In this industry it is sad to say that bullying takes place.  We typically think of bullying on the playground in elementary school, in the cafeteria in middle school or in the hallways of the high school.  No matter where it is, it is unacceptable.  But we generally think that once we become adults, in a profession with other adults, bullying doesn’t happen.  Unfortunately, this is not true.

My good friend and fellow photographer and blogger, Marsha of The Savvy Photographer wrote a post about this very subject today.  It got me thinking and I wanted to share her post along with my thoughts about this subject.

To read her post, click on the link below.

The Savvy Photographer

As I sit at my computer, alone, in my own home, I wonder…do people that bully think they are being funny?  Do they think because they are alone in their own homes, hiding behind a computer that it is somehow ok?  If you had to go to an actual office with other people, would you do the same thing?  Would you laugh at other coworkers while you were in the break room?  Would you critique their work openly as you walked down the hallways?  Or do you do this because you are safely hidden behind your computer at your own home?

Becoming a photographer is a journey that is different for each of us.  Some go to school, some don’t.  Does the person that went to school for it become more of a professional than the one that didn’t?  What is the right path to take?  Or is there no one way to become a professional photographer?  Is there an exam we can take that gives you a certificate that says, “you are a professional?”  Is there a magic number of years in which you have to be a shooting photographer before you can be a professional?

I think there are many paths to take to becoming a professional photographer.  I think the high school senior who loves to take photos and has taken classes, practiced and learned every bit that she can can be a professional photographer.  We have featured some very young photographers on this very website who have amazing talent and are making a successful business out of that talent.  Does it matter that they are 16?  What about the mom who wanted to capture her kids at all stages of their lives? She picked up a camera, started practicing, read books and blogs and tried to soak up every ounce of knowledge that she could to learn how to be a photographer?  Is she less qualified than the next?

I have always been taught that we should treat others as we wish to be treated.  So to those that bully, critique, make fun of others in this industry…are these the actions you wish others would do to you?  Is this how you want to be treated?  I know we all have our opinions, but voicing them to the point where they hurt others is just unacceptable.

Instead of hurting one another, let’s help one another.  Let’s support one another and make a community of photographers.  What can we do to change the industry for the better?

Today’s topic of the day is bullying.  We would love to hear from you and help you if you have been bullied by another photographer.  How did you handle it?  How did you take the negative and make a positive.  Please share your comments below.