To shoot or not to shoot...my way

[Fotoclicker]

Hi all,

I recently started apprenticing with a wedding photographer and I just shot a wedding on my own a couple of weeks ago. I showed my "boss" my shots and he basically said that I should stop the way I am shooting (one example, I tilt the camera for some shots) because HE simply doesn't like it. His words:
" If you're going to shoot for me, DON'T tilt the camera". Since he doesn't like it, I guess he feels it would be bad for his business.
Now I feel like I'm in a dilemma here because I'm thinking, why shouldn't I shoot the way I want? That's my style, it's like I'm being told to stop being who I am. Then again, I realize that I am working for someone else and it would make more sense to keep the shooting style similiar to my boss's because it's his business and the photos I take will be representative of him (great guy, but a very stubborn man:rolleyes: ). However, I think that it would be nice for customers to be able to have a choice of a different photographer with a different style, because they may like it.
What do you think and has anyone here been in a similiar situation?
Thanks.

Anne

[liza]

If you work for someone else, you should follow his or her instructions. When you branch out on your own, you can do as you wish.

[deadpass]

I'm with liza, I do some work that can't have any of those "crazy angles" that you mention, so I just shot "normal" shots for them, but when I'm doing stuff for me, I shoot how I want to shoot. Learn what you can from this guy, while practicing your style on the side, and then when you outgrown his usefulness cut him loose and go on your own.

[Toogy]

Why not just make sure you have everything covered the way he expects it shot, but still take a few at the angles you like and keep them for yousefl? This obviously depends on the type of use you are allowed to use these pictures for.

[Ed Kanney]

"I'm being told to stop who I am"??? Me thinks you need a little cheese and crackers to go w/that 'whine'.

[daclozer]

""I'm being told to stop who I am" Me thinks you need a little cheese and crackers to go w/that 'whine'."

Hey Ed, we try to be constructive in here when someone asks for opinions. You are new here so maybe you didn't know, but we try to help each other not insult each other...

I agree with all, except Ed, that if you work for someone you should do it as they want it done. Learn all you can from him and when you are putting your name on the contract or sign, then you can do whatever you want.. I like shooting angles too, so I feel your pain.

[djrichar1]

I know how you feel about being asked to shoot a different style.
For me, it is really hard shoot the same way as the main photographer. For one thing, I see things differently than they do.
Is it possible for you to find a photographer who shoots close to the same style as you? Or like Toogy said: Shoot enough for the main photog and then shoot some in your style.

My only concern would be if your main photog told you to not do it at all. Because you definately want to be able to build your portfolio while working with them. What happens if all they shot you have are not your personal style? That would suck. You would leave their employment with nothing(useful portfolio-wise) to show for your time.

[tim]

If you're working for someone, follow their instructions. If you don't like their instructions, leave the job. It's that simple.

The occasional tilted shot can be effective, just shoot both if you really want to, and only show him the straight one. I've never said "gee I wish i'd tilted that shot" but I do somethings think "I wish i'd shot that straight".

[PIXI_666]

No, now i disagree here.

If your working for someone THAT photographer should not in any way change the style that you are shooting. I have been told by plenty of pro's that if they ever had someone start with them, they would never change their shooting style, they could "IMPROVE" the person's shooting style, but not totally change it. OK he could have said "Tilt LESS...and learn WHEN tilting is necessary" and then give examples, not say totally "Stop tilting!"

Tilted shots are either loved or hated, i think that since he has TOLD you to stop doing it, there's not much you can do about it, and i GUESS you have to stop otherwise there's possibility you might be out of a job, suggestions said like doing both straight and tilted angles for the same shot ( i always do this ) could help you out. But to be honest, he shouldn't have implied stop the way your shooting and do it MY way? Sorry guys - totally disagree with a pro telling an amateur to shoot more like the pro?

Del

[Az2Africa]

As we say here. "If you're paying me to pick cotton, I'll pick cotton". That's why the employer is called the Boss. He/She is paying you for what they want, not what you want. There's time enough to be an individual on your own time.

[Fotoclicker]

I'd like to thank everyone who replied to this post, friendly or otherwise. Everyone had really great points. Especially daclozer(thanks for the kind defense :-) much appreciated), djrichar, pixi_666 for the good advice given. It's a good idea to take pictures on the side for myself and to build up my portfolio. It was
just really frustrating to hear my "boss" say what he said.

Anne

[PhotoJourno]

Anne- There are good and bad sides to your position. As an apprentice, you get practice (and really acquire a sixth sense for photo composition) while shooting for another photographer. His remarks are definitely -in the context you mentioned- harsh, and critical. He is the boss though, and if he is paying you to take photos for him, you must do it his way.

That in no way means you shouldn't try your own approaches whenever prompted or if you see an opportunity. Just make sure to have images to deliver at the payer's satisfaction, and you can move on learning and experimenting.

They say that good photographers learn and follow the rules, and great photographers know when to break them. I am all up for experimentation and developing your own technique. For a while you will just have to play his game. It is certainly not unheard of, that later on, is you who take over the customers in the area, because of a better developed creative and artistic sense.
Don't give up, and develop enough self confidence to know that you are dual tasking: getting the money for assisting -his style- and then developing your own ways, just how you like it.
Cheers,

[PJWphoto]

lets remember, all that matters is the final print...

"We often hear of “camera angles” (that is, those made by a guy who throws himself flat on his stomach to obtain a cetain effect or style), but the only legitimate angles that exist are those of the geometry of the composition." -Henri Cartier-Bresson, "American Photo", September/October 1997, page: 76

thus said, sometimes we need to tilt, some times we call on other methods... at the days end; our job must be done, the task complete and therefore allow us to continue to create as we will. You are still the creative force even though you are 'work for hire' for someone.