What Filter was that?!?

a post on post ettiquette.

So we've all seen it, right? That post where you thought "Oh my Gosh, they did not seriously write that on facebook?!"

Or the image that something just looks ... off... and someone has posted a comment about it, telling the photographer (or worse, the client) what is wrong with the image and that they could have done better. 

Or my absolute favorite "well, you can get better pics if you come to me, the sitting plus all pix on disk is only $25."

We, as an industry, and even as clients, need an intervention. When common courtesy and even common sense have gone out the window, we need a Manners Movement. 

I've asked photographers all over the US to add to this list of things that are "Do's and Don'ts for posting and commenting on Facebook." If you are a photographer, or a client of a photographer, this list is for you. 

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Ready? Then lets just do this!

1. DO remember that when posting something online it can be very hard to convey sarcasm, inside jokes, etc. 
Be very careful, because things often look about ten times "ruder" in a comment than they do anywhere else. 

2. DON'T comment or post with any CC (critique) unless it's asked for.
If you're seeing a photo posted anywhere other than a closed group, it's probably best to NOT post CC. If you have something to say, private message it to the photographer - but don't expect it to be taken well. 

3. DO remember that every photograph that includes a person, that person will probably see that image - and every single comment. 
Is your opinion worth hurting them over?

4. DON'T post anything you wouldn't say to someone's face - client or photographer. 
That person has real feelings. The old adage "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all" applies here.  Anything you write, the actual client and their family may see it. Just because you can write whatever you want to, doesn't mean you should. 

5. DO Remember, art is subjective. 
People hire photographers based on what they have seen them do. Some people are very traditional, and some people are not. And just because you don't like something does NOT mean you have to post that opinion.

6. DO think about writing an encouraging comment on a photo or share a photo whenever you can - not just click the "like" button. 
Commenting on photos can really make the day of the client, possibly even change their self image, and they always make a photographer feel great (even better than a simple "like"). 

7. DON'T be afraid to delete negative comments and block the person from your page. 
You have the right and responsibility to protect your clients. 

8. DO thank your commenters for their kind words. 
It's never a good idea to post and run.

9. Clients, DO tag and mention your photographer when you share an image or use a photo as a profile or cover image. 
It's a wonderful courtesy to your photographer, who will probably look at that photo often to see what your friends have said about it. 

10. DO think before you post anything - a status, an image, a comment. 
Is it beneficial, true, something you'll be ok with a search engine finding in a year? Err on the side of caution.