Hey Posers: A Camera is a Tool, and So Are You

by Chris Gampat on December 18, 2010

I’m a nice guy—or at least I believe I am. So when I was sent little segment from a conversation above on one of the most controversial internet forums, I became a bit hurt and a bit angry. Here are my problems:

* The statement of, “Being superficial and artsy seems to get you all the cunt in the world.” is really quite rude. First off, do you really have such little respect for women that you need to use such demeaning language about them?

* I’m the artsy type: before I was a photographer I was a creative writer. Before being a creative writer, I was a musician. I’m disgusted that the commentor lacks this much self-confidence as a man that he needs to fake actually being artistic, creative, and able to create compelling content.

* If you really need to lug around your DSLR to attract women then you need better social skills. Sure, everyone and their mother has a DSLR in NYC now and everyone and their mother don’t know how to use them. But trying to fake that you’re an actual artist? Are you serious? I shoot for an extra income because I love it, and because I’m actually artistic. I don’t need to fake it and I surely don’t need a camera in my hand to have the confidence to walk up to a woman with a friendly smile and start a conversation. If you understand that they’re human beings too and actually listen to them, maybe you’d be able to gain some respect for them and yourself.

I’m stopping here. Photographers: thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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  • TheresaZphotography

    That was very rude language from a guy, can’t really call him a man, not to mention that he needs to fake who he is, pretty pathetic.

    I saw comments from one of your friends on FB and it’s true, guys use all types of excuses to attract women and sadly there are women who are gullible and lonely who will believe them.

    I’m not bothered as a photographer, he’s not stealing my clients or anyone else’s, he doesn’t have a clue.

    Smart women will know better and if you are attracted to smart women you will be good to go, as will all of the true artists out there.

    • Sanford

      I had no idea! I always thought I looked like a bit of of a putz walking around snapping pictures all the time. I’ve got to rethink this.

      • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

        Maybe you do ;) hahaha.

  • http://www.flickr.com/pedrorcv Pedro Vasconcellos

    I generally agree with you, but I think you are taking a 4chan trend waaay to seriously.

    If they want to be scumbags, let them, chill.

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      Well it has to do with more than just 4chan though. It’s also the fact that everyone has a DSLR now and calls themselves an artist but know nothing about composition, posing, etc. But being a total hipster and doing it just cause it’s cool? Wow.

  • http://www.xspblog.com/ xsportseeker

    Knowing where this came from, it’s the typical conversation there. Saw way worse stuff coming from there, this is pretty tame actually – believe me, anonymous image boards are were people set loose all the things they hide in broad daylight. And you might consider someone posted that only to make others angry… in fewers words, it might be a troll post, completely fake.
    BUT I wouldn’t be surprised. I mean, really, to what extent men buy stuff to impress women?
    DSLRs comes as a bit of surprise to me… as most women here will see photographers more like “nerds” than “artists”, specially these days when photography seems to be so common.
    But say this was a conversation about a car, the latest Apple gadget, or whatever.
    Rude? Yes. Surprising? Hardly.

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      I’ve seen much more rude too on that forum (from both genders) but I mean, this does make us look bad. I don’t need to carry my camera around if I want to start a conversation with a woman, get her number and then follow up with plans. Why does a guy have to fake being one of us to do so?

  • RM

    Those guys are idiots. I do admit that photography has created scenarios in which I can easily make new social contacts; this includes attractive women. It happens either while shooting or after I’ve shown my work on the web. But even if the camera were to repel women I’d keep shooting anyway, cuz I like it. =)

  • derevirn

    I don’t think there’s a point in taking 4chan that seriously. Most of the people there are just making terrible jokes, just ignore them. Or as they would say, “don’t feed the troll” ;)

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      Well then, successful troll was successful.

      If I shouldn’t take it seriously though, we still can’t ignore the fact that it happens.

  • Keith

    I think you’re taking this too much to heart. While his language choice may not be your cup of tea, he does have a point. I know so many people who are ‘artsy’ without actually being artistic and the opposite sex thing they’re magical or something.
    I wouldn’t let it stress you out, the actual artists will separate themselves accordingly.

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      I’m not taking it to heart. I’m pointing out that there are scum that try to emulate photographers but in the end, make us look bad. Granted I’ve been through years of it when I was a musician playing shows, and then hanging out in poetry cafes, etc. Nor am I stressed, the guy is just a poser.

      But this happens at all different levels of the food chain.

      You’re right though, when I did see it, I felt really enraged. However, I don’t need to have my camera with me to develop an attraction between myself and a woman.

  • Hitoribocchi

    Lol 4chan. There is an infinite amount of “Black Hole” materials in there, and civility is thrown out of the window.

    Gonna leave this link here just to ask your opinion from another angle.

    In short, trolls be trollin’.

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      The link at the bottom of your posting doesn’t work dude.

    • http://flashinthepantsu.wordpress.com/ MrMayat

      Been wondering my 2 year old post hit a spike these few days. Now I know…

      Ever since that rant, I got involved in photoshoots and strobing with a few like minded folks. Eventually, word got around and we land some gigs every now and then.

      I’ve also extended my hand at teaching off-camera lighting.

      Despite the growing influx of “photographers”, I can rest easy knowing that my students are out there taking great pictures. :)

      But I still roll my eyes whenever I see a group of youngsters playing “photographer” with their girl friends/girlfriends…

  • http://www.brandonjdoza.com Brandon Doza

    Guys will do anything to get women. It’s the same as a guy buying a guitar, learning 3 chords, and then breaking it out at a house party. Sadly, this one touched on photography, and you’re right, they know nothing about the art. The good news is, after they find that girl, they’ll be out of our business with no real harm done to us.

    • http://thephoblographer.wordpress.com Chris Gampat

      You make it sound like punk rockers aren’t real musicians ;)

  • http://www.mimibugphotography.com Mimi Daugherty

    This is why I have so many girls asking me, as a female photographer to take their pictures, nude or otherwise. They constantly complain about “creepy guy photographers.”

    However…some of these girls think that just because they’re posing nude means that they don’t have to pay the photog. Wrong! I actually charge extra for those kind of shoots.

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