Canon Newbie vs. Point & Shoot Boy

[jackies35]

I love taking photos and capturing memories of people. For the last two years, I sold my photos at every BBQ (block party) in the city. It was so much fun and the money was awesome! However, when you are selling (great) pictures at low prices, please get a fast printer and an assistant (work the computer and insert photos into frames).

Recently, a bar opened up and I wanted to take my photography to another level. I am shy but I know a lot of people. I usual take the pictures and print on the spot. I should have spoken with the manager and worked something out but I stalled. I have a regular 9 to 5 which I love and I have school at night (online). To make a short story small…..

Would you believe this young guy (doesn’t have a job) started taking pictures in the bar. Oh! Just to let you know, I am a Christian and I know I am not suppose to be in there. However, 3 to 4 hours Wed, Fri, and Sat night would be a cool way to make to get my name out (great exposure).

Anyway, this guy is in there taking pictures and he didn’t even tell me. I seen him in the street and I approached him in a sarcastic way but nice and pleasant. He told me well, I spoke with the manager and now I am the only one who could bring my camera in there. He was a little rude but he pointed out to me, “Jackie, you have a job and I don’t. Then he started to ask me questions about his camera, paper, printer…etc…

Actually, I wanted to scream. So, what should a I do? He lives one block across the street from the bar/club and I live 2 blocks from the bar/club. I have been in this business for a while and I am not going to let some man come and take away my love.

I have so much stuff (photo paper, printer etc) that I could start selling it to him for a profit. I could start offering photography -tips and he would have to pay for my service. Or I could walk around with my camera and handout flers/business cards. It won’t hurt my business at all!

I know this is cut throat business but he was unethical all the way!!!

Do you have any suggestions?:cool: ;)

[Mark_Cohran]

Unfortunately, he made the deal with the manager and you didn't. That's not cut-throat, that's just business. You stalled, and he took the business opportunity from you. I really don't see how this is unethical, unless you're leaving something out of your story.

Mark

[fivefish]

>Oh! Just to let you know, I am a Christian and I know I am not suppose to be in there. However, 3 to 4 hours Wed, Fri, and Sat night would be a cool way to make to get my name out (great exposure).

Back when I was starting up my web design business on the side, I only had 1 customer during my 1st year (total income: $300)... Then, porno companies started contacting me offering me LUCRATIVE web design work, thousands of $$$.

I said NO and passed up the offers (more than one company contacted me). I'd rather have my business languish than sell my soul. I believe the devil was testing me and mocking me as if saying "what has God done for your business during your 1st year? Nothing. I'm offering you this easy money... come and get it!"

But I said NO, and trusted fully in God. I prayed/crying "God, I'm tired of this. I'm broke, I'm in debt. Collectors are calling everyday. I'm tired of this. It's your problem now, I GIVE UP! YOU DRIVE. I'll sit in the back!"

From that time on, my whole world just turnaround. On my second year, things began to pick up... and pick up, and pick up. On the third year, I'm earning thousands per month and me and my family are moving out of our dinky apartment and buying our first house in California. A few months after that, I'm quitting my job as a network administrator in an engineering company.

Well... it's been 6 years since I quit my day job, and now working full time in this business. God has given me a big house (twice what I first got in California), 4 cars, private schools, etc. And it's business is still going strong. In fact, I don't have time for vacations! And yes, we tithe 10% to the church. I'm just amazed that I'm donating more than I used to make in a month during my day job.

Would God have given me these blessings if I had taken on those easy-money porno sites? Probably not.

I think you have some soul searching to do.

[Hermeto]

Holy crap.. ;)

[angryhampster]

Holy crap.. ;)



It's all I can do to not start a religious debate!


Having said that, mark_cohran is right, youmissed the deal. When an opportunity opens, never be afraid to jump on it.


Plus, being in a bar isn't going against Christianity. I was raised baptist.

[Jim G]

I don't think it's unethical... if you see an opportunity, take it - did he know about you beforehand? If he didn't I don't think that he could be to blame for even being rude at all... What obligation does he have to tell you if he wants to take pictures?

++ Besides, isn't that how you started? Just going out and taking photos? I don't know how you could blame somebody else for doing the same thing you're doing ;) (unless I'm missing something here...)

[Tee Why]

If you were told by the manager that you were the only photog allowed, I think you should have contacted the manager and have him tell the other photog to stop shooting.
If there is no such agreement with you and the bar, it's a free country.

As for him asking for advice, I think he his skill level is that lacking, I'd doubt many would buy his shots over yours, if you know what you are doing.

[jackies35]

The young man name is Snoopy. I knew all my life. He is a friend. He knows that i have been doing this for a while. I two weeks ago i was taking pictures in the club. I only take pictures, go upstairs, and print it out. I charge a very good price for 5x7 and 8x10. I've been taking pictures around the neigborhood. He knows me very well.

So, I found out that he never spoke with the manager and anyone could bring their cameras in there.

So, last weekend I did just that....

[jackies35]

:lol: Amen FiveFish.... Thank you for your thoughts and your testimony!!

I don't care about clubs and parties anymore (too old)hhahah.. However, I live in Harlem. I live in the city and it never sleeps. I receive a lot of praises over my work and I love it. It's not tasteless and my prices are reasonable (giving back to the community).

I am in school at night and cannot argue on what he really did. However, if the shoe was on the other foot, he would have slapped me.

I guess it's too hard to explain especially if you don't live in Harlem "the hood". I tried to use business terms but I guess I confused you all..

THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR comments and thoughts....

I really wanted a competitive business move!! New strategies or tips!! Maybe I should bring my tripod and bright lights?? I don't know...

[angryhampster]

Hey, jackies, would you be willing to show us some of your work from these clubs, parties, or bars? I'm really interested in working more with human subjects, and Iowa City has a huge nightlife, so I'd love to see some examples.