Influencers talk about cameras. This book is about the things cameras can’t fix. The war is internal, not technical.
Introducing the First Edition Collector’s Box.
Get yours here: https://www.terriblephotographer.com/the-book
Why does a $600 light get dismissed while a $3,000 light gets respect, even when they produce identical results? Why do wedding photographers apologize by saying “I’m just a wedding photographer”? And why do we hide the work we’re actually doing because it’s not the “right” kind of work?
In Part 3 of The Long Middle series, Patrick examines the hierarchies that divide creative professionals, and admits his own complicity in enforcing them.
From a tense Zoom call about Profoto versus Godox, to being dismissed in Clubhouse rooms, to looking down on other photographers while feeling looked down upon himself, this episode pulls no punches about how gatekeeping actually works, who it serves, and why we keep it alive.
IN THIS EPISODE:
THE CHALLENGE: The next time someone asks "What are you working on?"—tell them the truth. Not the impressive version. Not the potential job. The actual work you're doing right now. Say it like it's legitimate work. Because it is.
KEY QUOTE: "The hierarchy doesn't survive because the people at the top enforce it. It survives because the people in the middle enforce it. Because we're so afraid of being dismissed, we dismiss someone else first."
LINKS:
Website: terriblephotographer.com
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Email the Host: patrick@terriblephotographer.com
Questions, thoughts, rage—I respond to everything.
CREDITS
• Music: Licensed through Epidemic Sound and Blue Dot Sessions
• Written and Produced by: Patrick Fore
• Episode Image: Licensed through Adobe Stock