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.

Happy Birthday!

 Today is my birthday. My 32nd birthday. 

My 32 years have been full of fun, memories, laughter, birthday cake

and even babies :)

 

I thought I would share a few of those memories:

And to make today even MORE special, I share it with a beautiful young lady.

My second daughter, Audrey Nichole, was born on October 28, 2001. 

 

Audrey as a baby

Audrey today, age 10

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of myself (and my photos) with you...
Now, go out and enjoy the day!

Personal Standards Commitment

One of the most important things that has helped me maintain my sanity and assisted in my decision making about my business is my Personal Standards Commitment. 

This is basically my "mission" statement between my business, my values and myself. It affects both the business and my personal life. 

It can help me put emotionally charged situations into perspective and give me permission to put my personal life first without guilt. 

If you work for yourself, and especially if you work from home, I highly recommend creating your own Personal Standards Commitment. Need some inspiration? Here's mine:

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Personal Standards Commitment

of KMS

in regards to The Studio Trainer

I will trust , respect and value my own judgment, but I will also test my work by inviting the judgment of others.

I will trust, respect and value my own talent, and continually engage in education and skill building – for my clients benefits, and my own.

I will do everything in relation to my brand at 200%. I will not compromise, shortcut, quick fix or take an easy solution to create a problem later.

I will run my business today for the business I plan on having in 10 years.

Every decision I make, I will keep my brand in mind. I will also step back and take the personal out of my business, so that my choices may be clear and unaffected by emotion.

I will consistently offer my work and services for sale without bashfulness, sloth or false pride.

I won't compare myself to those who pose as my competitors, and I won't worry about the state of their business because it doesn't affect mine. I try to remember their target market is not my own.

I will strive to maintain professionalism in posts, status, notes, and messages on Facebook, Twitter, and on my Blog (or any other social media that I use).

I will work as close to a regular business schedule every week, to keep a balance between work and family life. I will not choose my business before my family. 

I will be involved in business no more than 5 hours every weekend. 

I will keep my business and personal life as separate as possible online and through social media. 

I won't partner with a business for the sake of partnering. I will only partner with a business out of mutual respect, value and understanding.

I will believe in myself enough to say no … and to say yes. Without excuses or explanation.

I will try to recognize that not every prospect is a good client. If they question my value, then they won't understand it.

I will explore the work of a variety of photographers at every level, and strive to serve the photography community with an open mind and heart.

I will always speak my mind to better the industry and the business, and share my opinions and thoughts without filter, but with professionalism as my standard.

I will advocate for and respect those less experienced, and speak without fear to those who are influential and strong in reach.

I will embrace rejection, criticism, failure and mistakes and openly admit to them. I recognize that I can use all opportunities to grow.

I will listen earnestly, ask questions, and uphold respect in all that I do.

I will take at least one vacation a year, and not feel guilty about doing so.

I will take off birthdays, holidays and at least one weekend every month, without guilt.

I will be authentic and open about my experiences, life and values – both publicly and privately.

I will recognize my own strengths and weaknesses, and I will delegate to those who have greater experience, knowledge and value than I, when it behooves me to do so – and without shame.

I will always maintain helpfulness, resourcefulness, and selflessness as guiding forces in my business.

I will strive to be approachable, understanding, and trustworthy in all things.