I see a lot of photographers advertise that they are “award-winning photographers.” Heck, I even say that. Furthermore, I also say I’m a published author.
When folks read that, they’re going to assume that I’m good, that my photography for them will be on par with previous works that have won awards. And gee whiz, if I’m a published author, then I must really know what I’m doing.
But what if you did a little investigative work and found out that all of my award-winning images were not done in the studio, were not done of people and won awards no one has ever heard of? On top of that — what if you learned that my “published author” schtik was a few recipes I had included in a local church recipe book?
Wouldn’t you feel a little gypped? A little deceived? Wouldn’t you feel as if you decided to choose me based on false pretenses?
Fortunately for me, my award-winning images were all done in-studio of previous clients and my writing experience was as co-author of a photography book. *Whew!* there’s some relief, right?
In this day and age, it’s easy to try and pull the wool over peoples’ eyes. On the other hand, in this day and age, it’s also easy as heck to verify or disprove information.
I’d like to caution my fellow photographers: Don’t lay claim to what isn’t true about or relevant to the work you are doing. Don’t risk the embarrassment of being “found out” and don’t employ practices that make it hard on the rest of us.
It’s all fine and good if you are an exceptional nature photographer and have won a multitude of awards for your wildlife photography. I congratulate you on your accomplishments. Just don’t pass it off as an “award-winning” title for your maternity & baby photography business.
M’kay?