finally……,😊❤But, if I know you, I will say something. Because, I’d hate to suck but never know it. So, in some cases I will be a critic that will give info on how to improve it. I will be switching back to my first love…, because people make me nervous😂 but please, if my still life sucks let me know. It’s called constructive criticism.

[@JoNoNienaber-y1v]

Also an introvert - but find that once in studio i am forced to open up a lot and i take charge of the shoot - but still am quite quiet whilst doing so. Networking events would scare the shit out of me...! Please can you give some more insight into how or what you do by way of networking? I wouldnt know where to start. Thank you for a great Pod.

[@Joshua82PDX]

Lifestyle Photography, an introverted photographers oasis. When we do a shoot, I generally let another photographer pose, and do the talking. I fade into the background and do my thing. Guess whose pictures most of the clients prefer?

[@jimjimgl3]

Commercial photographer here who dreads client dinners. I've been told by producers that I "have to" have dinner with clients after a shoot. I don't do as much travel work as I have in the past but this is worse on location where everyone and their brother goes out after a shoot and gets tanked. Luckily there are clients out there that also dread after-shoot socializing but this is an industry where being that party animal helps a career, I'm afraid.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Thanks for making the video. I do not think i have this issue; i'm an open person who likes to meet people, have conversations and do public presentations. Pubs and social events are no my thing; never have been. In my line of business going out to lunch / dinner with customers is considered "a gift" and is not allowed (yeyyyy!); nor is it expected.

[@DM55578]

Will you ever do bronze, silver, gold coaching again?

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Probably not. I have a new system we are about to launch though. The previous one took up too much time and was chaotic in the back end

[@DM55578]

@ Thanks for the response is it recommended for beginners ?

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

I’ve had everyone from folks who’ve never used flash through to those signed by agents on it

[@NickGuttridge]

I think creative thinkers definitely need down time between shoots and probably as you say + need to structure their lives to socialise and network. Try being an architectural and interiors photographer. I hardly speak to anyone. Long standing clients who will only send a plan for me to get on with it. Which I quite like. Although after over 20 years of this I had to find another niche which connects me with people. Which is dance photography (in the studio). Dancers seem to be very nice to hang out with and photograph. But only about once a month. Lets not overdo it..

[@TheManFrayBentos]

Teddy is just an absolute... dug.

[@JaredByer]

I have been an Amateur photographer since the mid 90s. Have thought about making it a business many times, but the introvert in me couldn't handle the idea of that much networking and socializing and hustling to make it work. So my question, is there a level in professional photography, where you could have an agent or manager do all that work for you? Can you be successful enough, where you don't have to put in all that people energy?

[@tommynikon2283]

68 here, 44 commercial; the first thing I learned was…ALWAYS consider the source. (Criticism). EVERYBODY now considers themselves a “photographer”…instead of an OWNER of photography gear. It’s real simple…if you don’t have a business license, you’re a HOBBYIST. If you don’t have a dedicated portfolio site…you’re a HOBBYIST. If the accrued income from photography isn’t the majority….you’re a HOBBYIST. 😂.

[@kurdemati7655]

have you ever been evaluated for ADHD? some of your habits and parts of your workflow seem familiar and from my non scientific observations with limited sample size, ADHD seems to be surprisingly common trait among photographers

[@ansongriffith9832]

What do you have as a hobby outside of photography?

[@000CloudStrife]

Not absurd. The right person who will call everyone out is yet to come.

[@ronin5th]

Reading the comments, there many introverts about. Myself I am not one, I just don't care for people very much. I adore my time alone, yet I need the adrenaline of new ideas and exploring them with people. Simply be polite, put up the "bull shit deflectors" and enjoy the day the best you can. Get home decompress and get to the work at hand. Teddy is magnificent...Labrador?

[@user-ik9gw4wh4c]

Alcohol free Guinness? 😮

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

I have to drive and go the gym after haha

[@duckyz9]

Legit hack. Have a beer and shoot. 😂

[@Apprendre-Photo]

Fellow introvert photographer who also has a gorgeous white golden retriever here :) Have you looked into whether you're autistic ? For a LONG time I thought I was just an introvert, but I recently discovered it was a bit more complicated. Having this key to understand myself really changed my life for the better. I originally went down that rabbit hole because KZbin suggested this video to me : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpfaaYaqmrehhLM Just in case it helps :)

[@sallieturner8771]

Me too. I'd rather be with my dog any day.

[@bessersegelnat]

Please no automatic translation into German. It sounds as if Frankenstein himself would be on air 😱

[@petejobson5036]

Genuinely very profound and poignant

[@Bldz]

The AI French voice is aweful 😂. Great video tho

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Tell me about it

[@superuser13]

Funny how those keyboard cowards leaving nasty comments are usually hiding behind anonymous accounts.

[@chrisso1973]

An

[@Twobarpsi]

I'm not an introvert, I just can't stand 90% of society.

[@jonathanschungel5219]

Hey man, I really love your videos, especially as a beginner photographer. But the AI-Translation-Tool is really annoying. Since my native language is German, this video and possibly future videos will now always start with this horribly translating AI voice. I know it's a cool tool to increase accessibility for other languages, but this also means the first step I have to do is toggle this AI voice off. Suddenly this video is not as enjoyable anymore. It's by no means criticism of your content, but rather of the horrible AI implementation by KZbin. I love your content and this video, as it really speaks to me! Edit: Typos

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

I’ll see if we can disable it. I didn’t even know it was a thing

[@klartext2225]

Off-Voice in German from AI. Absolutely ridiculous!!!

[@guillaumebouqueau]

Good god, please, put the French audio generator in the bin. Makes my ears bleed.

[@andyklick2802]

Noooooo - have i pressed the wrong button? There is a disgusting German AI voice talking to me. I'd rather understand half of what you're saying than listening to this...

[@TinHouseStudioUK]

Judging by the comments it’s a new KZbin feature. Not sure how you turn it off yet.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Still got time to post such posts ? Business must be bad 😵

[@brookbrown217]

No surprise that you’re an introvert (it takes one to know one). I’m 30+ years into an engineering career where I specialize in the very non-introverted job of managing large civil works construction contracts. I’ve been successful enough to stay employed. I think I succeeded through survival pressure (ain’t nothin’ in this world for free) and a touch of narcissism (I’m very competitive). Speaking of narcissism, I’ve exhibited troll-like tendencies online in the past and cringed when you made that comment about unsolicited online critiques. So true. I really enjoy and appreciate your insights and will continue to do so until I have to pay for it (although I’m intrigued by your paid content given the quality of the free stuff). Thanks!